B.Mus (Humber)
Simon is a recent graduate of Humber College, being very passionate about both bass and guitar for over 15 years. He is also a prominent member of the Toronto rock scene, having booked venues, and played shows throughout the city. Simon has had the pleasure to study with the likes of Ted Quinlan, Mike Downes and Justin Gray. With 2 years of teaching experience at Long and McQuade, Simon creates a personalized learning experience for each student in a friendly and non-judgemental learning environment.
Simon is mostly focused on his original music in his free time, with a strong love for composition and theory.
Get to know TEACHER…Beyond the Bio!
Hobbies: Writing, Movies, Photography
Musical Influences: Unknown Mortal Orchestra, Courtney Barnett, Daniel Romano
Favourite Food: Tacos
Favourite Music: Rock, Hip Hop
Favourite Song: Bold as Love by Jimi Hendrix
Favourite Movie: Bladerunner 2049
Favourite movie music: Submarine
Favourite musical theatre: Singing in the Rain
Best Quote From a Teacher: “Don’t get frustrated when you fail. Use that energy to try it again.”
Favourite Book: Just Kids by Patti Smith
Best thing about teaching at ABC: To have a student feel proud of themselves for how far they have come.
Latest Homework from Simon
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Jan 31 – Jayden, Joshua, Marshall, Ethan
Jayden
Blitzkrieg Bop sounds great! Keep working on getting smooth transitions between chords. Keep practicing along to the song. American Idiot sounds great too. Focus on the rhythm of this tune. Listen to the song if you need a refresher. Good job on Should I Stay Or Should I Go today! Listen to the song this week and try to learn the structure. Try to work on the double time section this week. Great work!
Joshua
Nice job on Don’t Go Slow! Keep working on it! You did a great job working on the playing and singing together. Try to play and sing the whole song. The lyrics and chord changes work the same way throughout the song. Nice work on Cake by the Ocean today! Practice the riff this week. We will do the chorus next time. Nice job!
Marshall
Great work on Hey Jude! This song is really tough but you are doing great. Focus your practice on the chord changes that you find the hardest. Switch back and forth between the toughest transitions until they become a bit faster and more natural. Listen to the song and learn the structure this week. We will finish the chords next time. Keep working on the melody also! It is sounding great. Also keep working on Let It Be. Nice work!
Ethan
It was great to meet you! Congratulations on your first ever guitar lesson! Try to memorize the string names for next time. Also work on the snake exercise and all the open chords we did. Practice Back In Black and Seven Nation Army for next time. I know it is a lot of information to take in, but you did great! Nice work!
Jan 19 – Mike, Katarina, Van, Layla
Mike Great job on Sitting on the Dock of the [...]
Preferred Books for Simon’s Students
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Hal Leonard Guitar Method COMPLETE
The Hal Leonard Guitar Method is designed for anyone just learning to play acoustic or electric guitar. It is based on years of teaching guitar students of all ages, and reflects some of the best teaching ideas from around the world. This super-convenient Complete Edition features the new and improved method books 1, 2 and 3 spiral-bound together.
Alfred's Basic Guitar Method
Recognized for over 50 years as the best-paced and most comprehensive guitar method available, Alfred’s Basic Guitar Method has introduced over 3 million beginners to the joy of playing guitar. This updated and expanded edition features a new layout, making it easier to read and learn. Now included are blues, country, folk, jazz, and rock styles, plus more pop songs! New DVDs with iPod-compatible video are now available for the visual learner, and correlating theory, chord, and pop books ensure that you’ll get everything you need from one complete method. Learning to play has never been easier or more fun than with Alfred’s Basic Guitar Method—the first and best choice for today’s beginning guitar students.
Guitar Grimoire
Every chord of every key and mode is presented with thousands of diagrams and charts. Includes polychords, chord substitutions, inversions and movable voicings.
This indespensable volume belongs in every guitarist’s library.
This book is a “where to” book, showing you exactly where to find any chord in any key on your fretboard. It is a professional reference tool to enhance your music library and playing that you will use for many years to come.
