1^st lesson free

Simon

5 (8 reviews)

Rate $91
Response 10h
Students
Number of students Simon has accompanied since arriving at Superprof
50+
Number of students Simon has accompanied since arriving at Superprof

5 (8 reviews)

$91/hr

1^st lesson free

Composition
Songwriting
Orchestration
Musical arrangement
Jazz Improvisation

Composition and production lessons tailored to you by Composer/Jazz Musician in Glasgow or online!

Composition
Songwriting
Orchestration
Musical arrangement
Jazz Improvisation

Lesson location

- online

Ambassador

One of our best tutors. Quality profile, experience in their field, verified qualifications and a great response time. Simon will be happy to arrange your first Composition lesson.

About Simon

Hi, my name is Simon Toner and I am a Glasgow-based composer, musician and teacher and I compose music for film, theatre, art and radio. My composition practice spans from electronic to orchestral textures with commissions for the BBC, Edinburgh International Book Festival & Sky Arts. My band Sekoya gives voice to me as a composer and double bassist in the interplay of jazz. I am part of a collaborative network of Scottish and London musicians and creatives and I have toured Europe as a bassist. My career highlights so far would be the BBC broadcast of Niamh McKeown’s ‘Good Girls’ after it was screened at international film festivals, performing with Tenement Jazz Band (Best Band Scottish Jazz Awards 2022) across Europe and collaborating with Ivor Novello winning composer Oliver Vibrans on his Sky Arts orchestral score recorded at Abbey Road Studios. My proudest moment to date was finishing recording our album in Memphis.
I studied a BA in Popular Music at Edinburgh Napier University and diplomas from ABRSM and NFTS.

I have applied 15 years experience and a Popular Music degree in bass and composition to my teaching practice where I first and foremostly enable my students to grow a greater enthusiasm and love for music and sound. I have been teaching professionally for 10 years.

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!

I play double bass and bass guitar regularly with jazz bands, singers and DIY projects and have toured around Europe. Away from jazz I have played with a variety of original music projects.

I developed to become the musician I am today by expanding my musicality through teachers, some more typical than others. My music heroes are Miles Davis, Charles Mingus and those other jazz (and bass) giants but also film composers like Bernard Herrmann and Michael Kamen, conductors like Daniel Barenboim and unique artists like Bjork.

(concealed information)

About the lesson

My goal is to give the composers I tutor a toolkit of skills to use when composing their music. In lessons we explore the music that inspires them in order to learn how to incorporate techniques in to their own practice. The most important thing for me throughout my music teaching practice is to encourage my students to grow an enthusiasm and enjoyment of music.
For adults, each lesson provides an opportunity to talk about the intent behind your compositions and how well this has been communicated, the process the composition went through and ways to transform your approach and to reflect on your composition practice, aesthetic and how you want to develop your music.
For younger students and beginners, each lesson is an opportunity to make music together, to show and tell, make stories, play instruments, play music games, improvise, learn about music from around the world and to use our imagination to create your own compositions and musical projects.

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.

Reviews

All of our reviews are collected by us and are 100% reliable. They correspond to a real experience had by the students of Simon.

5 (8 reviews)

G

Gerard
- 5
Perfect! I've only had one lesson with Simon but it is very obvious that he has considerable knowledge and expertise in Jazz piano, as well a passion for music and teaching. Coming from a classical background, I have strong ambitions to develop my ability in jazz improvisation, and we have already begun to develop a plan and structure in which to achieve this. I am really looking forward to our future lessons.
See the response from Simon Read more Read more

G

Gerard

Perfect! I've only had one lesson with Simon but it is very obvious that he has considerable knowledge and expertise in Jazz piano, as well a passion for music and teaching. Coming from a classical background, I have strong ambitions to develop my ability in jazz improvisation, and we have already begun to develop a plan and structure in which to achieve this. I am really looking forward to our future lessons.

