Biographical Info

Simon began his musical life as a chorister at the age of 7. He studied the organ at Chichester Cathedral and the trumpet in London, moving to the University of Sheffield as an undergraduate, and to the RNCM for postgraduate study. As a research student at Sheffield, Simon continued directing many University Ensembles and Choirs, assisting at the Cathedral and working with the Sheffield City Music Service.

A 25-year teaching career followed, culminating as Director of Music at the King’s School in Macclesfield; his school choirs regularly sang at cathedrals and recorded CD’s. During this time, he continued to pursue professional organ playing and accompanying whilst conducting choirs across South Manchester, Cheshire and Derbyshire. He has been MD of Hayfield Singers since 2017.

Simon moved into Freelancing in September 2014, immediately working with the RNCM Symphony Chorus; he was the Founding Director of the Hallé Choral Academy launched at the same time.

He became an ABRSM Examiner in 2002 and works in the UK and the Far East in this capacity.        The Royal College of Organists appointed Simon as an Accredited Teacher in 2015, joining a select national team of 30 highly experienced and respected tutors.      The Manchester Grammar School appointed him as Organ and Piano Teacher in 2018. As School Organist, Simon plays for concerts and services at the RNCM, Bridgewater Hall and Manchester Cathedral. He also works with Withington Girls School and Stockport Grammar School as organist and accompanist.

Simon joined the academic staff at Junior RNCM in the early 1990’s; he has been the Organ Tutor for over 25 years. Students have secured Organ Scholarships at numerous Oxford and Cambridge Colleges and at Blackburn, Chichester, Coventry, Peterborough, Liverpool Anglican and Metropolitan Cathedrals; others have been recipients of Major Scholarships at the Royal College of Music and the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire. One is now the Assistant Organist at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Edinburgh.

Simon has directed the renowned JRNCM Vocal Ensemble since 2013 and has led them with great success in performances Mozart’s Vespere de Confessore, Orff’s Carmina Burana, Britten’s Rejoice in the Lamb, the Duruflé Requiem and Bernstein’s Chichester Psalms amongst other works.

His passion, sympathetic and empathetic teaching style, great patience, and experience, as well as a lively sense of humour continue to ensure great success and satisfaction for his pupils and the members of all his choirs.