Meet our team...
Richard Sievers
Head of Music
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Richard is a classically trained musician, educator and filmmaker. Richard's long experience as a performing musician began at the age of ten, when he was chosen to be a chorister in the Australian Boys Choir. He fulfilled the dreams of his younger self, to become a sought-after professional musician, touring Australia and performing in both major centres & remote communities.
Richard‘s professional music life included performing with companies such as Sadler’s Wells Ballet, Orchestra Victoria and the Bolshoi Ballet. However, it was during his performances with the Victorian College of the Arts Orchestra under the baton of Sir John Hopkins, that Richard first discovered the joy and satisfaction of working as an artist in small rural communities. The hunger and enthusiasm of such communities, for musical knowledge and the inspiration of the Arts would come to form the fabric of Richard’s long-lasting passion to facilitate the access of such communities to artistic opportunity.
In his role as Head of Music, Richard is driven to deliver programs and educational content to all sectors of our vast community.
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Christian Ruiz
Guitar / Multi Instrumental Teacher
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Christian is a passionate and professional guitar player with several years of experience in performances and teaching. He is a skilled multi-instrumentalist that plays guitar, bass guitar, ukulele, recorder and flute, has also ventured into composition, improvisation and music production. He has participated in musical projects such as “The Guitar Orchestra Cristian Zarb” as concertino, arranger and composer, “Flutes of the World Festival – Mendoza, Argentina”, “El Conservatorio en el Virla” involving ensembles such as flute and guitar duets. As a bass player, Christian has also collaborated with artists in both performing and recordings. He has more than 10 years experience as a teacher doing private tuition one on one, small groups and classroom teaching from kindergarten to secondary mainly in regional schools.
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Michael McKeon
Piano Teacher
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Michael is a piano and electronic keyboard teacher with experience in school, small groups and individual lessons since 1995. Michael has always considered the learning goals of students in planning and providing instruction - e.g. grade exams, tertiary studies, professional careers, local bands/choirs or leisure – as a key to their success. Michael has completed a Bachelor of Teaching/Bachelor of Music degree with Honours in 2006 and Master of Special Education at the University of Newcastle in 2018. He became an accredited member of the Music Teachers Association of N.S.W. in 2007. Michael's postgraduate qualification in special and inclusive education has enabled him to teach students with intellectual disabilities and behavioural disorder.
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Michael Ladson
Drum Teacher
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Michael Ladson is a professional drummer with nearly 30 years of experience and a prominent figure in the Deniliquin community. He studied Jazz Performance and Composition, which influenced his career and appreciation of many genres of music. For over 20 years, Michael has dedicated himself to teaching drums, and mentoring students, many of whom have gone on to become professional musicians, including ARIA award winners.
Michael is passionate about exploring diverse musical styles and ensuring good technique on the drum set. His performance career spans Victoria and NSW, including festivals, clubs, and the Sydney Opera House. Beyond his drumming expertise, Michael often serves as a sound engineer for community events in Deniliquin, showcasing his dedication to local arts and culture.
Michael's approach to teaching focuses on fostering a deep appreciation for music and developing a strong technical foundation in his students. His commitment to excellence and his ability to inspire make him a valuable addition to South West Music Regional Conservatorium for aspiring drummers.
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Georgia Taylor
Drum Teacher
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Georgia is currently attending Deniliquin High School where she is completing year12. She started learning drums at the Conservatorium when she was 12 years old. Georgia is one of the founding members of “Anagram Riot” who have performed at the Deni Ute Muster and competed in the Battle Of The Bands at the Play On The Plays. Georgia started teaching at the Conservatorium in 2023.
Georgia enjoys playing all styles and regularly performs with bands throughout country Victoria and NSW.
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Loretta Walker
Early Childhood & Violin Teacher
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Loretta’s love for music was nurtured from a young age within her musical family. At just eight years old, she began learning the violin through the Conservatorium, which ignited a lifelong passion. Her talent and dedication led her to play as a fiddle player in a local Australian folk band, where she honed her skills and deepened her love for traditional music.
Loretta pursued her Bachelor of Education in Primary Teaching, combining her passion for music and education. With over 15 years of experience in the classroom, she is dedicated to fostering a love for music in children. As a teacher of Mini Musicians, Loretta is committed to providing early music education, believing in its transformative power for young learners.
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Nikita Brook
Early Childhood Teacher
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Nikita started her musical education with the guitar in primary school, before adding vocal training and undertaking AMEB grades in high school. Nikita took HSC Music with a focus on performance and musical theatre. Nikita studied Primary Education at Sydney University where she also sang as part of the Sydney University Musical Society Choir. Since gaining her teaching degree Nikita has worked as a special needs teacher, specialist music/drama teacher and a mainstream classroom teacher. Nikita is the teacher for our Mini-Musicians class in Finley.
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Emily Thomas
Accounts Manager
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Emily is the Accounts Manager at the Conservatorium and joined the organisation in February 2024. Emily has lived in Deniliquin for most of her life and is raising her young family here.
Emily runs a Virtual Assistant business which provides services to support small businesses virtually. Emily holds a Bachelor of Business (Management) and a Diploma of Project Management.
Emily is very interested in music for early education, especially since she has a toddler and her favourite program at the Conservatorium is the Mini Musicians.
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Gemma Rennie
Events & Communications Manager
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Gemma is the Events & Communications Manager at the Conservatorium. Gemma joined the team in March 2022. Gemma comes to the Conservatorium with substantial experience in major international music and sporting events. After extensive touring around Australia and Asia, Gemma returned to the area to start a young family. Gemma holds an Advanced Diploma in Event Management. Gemma has a strong passion for music and music education and wants to achieve this by exposing and educating rural and remote communities to music. Having played the piano and flute as a child Gemma is enthusiastic to pass this on to the next generation within the community.
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The Board...
Tessa Chartres (Chair)
Geoff Mann (Treasurer)
Gai Burchfield
Helen Burnham
Robert Boulton
Dennis Ellen
Ray Davy
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