Simon's response
Gerard already has a good understanding of the piano and is picking up the different chord qualities. We outlined four ways to practice a given jazz tune,
-comping the chords on both hands as though you were supporting a soloist
-playing the chords on the left hand and melody on the right.
-solo melodies with one hand.
-outlining the chords on the left hand and soloing on the right.
I look forward to expanding Gerard's musicality with new jazz piano players to listen to, broadening his understanding of music theory and improvisation and establish his own taste in harmony, voicing and chord choice.
I look forward to seeing how Gerard can apply the skills he already has with the creativity of jazz piano!
- Simon's response :
  Gerard already has a good understanding of the piano and is picking up the different chord qualities. We outlined four ways to practice a given jazz tune,
  -comping the chords on both hands as though you were supporting a soloist
  -playing the chords on the left hand and melody on the right.
  -solo melodies with one hand.
  -outlining the chords on the left hand and soloing on the right.
  I look forward to expanding Gerard's musicality with new jazz piano players to listen to, broadening his understanding of music theory and improvisation and establish his own taste in harmony, voicing and chord choice.
  I look forward to seeing how Gerard can apply the skills he already has with the creativity of jazz piano!
Q

Quinn-Alexander
- 5
Perfect! Excellent first lesson with Simon! We started with an exercise on Critical Listening, dissecting the music accompanying the action, where Simon pointed out how the orchestration enhanced the beats of the scene. I communicated with him about the primary area I wanted to explore ahead of time - structure - and we had a comprehensive discussion on the topic, where he shared his wealth of knowledge on the different forms & notable use of each in song & film. I also provided him with a demo ahead of the lesson and during our session he gave me great insight into: what worked, how the piece might develop and what areas of improvement there were - excited to be studying with Simon over the coming weeks!
See the response from Simon Read more Read more

Q

Quinn-Alexander

Perfect! Excellent first lesson with Simon! We started with an exercise on Critical Listening, dissecting the music accompanying the action, where Simon pointed out how the orchestration enhanced the beats of the scene. I communicated with him about the primary area I wanted to explore ahead of time - structure - and we had a comprehensive discussion on the topic, where he shared his wealth of knowledge on the different forms & notable use of each in song & film. I also provided him with a demo ahead of the lesson and during our session he gave me great insight into: what worked, how the piece might develop and what areas of improvement there were - excited to be studying with Simon over the coming weeks!

Simon's response
Quinn-Alexander had really insightful questions to ask and we were able to outline that he can learn from listening to film scores in context with the scene from the film and start thinking about how the music supports the film and also that he can begin trying to score to picture himself. We also identified that there is lots to learn in terms of Production and how he can utilise production concepts like EQ, Compression, Reverb to create different mix aesthetics for his music. Production is a powerful tool for creating the textures and musical concept you want to create. But we also identified how this must also be paired with a solid understanding of the instruments you are writing for and we looked to Samuel Adler's 'Orchestration' to learn more about the specific coloristic effects a composer can ask from a musician in their scores. A great starting lesson as it is obvious Quinn-Alexander is a very enthusiastic student and I look forward to our next lesson.
- Simon's response :
  Quinn-Alexander had really insightful questions to ask and we were able to outline that he can learn from listening to film scores in context with the scene from the film and start thinking about how the music supports the film and also that he can begin trying to score to picture himself. We also identified that there is lots to learn in terms of Production and how he can utilise production concepts like EQ, Compression, Reverb to create different mix aesthetics for his music. Production is a powerful tool for creating the textures and musical concept you want to create. But we also identified how this must also be paired with a solid understanding of the instruments you are writing for and we looked to Samuel Adler's 'Orchestration' to learn more about the specific coloristic effects a composer can ask from a musician in their scores. A great starting lesson as it is obvious Quinn-Alexander is a very enthusiastic student and I look forward to our next lesson.
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Recommendations

Recommendations come from relatives, friends and acquaintances of the teacher

J

John

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.
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J
John
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.
H

Hila

Simon is a very patient and talented teacher. I was a complete beginner and I now feel confident playing keyboard! Would highly recommend.
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H
Hila
Simon is a very patient and talented teacher. I was a complete beginner and I now feel confident playing keyboard! Would highly recommend.
H

Hila

Simon is a very patient and talented teacher. I was a complete beginner and I now feel confident playing keyboard! Would highly recommend.
Read more

H
Hila
Simon is a very patient and talented teacher. I was a complete beginner and I now feel confident playing keyboard! Would highly recommend.
C

Chris

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.
Read more

C
Chris
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.
S

Shammy

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.
Read more

S
Shammy
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.
Anna

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.
Read more

A
Anna
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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Rates

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Pack prices

5h: $455
10h: $910

online

$91/h

free lessons

The first lesson with Simon will allow you to get to know each other and discuss your needs for future lessons.

