Meet our teachers
At LLAR, we are proud to bring together a team of highly skilled teachers, each a master in their respective fields of traditional folk music. LLAR2024, 28th June - 01 July, features a blend of local Asturian talent and international Celtic music experts from across the Atlantic Arc. They specialise in a variety of instruments and disciplines, including fiddle, guitar, gaita (bagpipes), pandereta (tambourine), flute and whistle, bodhrán and percussion, as well as in singing and dance.
Designed for varying skill levels, our program offers learning for both beginners, intermediate and advanced players. Each day features morning and afternoon sessions led by different teachers, providing attendees with a range of techniques and personal approaches. This extraordinary assembly of educators is the backbone of our program, ensuring an immersive and authentic experience in Asturian music, traditional folk and dance traditions.
Fiddle Teachers
-
Lisardo Prieto
Asturias
Lisardo is one of the most recognised Asturian fiddle players and composers. He co-founded N'arba in 1996, and joined the acclaimed music group Felpeyu in 1999, and has taught Asturian music internationally. He has collaborated with groups like Corquieu, Naheba, and the Albastur project
-
Simon Bradley
Ireland/Asturias
Simon is a versatile musician and composer who explores Irish, Scottish, and Asturian music, highlighted in his tune book 'Buncrana to Baleshare.' He performs with Asturian supergroup 'Llan de Cubel' and the Simon Bradley Trio. He leads the MA Music and the Environment program at the University of the Highlands and Islands.
-
Anna-Wendy Stevenson
Scotland
Anna-Wendy is a celebrated fiddler and composer known for her vibrant performances with Scottish ensembles, collaborations on various albums and 'An Tinne,' a cultural project bridging Scotland and Australia. She has received multiple awards for her contributions to music education at the University of the Highlands and Islands.
-
Liz Doherty
Ireland
Liz s a highly sought-after teacher of Traditional fiddle music. She has performed with the Bumblebees, Fiddlesticks, and Nomos and has two solo recordings – Last Orders and Quare Imagination. Known for her distinctive style and strong Scottish and Cape Breton influences, Liz has performed with Riverdance, String Sisters, Mícheál Ó Súilleabháin, the RTÉ Symphony and Concert Orchestras and with Fintan Vallely’s Compánachproduction.
Gaita / Bagpipe Teachers
-
Anxo Lorenzo
Galicia
Anxo Lorenzo a master piper, has had a remarkable career, performing and recording with esteemed artists such as Kathryn Tickell and Carlos Núñez, as well as with groups like Lúnasa and The Chieftains. His talent has been showcased at prestigious festivals including Celtic Connections, WOMAD, and Ortigueira.. Beyond his traditional roots, Anxo has worked with artists from diverse genres, including Marta Sanchez for the Vuelta a España 2016 theme song, Monica Molina, and Ska-P.
-
Fin Moore
Scotland
Fin Moore is a renowned piper (Highland, Border, and Scottish Small Pipes) and pipe maker with his father, Hamish, (over 1000 sets globally). An esteemed teacher, he's taught across Scotland, North America, and Europe. Fin performs with the Highland-based dance group Dannsa and is a founding member of the Pipe Quartet Seudan,. He also collaborates with Sarah Hoy in a Border Pipe and Fiddle duo.
-
Borja Baragaño
Asturies/Germany
Borja started playing the Asturian bagpipes at 9. By 18, he began teaching at Ventolín, La Quintana School of Traditional Music, and the Morea d'Ayer Conservatory. Baragaño has performed with Llangres, DRD, Herbamora, Felpeyu, and Llan de Cubel, making significant contributions in both education and performance in the realm of traditional music.
Flute Teachers
-
Michael McGoldrick
UK/Ireland
is a multi-instrumentist and composer, he plays the flute, low whistle, bodhan & Irish bagpipes. From Irish parentage, he was born in the UK and is considered one of the finest living flute players in the field of Irish music. McGoldrick was a forming member of Flook, He played on the first two albums of Lúnasa and joined Capercaillie in 1997. He has played regularly for Afro-Celt Sound System and Kate Rusby's band, he now leads the Michael McGoldrick Band.
