About
Simon's Education
Simon studied Music at the University of Manchester and The Royal Northern College of Music graduating with a MusB(Hons) degree and a Master’s Degree in Musical Performance which he completed in 2005. During his time studying in Manchester his tutors were James Gourlay (International soloist) and Brian Kingsley (Principal Tuba, Opera North). The focus of his dissertations were Music in the Soviet era with concentration upon the works of Shostakovich and Prokofiev. Simon also holds a Post Graduate Certificate in Education from Manchester Metropolitan University.
Education Work
Simon began his teaching career at Chetham’s School of Music, Manchester, where he taught GCSE and A Level Music, directed choirs and led community outreach across the North West. He later moved to Melbourne, Australia to teach classroom and instrumental music at Westbourne Grammar, helping develop whole-year instrumental programmes.
On returning to the UK, Simon became Head of Music at Greenhead Sixth Form College, where he expanded the department with new courses, achieved outstanding exam results and gained national recognition through performances at venues such as the Royal Albert Hall.
An experienced teacher and examiner, Simon has delivered GCSE, A Level and vocational music qualifications across multiple exam boards. He regularly provides CPD training to music educators nationwide.
Performing Work
As a tuba player and conductor, Simon has performed internationally with leading orchestras such as The Hallé and Manchester Camerata, as well as top UK brass bands including Foden’s and Fairey. His commercial work includes recordings for Netflix, BBC, Channel 4 and Sony Ericsson.
In 2018, he founded Flat Cap Brass, a high-energy brass ensemble now performing 80–100 events a year, with appearances at Kendal Calling, the Hazietera World Street Music Championships, and on BBC, ITV and Netflix.
Simon works as a freelance conductor having previously been the Musical Director of Slaithwaite Brass Band. He values the opportunity to achieve high-level music-making within his own community.