William Hoareau is a Gold Coast–based session guitarist known for his versatility, musical sensitivity, and unwavering professionalism. With nearly a decade of live and touring experience, William has established himself as a first-call collaborator for both established and emerging artists across Australia.
Grounded in blues, R&B, and soul, his playing blends feel, finesse, and technical command — always serving the song first. From intimate acoustic settings to major festival stages performing to crowds exceeding 17,000, William consistently delivers with intent, groove, and presence.
His reputation is built not only on his musicianship, but on reliability, preparation, and a collaborative spirit that elevates every room he steps into.
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS
Bluesfest Byron Bay 2025 (Mainstage – Crossroads & Delta Stage)
St Kilda Festival (Main Stage) 2024
Woodford Folk Festival 2024
Falls Creek Festival 2025 (Supporting The Cat Empire)
Mayor’s Christmas Carols 2024 – HOTA (Televised on Channel 7)
WSL Burleigh Bonsoy Pro 2025
Moonee Valley Festival 2025
Bleach Festival 2024
National touring across Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane & regional Australia
SELECTED TESTIMONIALS
Budjerah – ARIA Award Winning Artist
“One of the best guitarists I’ve performed with. Will plays with heart, serves the music, and brings 100% to every stage.”
Saia Hanlon – Musician & Founder, Hanlon School of Music
“A standout musician of his generation. Raw talent, strong work ethic and deep musical connection.”
Matt Gray (MattyMadeit) – GCMA Producer of the Year 2024
“Nobody practices like Will. Prepared, reliable and always elevates the room.”
Sam Fle – SCU Lecturer & Session Musician
“My first call for projects. Professional, musical and dependable at every scale.”
Gold Coast-born guitarist William Hoareau has been a present force in the local music scene for close to a decade since he commenced busking as a teenager alongside his sister, respected award winning singer-songwriter Georgia Hoareau. Consistently expanding his live performance and technical ability, William has quickly evolved into a highly sought-after session guitarist. His dedication to his craft has seen him perform and tour nationally with some of Australia’s most respected artists, including ARIA Award-winner Budjerah and chart-topping pop artist Conrad Sewell.
Known for his versatility, musicality, and professionalism, William continues to elevate live performances across genres, collaborating with both emerging and established talents which includes Bronte Eve, Birren, DENNIS, Rudy Matoy, Sunny Luwe, Angel XO, Charlie Seymour-Grant, Lars Night, Blackline Band, Brain Electric, and Wootton Major. His musical contributions have become essential to the sound of numerous band & artist projects.
William’s commitment, skill, and approachable nature have firmly established him as one of the region’s premier session guitarists with a future musical projection extending beyond national acclaim, working towards international success.
EDUCATION & TRAINING
Bachelor of Contemporary Music (Guitar) – Southern Cross University
Diploma of Music Industry (Performance)
Seasonal Program (Jazz Theory & Improvisation) – Jazz Music Institute (JMI)
Certificate in Music Business - TAFE
Mentored by Tim Sladden, Andrew Hobler, Browan Lollar (St. Paul & The Broken Bones / FAME Studios, USA)
PROFESSIONAL SKILLSLive session guitar (electric & acoustic)
Festival & touring performance
Musical direction (MD)
Studio recording
Artist development collaboration
Arrangement & tonal design
Guitar & bass instruction
TEACHING & MENTORSHIP
William serves as Guitar Teacher at St Andrews Lutheran College, working with students across multiple age groups. His approach focuses on technical proficiency, creativity, performance confidence, and professionalism — reflecting the same standards he brings to the stage.
Full Testimonials
Budjerah - ARIA Award Winning Indigenous Artist
Over 50 million streams, nominated for a total of 18 ARIA Awards, winning 2 ARIA awards for Breakout Artist 2021 & Best Soul/R&B Release in 2022, Rolling Stone Breakout Artists of the Year '23, and opened for Ed Sheeran’s record-breaking Australian Tour. Budjerah has collaborated with artists which include Matt Corby, G-Flip, Meg Mac and Sarah Aarons (Taylor Swift, Lady Gaga, Gracie Abrams).
“As someone who’s had the privilege of sharing the stage with Will, I can confidently say he’s one of the best guitarists I’ve performed with. Whether we’re in an acoustic setting or on a festival stage, Will always gives 100%. He plays with heart and with great understanding of how to serve the music. But what makes Will stand out the most is his dedication to the craft. He’s someone who genuinely lives and breathes music. Not just as a guitarist but as someone who truly loves the art of music. I know he puts in the hours, constantly learning, experimenting, and pushing himself. He’s an incredible player, a humble collaborator, and someone who represents the best of the music scene here on the Gold Coast.”
Saia Hanlon - Gold Coast Music Royalty
Renowned local session drummer and musician, Saia is owner & founder of the Hanlon School of Music and with his brother Omar has player along-side many respected national and international artists.
"I’ve seen Will perform in a range of settings, from massive stages like Bluesfest and WSL to more intimate local gigs around the Gold Coast and every time, he delivers with intent, groove and soul. He’s one of those rare players who connects deeply to the music and to the people in front of him. You can feel the hours of work behind every note, but what stands out most is how effortless he makes it look. Will is without a doubt one of the standout musicians of his generation on the Gold Coast. He’s not just a great guitarist, he’s a leader. He’s helping shape the next wave of artists coming through, simply by showing what’s possible with discipline, humility and consistency. There’s a grounded-ness to the way he carries himself that I really respect. If I could have him teaching at Hanlon School of Music, I’d take him in a heartbeat. He’s the type of player and mentor I’d trust around our students, someone who sets the bar not just with skill, but with character. He represents everything that’s great about the Gold Coast music scene, raw talent, strong work ethic and a love for music that runs deep."
Matt Gray 'MattyMadeit' - Gold Coast Based Producer
Matt is an acclaimed local Gold Coast Producer who is the current GCMA Producer of the Year 2024 and a recording artist who has worked extensively with respected artists including Logan Priest, JK47, Tanisha, Saint Lane and Indian pop sensation Dhanda Nyoliwala (+ 500m streams!).
“I’ve had the pleasure of working with Will for some time now and I can confidently say he’s one of the most committed and reliable guitarists I know. Nobody practices like Will — his dedication to his craft is obvious to anyone who’s spent time with him. Playing with Will is always a joy! He shows up prepared, listens deeply and always puts the music first. He’s easy to work with, brings good energy into every room and lifts the people around him. I have no doubt he’ll continue to represent the Gold Coast music scene as an absolute shredder with integrity and passion.”
Sam Fle - Gold Coast Session Guitarist & Bassist
Music lecturer at Southern Cross University (SCU) and Session Musician (Kita Alexander, Logan Priest, Alisha Todd, Ally Palmer, Charlie & Velvet Sky, Amy Roberts, Brain Electric)
"Will has performed for multiple local, national, and international artists across Australia, and I’ve been lucky enough to share the stage for a few of these shows. In a profession that requires you to be always at the height of your musicianship, Will demonstrates this no matter the size or scale of the project, whether it be a last-minute fill in spot, or as a session musician MD'ing a band for a large-scale festival. The lesser known, but arguably more important roles of being punctual, a 'team-player' and an all-round decent bloke. Finally, Will sets a standard for the Gold Coast musicians, he is hard working, a brilliant player who is constantly honing his craft, and someone that is pushing the scope for what a local musician can do."
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