I tailor lessons to the student and am happy teaching using sheet music and by ear. I think every musician should learn to do both so I encourage ear training/active listening, sight reading and transcription in lessons and as homework. I can use my own transcriptions and teaching material and a selection of my favourite teaching books. I am happy to work through specific material if provided by the student.
I tailor lessons to the student with a a balance between enabling the student to commit to their practice by laying out clear goals and expectations, and presenting enjoyable lessons with a laid-back attitude that give full consideration to enabling the student’s enthusiasm for music and sound to grow.
I enjoy working with students who are enthusiastic, whether with the simple goal of enjoying their music or greater aspirations for a career in music (not that the two are mutually exclusive!). I like teaching because it is challenging and requires the teacher to adapt to the student and to kindle their enthusiasm.
One of our best tutors! High-quality profile, qualifications verified and response guaranteed. Simon will plan your first lesson with care.
I am a composer and musician with over 10 years experience with a BA (hons) in Popular Music. I have composed music for film, theatre, art installations and radio/podcasts and have toured Europe as a jazz bassist. I developed to become the musician I am today by expanding my musicality through teachers, some more typical than others. I am an enthusiastic music educator, applying over 10 years of experience. I teach piano, keyboard and synthesizers up to an intermediate level.
I am interested in teaching both adults and children. I can help you prepare for school music exams, Rock School Grades, ABRSM Grades and Music Theory exams. I can teach many different styles such as Rock, Blues, Pop, Metal, Funk, Folk, Jazz whatever you want!
Terms and Conditions:
I am currently teaching entirely online and following Musicians Union (MU) guidance how to safely carry out in-person teaching again. If you would be interested in in-person teaching, get in touch and we can discuss whether it would be possible to do so in a socially distanced, safe and practical way and I can carry out a Risk Assessment to MU standards ((concealed information)
If a student can not give a weeks prior notice that they can’t to make it to their lesson then they will be required to pay for the lesson.
Blocks of 5 lessons should be paid in full before the first lesson of that block.
Fully DBS and PVG qualified. With SEND experience.
Simon Toner - Music Tutor Curriculum Vitae
Bass guitar, Double Bass, Composition/Songwriting, Music Production, Guitar, Beginners Piano/Keyboards & Ukulele.
showreel: simontonermusic.com
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Qualifications:
BA (Hons) Popular Music Degree. Principal Studies of Composition and Bass
ABRSM Teaching Diploma in Instrumental and Vocal Teaching
National Film & Television School Short Course in Film Composing
(First hand experience of sitting grades)
Grade VIII Bass Guitar (Rock School)
Grade V Music Theory (ABRSM)
Advanced Higher A Music (SQA)
Fully PVG and DBS Qualified
SEND Experience
My teaching specialisms:
Beginners to Advanced:
Bass Guitar
Double Bass
Jazz
Composition/Songwriting
Music Production
Ukulele
Beginners to Intermediate:
Guitar, Piano, Synthesizer, Recorder, Early Years Introduction to Music & Keyboard.
Relevant Experience:
Music Tutor: self employed (Sep 2016 - present)
and contract work which includes:
Blackheath Conservatoire: early years ukulele group (May 2019 - present)
Lamphouse Music School: guitar and ukulele, 1-1 & groups (2017)
Carrickvale Community Centre, Edinburgh Council: afterschool keys/composition/production class in deprived area (2017)
Dollar Academy: bass guitar concert/workshop (October 2017)
Edinburgh Napier University Jazz Summer School: jazz ensemble tutor (July 2016)
Film/Media Composer: Internationally screened, award winning films, commercial work including for Creative Scotland, BBC & top streaming podcasts: “Fat Lot of Good” (2013 - present).
Freelance Bassist: European touring, Tenement Jazz Band shortlisted for Scottish Jazz Award 2019 (2007 - present)
Marketing and Distribution Manager for Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival, Jazz Scotland Ltd. (2015 - 18)
Organiser for Continental Drift Academic Conference, Edinburgh (July 2016 - 17)
Box Office Assistant Edinburgh International Film Festival (2015)
REFERENCES ARE AVAILABLE ON REQUEST -
Kelly Reynolds - Programme & Tuition Manager, Blackheath Conservatoire.
Dr. Haftor Medboe - Associate Professor, Acting Head of Humanities & Culture, Jazz Musician in Residence at Edinburgh Napier University.
Thank you for your time.
Very approachable as a teacher, good communication skills and is at ease with pupils of all abilities; very knowledgeable about different styles and techniques with good experience to help bring students on in their studies.
Simon is a very patient and talented teacher. I was a complete beginner and I now feel confident playing keyboard! Would highly recommend.
Simon is a very patient and talented teacher. I was a complete beginner and I now feel confident playing keyboard! Would highly recommend.
It is my belief that Simon is a first-class professional, having first worked with him appropriately 10 years ago.
By then it was already clear that he had a keen motivation, positive attitude and strong desire to improve the experience for all parties.
Yet having now started a recent project with him, I can confirm that he has furthered those attributes whilst consistently delivers quality output; particularly with close attention to briefing.
I would recommend Simon as a teacher, a collaborator or a performer with confidence that he will deliver.
Simon has been my double bass teacher. Besides purely technical intricacies of the instrument, he has also been an excellent guide into the world of jazz and helped me understand the how and why of music in general. He is very knowledgeable and open to so many genres and influences - I could not recommend him enough.
Simon is a fantastic piano tutor. He’s professional, but with a fun teaching style. He tailored his teaching to my personal musical tastes which helped to keep me engaged and motivated.
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at his home | at your home | By webcam | |
1 hour | Not available | Not available | £40 |