ABC Academy of Music

Lessons & Classes

for All Ages

Simon Van Heyst

Toronto Guitar, Electric Guitar, Electric Bass, and Ukulele Teacher

Simon Van Heyst2023-06-07T16:54:44-04:00

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.

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Preferred Books for Simon’s Students

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Hal Leonard Guitar Method COMPLETE

Volumes 1, 2, and 3 in one book.

Cover of Hal Leonard Complete Method for Guitar

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

Book 1

Cover of Alfred's Basic Guitar Method 1

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

A Compendium of Guitar Chords and Voicings

Cover of 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.

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