Shannon-Latoyah Simon

Shannon is passionate about the values and missions of the British Council – working in the music sector is something Shannon has always loved and taken pride in. Throughout her career journey, she has had the privilege of working at esteemed institutions such as the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire of Music, Royal College of Music, Philharmonia Orchestra and The Benedetti Foundation. These invaluable experiences have not only honed her skills but also provided her with unique insights into the world of music. Her focus has always been to diversify classical and experimental music, foster creativity and support individuals that are disadvantaged, underrepresented and unable to access music education or opportunities within the music industry.

Shannon studied the classical guitar and baroque guitar at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire of Music followed by a masters at Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance. She is enthusiastic about new and experimental music and she continues to perform professionally as a soloist, ambient and interdisciplinary artist in the UK grassroots music scene. In 2021, she became a Trinity Laban Ignite awardee which enabled her to develop her music and sound healing practice to create safe spaces through the use of meditation, improvisation, deep listening, live ambient soundscapes, music therapy and trauma-informed practice for marginalised and underrepresented communities.

And … Shannon trained as a silversmith during lockdown and in her spare time she can be found hunched over her workbench making jewellery.