Here are a few comments from past and current students of Simon…
“The hour that I spend with Simon at my place in West Pymble is really helpful and helps me to get better at the things that I already know, but it also helps me to learn more new stuff that I never knew before. Simon is a really good drum tutor and I would reccomend him to anyone and everyone who wants to learn drums.” –Will Doutreband, age 13 West Pymble
“Simon makes the drumming interesting and helps me understand the music in simple ways” – Cameron Hose,age 10 Hornsby Heights
“Thanks for sharing your love of drumming with Cooper – he’s having a ball. Santa might bring him a drum set for Christmas (and some head phones!)” – Cara Morgan,parent of Cooper age 6 Bayview
“Simon was an inspiring drum tutor who not only guided me through the ins and outs of drumming, but also shaped some of my early listening habits, introducing great artists and drummers I may not have discovered till a much later age.” – Scott Jamieson,age 22 Edinburgh (Scott is now a successful professional freelance drummer (Check out his new website here.)
“I started drumming with Simon as an absolute beginner at age 37. I can’t find fault with his teaching. He shares a diverse set of skills and knowledge about all facets of drumming (not just chops but hardware, tuning, all sorts of useful stuff!). He also has a solid grasp of drumming across all music genres so if you learn with him, you’ll pick up a well-rounded set of skills. I found my abilities developed rapidly under his tuition and always felt supported and encouraged throughout my various crises of confidence (a very patient teacher!). If I didn’t move away I’d still be learning with him now. It was always obvious to me that Simon is genuinely passionate about drumming and this translates in his teaching.” – Jen Nicholson Port Macquarie
“Simon was my first ever drum teacher when I began playing at the age of 12. Apart from being a fantastic teacher, his enthusiasm for all things musical really inspired me to begin taking my own musicality more seriously and to further explore the wonderful world of drumming.“- Sam Bidgood,age 21 Edinburgh (Sam is in his final year of study and working professionally as a freelance drummer. Check out his site here.
“Simon is an incredible drummer and musician, and that comes across in his teaching.
He is a teacher of the highest quality, managing to be thorough whilst making drumming immensely enjoyable, making lessons a very positive and educational experience. I would recomend him as a teacher for any age or level.“- Callum McDiarmid age 17 Belrose
“Simon Abbott has one of those rare talents that traverse a multitude of creative platforms. He’s an amazing drummer AND an amazing teacher. He wraps up his musical genius into a concise ‘how to’ approach that makes you wish you’d learned years ago! And it was great fun too – even for an ‘unco’ like me!“- Jenifer Bert,Adult,Narrabeen
“Dear Simon,Thanks for teaching me drums this year I have improved a lot“- Nilesh, age 9 Hornsby
“I started drum lessons with Simon about 6 months ago as a complete beginner. I taught myself how to play guitar without taking any lessons, so I was a bit hesitant about taking drum lessons. I thought I could learn by myself. However, I don’t regret starting up with Simon. He always talks about music with great passion. He is also a great and inspiring drummer that knows all different styles of music, from rock to Latin and funk beats. But what helps me most is Simon’s ability to constantly monitor my technique and give me exercises that are just challenging enough to make me improve but not too difficult either, Thank you Simon, my drumming has improved so much in the last few months, and I look forward to learn more from you.“- Pierre, Adult, Avalon Beach
“Simon has been our 11-year-old daughter’s drum tutor for a couple of years now and we are very happy with her progress. She is quite a little rockstar who can can jam with her dad and make it up as she goes along, which is really great. As for Simon himself, he is very accommodating, very calm and collected, and a solid teacher. He has good advice and know what he’s on about! We have been really happy with Simon and plan to continue with him throughout our daughter’s mastering of the drums! :)”- Tracy Scarf Hornsby Heights
“Simon has been our drum tutor via Skype for 4 months now. He is an excellent teacher; well prepared, organised and thorough. He’s also responsive and flexible in his teaching and he makes it great fun. He uses Skype, Dropbox and email to teach us and follow up. It is a wonderful experience for us to be able to access such a great teacher and we’ve seen massive improvement, all from Simon’s lessons. I highly recommend him.“- Heather Reid Western NSW
“I’ve only just started learning the drums with Simon. I’ve had about 10 lessons & I’m totally addicted. Simon is a wonderful teacher who tailors the lessons to your needs & your goals. He’s an inspiring drummer & very humble about it. I encourage anyone interested in learning the drums to contact Simon & get a lesson.”- Evan, Adult, Newport