-
Aoife Granville
Ireland
Aoife Granville is a flute player, fiddle player & singer from Dingle, Co. Kerry. She currently lectures in Folklore at University College Cork and was appointed to the Arts Council of Ireland in 2022. Aoife's music has been influenced greatly by the music of the Dingle peninsula and she is currently working on her third album as well as a duet album with her sister, Deirdre (harp).
-
Pepín de Muñalén
Asturies
Pepín is renowned as one of Asturias' leading flute players, contributing to projects like La Bandina'l Tombo, Tuenda, Bron and Caldo y os Rabizos. He has collaborated with artists such as Héctor Braga and Xel Díaz Da Robotz), Banda Gaites Llacín and Llan De Cubel. His career, marked by versatility and a deep passion for traditional music, spans various genres.
-
Jean-Michel Veillon
Brittany
Jean-Michel is one of the most celebrated traditional flute players in the world, blending Breton and Gaelic influences with Eastern flute styles. He has contributed to groups such as Kornog and Barzaz, and collaborations include Alain Genty, Jacques Pellen & Celtic Procession. Veillon's teaching has cultivated a new generation of flute players, shaping Brittany's musical heritage.
-
Borja Baragaño
Asturies
Borja started playing the Asturian bagpipes at 9. By 18, he began teaching at Ventolín, La Quintana School of Traditional Music, and the Morea d'Ayer Conservatory. Baragaño has performed with Llangres, DRD, Herbamora, Felpeyu, and Llan de Cubel, making significant contributions in both education and performance in the realm of traditional music.
Tin & Low Whistle Teachers
-
Michael McGoldrick
UK/Ireland
is a multi-instrumentist and composer, he plays the flute, low whistle, bodhan & Irish bagpipes. From Irish parentage, he was born in the UK and is considered one of the finest living flute players in the field of Irish music. McGoldrick was a forming member of Flook, He played on the first two albums of Lúnasa and joined Capercaillie in 1997. He has played regularly for Afro-Celt Sound System and Kate Rusby's band, he now leads the Michael McGoldrick Band.
-
Gonzalo Llao
Asturies
Gonzalo Llao is a multi- instrumentalist specialising in the whistle and bouzouki. He played with Asturian folk-fusion group Vrienden, and founded the Asturian- Andalusian trio Deira winning the Battle of the Folk Bands 2022, leading to performances at prestigious venues like the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall during Celtic Connections
-
Anxo Lorenzo
Galicia
Anxo Lorenzo a master piper, has had a remarkable career, performing and recording with esteemed artists such as Kathryn Tickell and Carlos Núñez, as well as with groups like Lúnasa and The Chieftains. His talent has been showcased at prestigious festivals including Celtic Connections, WOMAD, and Ortigueira.. Beyond his traditional roots, Anxo has worked with artists from diverse genres, including Marta Sánchez for the Vuelta a España 2016 theme song, Mónica Molina, and Ska-P.
Bouzouki/Guitar Teachers
-
Luis Nicolás Carrete
Asturies
Recognised for his personal style of accompanying folk and traditional melodies, Luis has extensive professional experience in teaching and performing music, with a Higher Degree in Music with a specialisation in guitar performance from CONSMUPA. He performs with Aira da Pedra, a folk group from Leon, and is a member of Felpeyu, a pivotal group in Asturian folk.
-
Alberto Ablanedo
Asturies
a figure of the "Folk Generation," started as a self- taught bouzouki player in the late '90s, playing with Asturian bands and collaborating with renowned musicians globally. Besides recording and performing internationally, he writes and podcasts about folk music, teaches English, and is a staple staple in Asturian music sessions.
-
Gonzalo Llao
Asturias
Gonzalo Llao is a multi- instrumentalist specialising in the whistle and bouzouki. He played with Asturian folk-fusion group Vrienden, and founded the Asturian- Andalusian trio Deira winning the Battle of the Folk Bands 2022, leading to performances at prestigious venues like the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall during Celtic Connections
-
Jesús Enrique “Chuchi"
Castilla
"Chuchi," trained by Tony Macmanus and William Coulter, is a key figure in Spanish folk music. He plays with Blanca Altable & Chuchi and Atlantic Folk Trio, and teaches at Crisol and Castilla Fiddle Camp. His versatile style and collaborations, including with Celtas Cortos and Anxo Lorenzo, underline his importance in the folk scene.
