Simon is an accredited drum teacher and full member of The Music Teacher’s Association of NSW and freelance live and studio drummer based in Gwandalan NSW.
Simon has worked extensively in the UK and Australia. While in the UK he earned a reputation as a talented, reliable musician who can play comfortably a wide range of styles from jazz fusion to soul and rock. As well as regular gigs with the popular award wining 16 piece classic soul / motown outfit ‘Souledasylum’ formed by Mike Rowe, former bassist with Chris Rea and David Coverdale and epic Pink Floyd Tribute Virtual Floyd he has become a first call depping / stand in drummer for many function / corporate bands as well as name bands such as rockabilly acts Union Avenue and the Radiotones, and can comfortably fit in to virtually any musical situation, sight reading or not. Simon has also performed in challenging musical productions such as Godspell and We Will Rock You and played on numerous session recordings.
Since returning to Australia in 2006 Simon has built an active playing schedule and can be seen gigging in and around Sydney with some of Sydney’s top cover and tribute bands including Party Band Planet Groove, Wildcatz, Life In The Fast Lane (The Eagles Show Tribute),Brothers in Arms- (Dire Straits Tribute Show),The Australian Blues Brothers Show, Blues Brothers Rebooted, Glory Days (Springsteen Show)as well as the incredible jazz/funk maestro Lionel Cole.
Simon also works regularly in the studio for original bands and songwriters.
Simon has represented Australia overseas at international Arts festivals and has toured locally and internationally playing venues from small pubs to Stadiums.
As well as his busy playing schedule Simon has enjoyed teaching drums at private music schools and University and has put hundreds of pupils through Trinity College grade exams with 100% success rate ( Simon teaches Trinity Rock and Pop Grade courses for those who are interested in taking grade exams). Some of his students have gone on to become successful professional drummers including Tom O’Brien of Ocean Alley, Scott Jamieson UK Session drummer and many more. His relaxed teaching style and individually tailored approach to drum lessons make Simon a very popular drum tutor both in the UK and here in Australia. Simon is currently teaching drums at St Lukes Grammar Bayview and Mosman High School as well as seeing private students at Mona Vale Music and Gwandalan On the Central Coast.
“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!”
If you’d like to learn drums with face to face lessons in the Central Coast area of Gwandalan, Summerland Point and surrounds or Mona Vale Music on Sydney’s Northern beaches or from anywhere via zoom Simon is available for private drum lessons at competitive rates.