Details

Terms and Conditions:
I am teaching in person and online. Let me know what you would prefer.

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. I am always happy to rearrange a lesson to a different time that week if possible.

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's Video

Learn more about Simon

When did you first develop a passion for music and your favourite instrument?
I grew up around music and it was my parents and sister who passed on their enthusiasm for music. I started out on the keyboards going to lessons from a particularly eccentric teacher called Mr. Paton. I then found the bass guitar and began playing in rock bands through high school and through my music teacher Miss Sommerville's advice to "Expand your musicality." I found jazz and played with a local youth big band and toured with a smaller ensemble as a teenager. By then I knew that the bass was for me and from that perspective I would discover new music from all over the world.
Is there a particular type of music or artist that you listen to on a loop without it driving you crazy?
I can listen to just about anything and find it interesting but I love listening to jazz (at this moment Charles Mingus), the music coming out of Mali in recent years and I'm always happy to have a new recommendation from my students!
Explain to us the most difficult or riveting course you could personally give to a student of music.
The most difficult course I could give to a student would be Jazz for the Bass Guitar and Double Bass as I have studied this (and composition) to degree level and am still studying it and learning more and more. Although this would be riveting, the greatest inspiration I find comes from teaching a student Composition. It is such a personal journey and so multifaceted there is always more to learn and it is riveting to share in the students journey in composition.
What do you think is the most complicated instrument to master and why?
All instruments are complicated to completely master as this is the goal not the destination. The most complicated instrument for me would be drums as I don't have the coordination (!) however I think the steepest learning curve would be the violin as it sounds like cats for a long time before it gives you the satisfaction of sounding musical! This is why bass is so great as anyone can pick it up and get a musical sound from it and be encouraged to keep at it and play music.
What do you think is the most complicated instrument to master and why?
All instruments are complicated to completely master as this is the goal not the destination. The most complicated instrument for me would be drums as I don't have the coordination (!) however I think the steepest learning curve would be the violin as it sounds like cats for a long time before it gives you the satisfaction of sounding musical! This is why bass is so great as anyone can pick it up and get a musical sound from it and be encouraged to keep at it and play music.
Name three musicians you dream of meeting in your favourite bar in the early hours of the morning. Explain why.
Musician's alive now:
Flea (Michael Balzary) - I had the bass book for the Red Hot Chili Peppers Greatest Hits and I fell in love with the bass as a result.
Dave Grohl - My favourite band as a teenager was Foo Fighters and they inspired me to start a band with my friends.
Bjork Guðmundsdóttir - My favourite living composer and a fascinating person.

Not alive now:
Charles Mingus - The greatest bassist composer and a wild character.
Robert Burns - Scotland's bard, song collector and writer.
Jaco Pastorius - The greatest bass guitar player of all time.
Provide a valuable anecdote related to music or your days at music school.
"The rhythm matters more than the notes" (Mario Caribe). The rhythm is the power of the music. The wrong rhythm is much more noticeable to the audience than a wrong note.

"Move to the music" (Renee Stephanie). When we move to music we internalise the rhythm, we relax any tension in our technique and we communicate with the rest of the musicians.

"Interplay" (Haftor Medbøe). All elements are equally important in the band. The music is the result of the interplay of the musicians.
What are the little touches that make you a Superprof in music?
Over the past 10+ years of my career I have learned my greatest responsibility is to enable my students to grow a greater enthusiasm and love for music and sound. I have also learned every student is unique and so I work with each student to tailor each lesson to them.

Composition and production lessons tailored to you by Composer/Jazz Musician in Glasgow or online!

Lesson location

Ambassador

About Simon

About the lesson

Reviews

Recommendations

Rates

Rate

Pack prices

online

free lessons

Details

Simon's Video

Learn more about Simon

Learn more about Simon

When did you first develop a passion for music and your favourite instrument?

Is there a particular type of music or artist that you listen to on a loop without it driving you crazy?

Explain to us the most difficult or riveting course you could personally give to a student of music.

What do you think is the most complicated instrument to master and why?

What do you think is the most complicated instrument to master and why?

Name three musicians you dream of meeting in your favourite bar in the early hours of the morning. Explain why.

Provide a valuable anecdote related to music or your days at music school.

What are the little touches that make you a Superprof in music?

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