-
Xel Pereda
Asturies
Xel Pereda, a versatile and talented guitarist, producer, and sound technician, embarked on his musical journey at a young age. He became a key member of renowned folk bands Felpeyu and later, Llan de Cubel. Known for his innovative use of open tunings and sophisticated chords, Xel has collaborated with notable folk artists like Mariluz Cristóbal Caunedo and Hevia, as well as rock icons such as Nacho Vegas, Bunbury, and Christina Rosenvinge.
Dance & Pandereta Teachers
-
Xisco Feijoó
Galicia
A well known singer, award-winning dancer, choreographer, television presenter, teacher at the ETRAD school of music and coordinator for the vocal section of SonDeSeu folk orchestra. Xisco has dedicated more than thirty years to the recovery and documentation of Galician traditions and collaborated on more than twenty albums and shows with internationally renowned artists, such as Mercedes Peón, Xosé Manuel Budiño, Carlos Núñez, Kepa Junquera, Berrogüetto and Rodrigo Romaní.
-
Xosé Antón Fernández “Ambás
Asturies
As a key figure in Asturian music for over thirty years, he has founded influential folk groups like N'Arba and Tuenda, and the tambourine-focused Cantaruxare. He launched "Camín de Cantares," an ethnomusicology series on public TV. His efforts extend to educational workshops for children, significantly enriching Asturian cultural heritage.
-
Cris Zagaleja
Castilla
Cris is a celebrated pandereta player and instructor, She has pioneered her own teaching techniques, honouring the instrument's historical significance and complexity, especially in its connection to women's cultural heritage. Cris is devoted to preserving and documenting this musical form, recording vocal repertoires from areas such as Valladolid and Segovia, and has made a notable contribution to the field with her publication, "La pandereta en Castilla y León: técnica y repertorio”.
-
Ramsés Ilesies
Asturies
Ramsés Ilesies, a history graduate from the University of Uviéu, has dedicated 20 years to documenting Asturias' oral traditions, leading to the creation of ATOAM, a major oral tradition archive, with Xosé Antón 'Ambás'. Their work includes revitalizing and promoting this heritage through documentary series on RTPA, such as Canta l'Uxu and Camín de Cantares.
-
Marie Le Goff
Brittany
With over 25 years of dance experience, Marie now leads the Cercle Celtique du Croisty "Danserien ar Vro Pourlet," contributing to choreographic creation and costume preservation. She has participated in numerous shows from France's Zénith and Olympia to international festivals in Asturias, Tahiti, and Singapore. As a dedicated dance teacher, Marie specialises in traditional Breton dance, offering courses that cater to both beginners and advanced dancers, emphasising the richness and diversity of Breton culture through dance.
-
Santi Galguera
Asturies
Santi, a Musicology graduate and acclaimed piper from Uviéu, is also a distinguished dance instructor. He founded El Corveru de Ribeseya and Grupu Etnográficu L'Oriente in Llanes, where he directs and teaches. His expertise extends to choreography, teaching at Encuentro con los Maestros, and conducting research for Mexico's Ministry of Culture in 2021.
-
María Vázquez
Asturies
with over two decades in traditional Asturian dance and modern dance disciplines, is a six-time winner in the traditional dance category of the "Ciudad de Oviedo" Folklore Contest. Trained in various modern dance disciplines, she has been a part of the direction team for some of Asturias' most significant traditional dance groups. She's a founding member of Herbamora, and currently co-directs Xeitu.
-
Pau Santirso
Asturies
Pau is the director of the traditional dance groups Xeitu de Uviéu and Nocéu de Trubia in Asturias. He's renowned for his pandereta performances with Cantaruxare and Xeitosos and has collaborated with celebrated artists like Jose Ángel Hevia, Rodrigo Cuevas, and Xuacu Amieva. Pau also has experience in zarzuelas and hosts the TV program "Axuntábense."
