Listen to Voces Humanas (Motion Picture Soundtrack), the latest release from Stuart Ironside! Available on Bandcamp!






Video Loading...

About Stuart

Stuart Ironside (he/him/they/them) is a British guitarist combining classical technique with a distinct mix of influences to create a unique musical language.

Currently based in Estonia, Stuart is a graduate of Cardiff University and SOAS University of London. Stuart studied classical music first but was inspired by the transcriptions of Mande kora music by Derek Gripper to seek music outside of the western classical canon. After studying with Derek, as well as learning from other guitarists like Gerard Cousins, Stuart decided to dive deeper into the music of the West African Mande while also exploring his interests in Javanese Gamelan and European folk music. Stuart has been developing his style for the last few years through exploring his connection to each of these musics and finding his own voice.

Stuart’s debut album ‘The Wallace Line’ was released August 26th 2022, and he has been sharing his arrangements and compositions with audiences to an incredibly positive reception. His recent musical projects have explored dance and movement, interactions with nature and extended improvisations; emphasising freedom in performance and connection to the world around in music making. Stuart is also an educator, specialising in teaching music in innovative ways inspired by his interactions with non-classical music.

Stuart released the soundtrack from the short film ‘Voces Humanas’, written and directed by Florencia Cáceres, in March 2024 and is currently finalising arrangements for his next albums, to be released in 2025.

Stuart is one of those rare musicians who finds inspiration from a heady mix of eclectic influences. He wraps them up in thoughtful compositions and performances and we are all the better for it.


Jeffery Wilson | Chelmsford City Theatres

Stunning set and clear passion for music!


Katie Bennett | Chichester Free Fringe
Video Loading...

Gigs

New dates coming soon! Check here for updates…

Shop

Teaching

Stuart Ironside has been teaching for the last four years, giving one-to-one guitar lessons and workshops on a wide range of subjects.

Central to Stuart’s teaching philosophy is the belief that Non-Western music must be accessible to as many people as possible, and that the guitar can be an effective tool at introducing and teaching music from many different cultures.

Stuart has given workshops in schools and guitar festivals using this philosophy, teaching West African guitar to small and large groups. These groundbreaking workshops are interactive, performance based and done entirely without notation - even total beginners can participant, and all students gain a new appreciation for the magic of the guitar and West African music.

If you would like more information or to book a workshop with Stuart, please do get in touch!

Get in Touch


Rob Westall Band

Stuart has recorded with and played in the band of Rob Westall since 2018.

Rob Westall is a Singer/Songwriter and Worship Leader based in Abergavenny, Wales. A former BBC Journalist, Rob is focused these days on broadcasting the Good news of the Gospel through his music, live streams and creative content.

Stuart spent much of 2020 recording guitar for Rob’s latest projects, including the upcoming album ‘1000 Voices’. Find out more info here: https://www.robwestallmusic.com/



Flotsam Sessions

Stuart regularly plays with Flotsam Sessions, a community music project based in London. Connecting people through music from around the world, Flotsam Sessions create a space where people from diverse backgrounds and experiences come together to share and make music. With regular workshops, song sharing and the unique Flotsam Orchestra, this project provides a unique environment to make music that transcends boundaries.

Click here to find out more: https://flotsamsessions.co.uk/

Join The Mailing List