“Simon is a very patient teacher and really makes lessons interesting for my 9 year old son. He gets kids striving to be better and really enjoying it as they go. Definitely recommend Simon!” – Suzi, parent of Lucas Perryman age 11 Hornsby heights
“Simon has been an excellent tutor, with lots of experience and stamina and patience for kids. Easy to talk to and always positive, he is a role model for a music teacher. My 8 year old son has been taught by Simon for over about 18 months and has gone through 2 grades. He is very happy and excited and I find Simon very motivating for kids. I would always recommend Simon for drum teaching“- Olivera, Parent Of James Clarke age 8 Avalon Beach
“Simon has been teaching my son Luke for the past 3 years. Luke really looks forward to his weekly lesson and is showing very pleasing progress. Simon is a professional drummer and takes great pride in his students achievements. What I really like is he enrols his students in the Trinity College London music grade exams each year which provides Luke with a focused goal to strive for and also a great sense of achievement when he passes the exam. I highly recommend Simon to parents looking for a drumming tutor.” – Adam, Parent of Luke Kibble Age 11 Avalon Beach
“Simon is really positive, he is an excellent drum tutor. I would highly recommend him to anyone wishing to start drums.”- Chris Wall, Age 13 Newport
“Luke has so enjoyed your lessons – after every lesson he is fired up loving the tunes he practices and always inspired. Thank you so much for your influence…he really loves playing the drums”- Emma, parent of Luke age 11 Newport
“I just got an early offer into Jazz Studies at the Con! I thought I should let you know, seeing as I owe so much of my fundamental drum knowledge to you.” –Pete Longhurst, Age 18 Avalon Beach
“I sat behind the drum kit when I was 5 years old and had a few lessons, but never really continued. Last year, when I turned 28, I decided to pick it up again. I started to take lessons with Simon – best decision ever!!! He is incredibly patient, calm, super friendly and such a gifted drummer as well as teacher. I have learned so much in the past 12 months with Simon, I could have never imagined.. I felt a little bit weird at first when I decided to pick up drumming again in my age, but from the very first minute, Simon made me feel super comfortable and walking out of every single lesson, I felt lifted into higher spheres and super happy, hardly being able to patiently wait until the next drum lesson. It shows how good of a teacher Simon is, when you arrive a little early and listen to the drumming skills of the person before you – expecting an adult to come out. The door opens and you have got a 10 year old child coming out. No matter how old you are, 3 years or 50, no matter how advanced, from total beginner to pro, no matter how good your skills are or used to be and you might have forgotten everything and feel embarrassed (my case) how unskilled you might have become – just simply do it. I could not imagine a better drum teacher than Simon. And he is still a very active drummer himself, who used to tour around the world and has got regular gigs!” – Christian, Adult Manly
“It was perfect, thanks. I have been playing it for the last 3 days and it’s been the most useful practice video I’ve seen.Will definitely be in touch for a next time! Many thanks” Allan, Online Video Lesson UK
“I have been tutored by Simon for nearly a year. Simon is an extremely experienced drummer with a wealth of knowledge on various drum techniques and approaches to help ensure his students to refine and hone their technique and skills. Simon as a tutor is patient, supportive and clearly adapts his approach to each of his students to ensure they get the most out of their lessons. Despite my own doubts, Simon encouraged me to focus my own development towards sitting a Aus. music board drum exam. I could not have achieved my distinction result without Simon’s encouragement and his ability to foster in his students the desire to achieve their best. I highly recommend Simon to anyone (at any age) looking to learn the drums or seeking a tutor for their child.” Stacey Adult Frenchs Forest
“Simon teaches both me and my son, he caters to our different needs and we both thoroughly enjoy our lessons. He’s patient, friendly and has been invaluable at helping me fix my many bad habits. As a result both my playing and songwriting are improving and I’m loving drumming more all the time. He keeps me working hard but in a really fun and productive way. I would highly recommend him.” Nat, Adult Newport
“My daughter has been taking lessons from Simon for less than a year and, although she started as an absolute beginner, has made remarkable progress in that time. She always looks forward to her lessons and has learnt to play across a range of genres. Simon is extremely well organised and responds quickly to any requests or queries. I recommend him highly for his patient and encouraging teaching style.” Stella, Mosman
“Simon is a patient and highly skilled teacher. I came to drumming as an adult, and Simon teaches both me and my 11 year old son, keeping us both on track at our respective levels. We couldn’t recommend him more highly as a drum teacher, whatever your level of drum ability.” Caroline, Adult Avalon Beach