-
Alexandre Romieux
Brittany
Alexandre was born in Lorient in 1979 into a family from Lorient and the island of Groix. He grew up in the Pays Pourlet region, 30 kilometres north of Lorient, an area where the Breton language and culture are still very much alive. At the age of 18, Alexandre joined a traditional dance group, where he also started singing in Breton. For more than 20 years, he has been dancing in the group Dañserien Ar Vro Pourlet, one of the best in Brittany, with which he won the title of champion of Brittany in 2015 and runner-up in 2017. For 20 years, he has also been a member of the traditional singing group Kanerhog, regularly invited to perform at some of Brittany's biggest fest-noz and festivals.
Vocal Teachers
-
Janire Mañes
Asturies
A certified vocal instructor, she started in Euskal Herria's folklore, mastering percussion and dance. Post a brief hiatus for motherhood, she returned to focus on voice, studying contemporary singing and saxophone. She teaches vocal techniques, leads vocal improvisation and composition groups, and is crafting her own compositions inspired by rural landscapes.
-
Cris Zagaleja
Asturies
Cris is a celebrated singer and pandereta player, she has pioneered her own teaching techniques, honouring the instrument's historical significance and complexity, especially in its connection to women's cultural heritage. Cris is devoted to preserving and documenting this musical form, recording vocal repertoires from areas such as Valladolid and Segovia, and has made a notable contribution to the field with her publication, "La pandereta en Castilla y León: técnica y repertorio”.
-
Mónica Acevedo
Asturies/France
an Asturian violinist and singer, began her classical training at 8. Influenced by jazz and swing, she spent 17 years in Paris and traveled globally. Now back in Asturias, she focuses on rural music and improvisation, inspired by nature for her compositions. Her latest work, "ARRAIGO," is a jazz fusion/world music album. She leads workshops on improvisation and "circle song" a group singing technique.
-
Xisco Feijoó
Galicia
a well known singer, award-winning dancer, choreographer, television presenter, teacher at the ETRAD school of music and coordinator for the vocal section of SonDeSeu folk orchestra. Xisco has dedicated more than thirty years to the recovery and documentation of Galician traditions and collaborated on more than twenty albums and shows with internationally renowned artists, such as Mercedes Peón, Xosé Manuel Budiño, Carlos Núñez, Kepa Junquera, Berrogüetto and Rodrigo Romaní.
-
Alexandre Romieux
Brittany
Alexandre was born in Lorient in 1979 into a family from Lorient and the island of Groix. He grew up in the Pays Pourlet region, 30 kilometres north of Lorient, an area where the Breton language and culture are still very much alive. At the age of 18, Alexandre joined a traditional dance group, where he also started singing in Breton. For more than 20 years, he has been dancing in the group Dañserien Ar Vro Pourlet, one of the best in Brittany, with which he won the title of champion of Brittany in 2015 and runner-up in 2017. For 20 years, he has also been a member of the traditional singing group Kanerhog, regularly invited to perform at some of Brittany's biggest fest-noz and festivals.
Bodhrán/percussion Teachers
-
Ruma Barbero
Asturies
Ruma Barbero, an esteemed member of the iconic Asturian folk group Felpeyu, has significantly contributed to the band's influence since its inception in 1991. He is renowned for his innovative bodhrán playing, which has been pivotal in shaping Felpeyu's unique sound. Barbero developed his instrumental prowess by collaborating with accomplished string musicians, skillfully weaving traditional Asturian rhythms into his style. This unique approach blends rhythm and tonality, bringing a dynamic and rich texture to his unique playing style.
-
Dermot Sheedy
Ireland
Dermot, a trailblazing force in Irish Traditional Music, hails from County Clare. A virtuoso of the Bodhrán, he holds seven All-Ireland titles. Globally captivating audiences with Hermitage Green, his three top 5 albums and sold-out shows span Ireland, the US, Australia, Canada, the Middle East, and the UK. Dermot, sought after as a session musician, collaborates with luminaries like Dónal Lunny, Síomha, Beoga, Kíla, The Kilfenora Céilí Band, Stockton's Wing, Strange Boy, and Susan O’Neill. Mel Mercier (Lorg Lunny - TG4, 2010) lauds him as "the kind of percussionist that will create the future groove of Irish Traditional Music."
