Guitar & Bass Lessons | Relaxed & All Levels Welcome | Full-Time Musician & Awarded Film/Game Composer | South London & Online

Learn more about Simone

• 1) When did you first develop a passion for music and your favorite instrument?

  As a child, my family always considered music a very important and fun aspect of our lives. My dad and brother played guitar at family gatherings or had fun finding harmonies in songs we were listening to. This definitely shaped my musicality, but it was only when I started playing guitar at the age of 12 that I realized music would be a significant part of my life. Growing up, I listened to several rock bands from the '70s and fell in love with the electric guitar and bass.

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

  I am quite eclectic with my music tolerance. I like to be surprised by what I hear. Jazz is often the answer for many, but the technicality and complexity of some pieces drive me away from enjoying what I'm listening to. I prefer certain sub-genres of rock. Bands like Grizzly Bear are among my top artists, and I never get bored of them. Along with them, I would also place Queens of the Stone Age, Radiohead, and Red Hot Chili Peppers, who are essentially the soundtrack of my life.

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

  Difficulty is subjective. A piece can be challenging for a beginner but simple for an intermediate player. What I tell my students is to see the learning path in small steps. For example, music theory can be intimidating, but if broken down into small, digestible parts, it makes sense and becomes manageable.

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

  All instruments can be difficult to learn, but I find the trumpet particularly challenging. My personal experience with it was quite catastrophic; I couldn't produce a decent sound. However, the most important skill to master is practice itself. If we master the art of practice, we can master any instrument.

• 5) What are your keys to success?

  Creating habits and having passion for what we do are key. I cannot see myself being successful in doing something I hate. While I might do something out of necessity, true success comes from loving what you do.

• 6) Name three musicians you dream of meeting in your favorite bar in the early hours of the morning. Explain why.

  1. Like a very nice person to have a conversation with!
  
  2. John Frusciante: I admire his work with the Chili Peppers, and his solo albums are among my all-time favorites. His artistry has strongly influenced the way I write music.
  
  3. Josh Homme: I love Queens of the Stone Age and Kyuss, and I think he would be a great person to have a chat and a drink with. At least, I think... What do they say? 'Never meet your heroes'!

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

  I started my songwriting degree with a narrow perspective on the quality of music in specific genres. I loved Alternative Rock and considered genres without guitars or played instruments to be of lower value. During my studies, I had to write about three pieces a week, often co-writing with peers in different genres. This experience made me appreciate and understand a wider range of genres. Although I still prefer some genres over others, I now value the quality and work behind all types of music.

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

  I am often described as a kind and patient tutor. I strive to make my students feel inspired and safe when learning with me. What I believe I do well is creating detailed and specific exercises tailored to each student's needs. We all have different hand anatomies and learning styles, so I adapt my teaching methods accordingly. I think that my research on adaptation makes me a good teacher but it is not my job to define me SUPER!