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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Sept 20 – Eric, Jayden, Joshua, Marshall
Eric
Keep working on Bad Moon Rising, it is really coming along. Practice Twist and Shout for next week, and try to play through the whole structure (remember the bridge is A and A7). Continue to practice your bar chords from the E string. In addition, keep familiarizing yourself with the guitar neck. Keep it up!
Jayden
You should keep practicing Hash pipe, it’s sounding really good! Additionally, keep practicing Say it Ain’t So with power chords. You should practice the snake exercise for a couple minutes every day (1234 up, 5432 down, 3456 up, 7654 down, etc.). Practice your open chords for next time: D A E. Keep working at the bar chord shapes: I know they are a stretch for your hand, so don’t strain yourself. Just practice the shapes for a couple minutes at a time to avoid this. Great work!
Joshua
You should continue to practice your open chords for next time: G C D E A. Try to practice Twist and Shout for next week (D G A). Next week, we will learn the whole song and structure. Bring a tune for next time you would like to learn also! Nice job!
Marshall
Congratulations on your first ever guitar lesson! You did great! For next time, practice Smoke on the Water and Another One Bites the Dust. Try to practice those chords I showed you, G C D (only play the top 4 strings). Also, continue to get to know your instrument. Remember the strings are E A D G B E (low to high). Keep applying your piano knowledge to guitar as well by naming each fret like we did. We will continue to work on this next time. Great to meet you! (Call the school if your guitar is not ready for next lesson. I will bring an extra!)
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.