-
David Varela
Asturies
Musician by family tradition, David has a notable presence as a traditional percussionist and accordionist since the late 80s. His link with roots music from a very early age has not been an obstacle for his connection with other expressions, participating in countless recordings of extreme styles, theatrical projects and proposals aimed at children's audiences. Member of Llaímo, Lliberdón, El Tambor de L'Abadía, Folkgando, La Bandina or La Bonturné, among many others, he has a wide background as a teacher and musical craftsman.
Button Accordion Teachers
-
Josephine Marsh
Ireland
A celebrated accordion, fiddle and whistle player, Josephine began playing at age 8. Renowned for her original compositions (winner of TG4 Composer of the Year award in 2020 and the Gradam Ceoil Award), and the widely recorded "Phyllis Birthday, (recorded on 25 albums). Josephine has collaborated with musicians worldwide and featured in numerous radio and TV shows, including BBC World Service and TG4's 'Ceilreadh an Ceoil'. Her music was also included in a National Geographic film about the Great Famine.
-
Xuan Nel Expósito
Asturies
Xuan is renowned for his significant contributions to the revival of Asturian music, particularly with the gaita and diatonic accordion. His innovative approach to Asturian acoustic folk has influenced numerous groups. Expósito has collaborated with bands like Boides, Llan de Cubel, and Ciquitrinos, and most notably with Felpeyu. His dedication to music extends to teaching, where he imparts his knowledge of the diatonic accordion, having authored a manual on the subject to aid learners.
-
David Varela
Asturies
Musician by family tradition, David has a notable presence as a traditional percussionist and accordionist since the late 80s. His link with roots music from a very early age has not been an obstacle for his connection with other expressions, participating in countless recordings of extreme styles, theatrical projects and proposals aimed at children's audiences. Member of Llaímo, Lliberdón, El Tambor de L'Abadía, Folkgando, La Bandina or La Bonturné, among many others, he has a wide background as a teacher and musical craftsman.
Interested in learning the Button Accordion?
Join us this summer for Llar’s immersive masterclasses in the stunning mountains of Somiedu. June 28-July 01. Book Now →
Childrens Teachers
-
Mónica Acevedo
Asturies/France
Mónica Acevedo is an Asturian violinist and singer, began her classical training at 8. Influenced by jazz and swing, she spent 17 years in Paris and traveled globally. Now back in Asturias, she focuses on rural music and improvisation, inspired by nature for her compositions. Her latest work, "ARRAIGO," is a jazz fusion/world music album. She leads workshops on improvisation and "circle song" a group singing technique.
-
Xosé Antón Fernández “Ambás
Asturies
As a key figure in Asturian music for over thirty years, he has founded influential folk groups like N'Arba and Tuenda, and the tambourine-focused Cantaruxare. He launched "Camín de Cantares," an ethnomusicology series on public TV. His efforts extend to educational workshops for children, significantly enriching Asturian cultural heritage.
-
David Varela
Asturies
Musician by family tradition, David has a notable presence as a traditional percussionist and accordionist since the late 80s. His link with roots music from a very early age has not been an obstacle for his connection with other expressions, participating in countless recordings of extreme styles, theatrical projects and proposals aimed at children's audiences. Member of Llaímo, Lliberdón, El Tambor de L'Abadía, Folkgando, La Bandina or La Bonturné, among many others, he has a wide background as a teacher and musical craftsman.
-
Janire Mañes
Asturies
A certified vocal instructor, she started in Euskal Herria's folklore, mastering percussion and dance. Post a brief hiatus for motherhood, she returned to focus on voice, studying contemporary singing and saxophone. She teaches vocal techniques, leads vocal improvisation and composition groups, and is crafting her own compositions inspired by rural landscapes.