Meet our team...
Michael Bakrnčev
General Manager
Michael Bakrnčev (Bah-kahn-chev) is a multi-award-winning Australian composer whose music has been performed globally, including in Australia, Europe, the USA, and Canada, by prestigious orchestras including the Melbourne, Sydney and Canberra Symphony Orchestras. Michael holds a Bachelor of Music (Honours 1st Class) from the Queensland Conservatorium of Music and a Master of Music (Honours 1st Class) from the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music. Michael's numerous awards include the Adolph Spivakovsky Scholarship for Composition and the Chamber Music Australia: New Works Award. His music has recently been described as 'neo-romantic from an alternate universe' by Australian composer, Peggy Polias.
Michael joins the team and community at South West Music Regional Conservatorium as General Manager. He brings a decade of private-sector experience in the field of luxury residential property development and private finance in Melbourne, in conjunction with successfully running an 18-piece orchestra modelled off the London Sinfonietta emphasising Australian conductors, composers, soloists and arrangers. Most recently, Michael is nearing completion of his Master of Teaching (secondary, classroom music), and has previously enjoyed the challenges of working in education support (inclusion), instrumental music teaching, teaching composition and tutoring orchestration at Melbourne University.
Christian Ruiz
Guitar / Multi Instrumental Teacher
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, piano, 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.
Michael Ladson
Drum Teacher
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.
Georgia Taylor
Drum Teacher
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.
Loretta Walker
Early Childhood & Violin Teacher
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.
Nikita Brook
Early Childhood Teacher
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.
David Bathgate
Trumpet / Multi Instrumental Teacher
David is an experienced musician working as both a performer and an instrumental teacher. He is passionate about different styles of music and developing a working understanding of the various skills and techniques used therein. David enjoys improvised music including Jazz, Rock and Country and feels privileged to have played with many fine musicians over his 20+ year music career.
He has a Music degree from the Victorian College of the Arts has performed on ABC radio for various occasions. Some of David’s other musical accomplishments include recording themes for the Big Bash cricket, providing entertainment for the Geelong football club and touring with an Australian Idol band. David regularly performs as a solo guitarist but believes there is nothing quite like performing music with others.
Emily Thomas
Business Operations Coordinator
Emily is the Business Operations at the Conservatorium and joined the organisation in February 2024. Emily has a strong background in customer service, project management, administration and accounts. She holds a Bachelor of Business (Management) and a Diploma of Project Management.
Having lived in Deniliquin for most of her life, Emily is proud to contribute to an organisation that provides music education to the local community. She is passionate about creating positive experiences for students and families and is committed to ensuring the Conservatorium runs smoothly and efficiently behind the scenes.
Gemma Rennie
Events & Communications Manager
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.
The Board...
Tessa Chartres (Chair)
Geoff Mann (Treasurer)
Gai Burchfield
Helen Burnham
Robert Bolton
Dennis Ellen