Dansworks Academy of Performing Arts Team

Simon was born in Littleborough, Lancashire and soon found his passion for music after starting trombone lessons at the age of ten with the Rochdale Music Service and joining the Metropolitan Youth Brass Band. He was very fortunate to have extra lessons with a prestigious Ken Sanderson, a former Principal Cornet player from Besses of the Barn Band and theory teacher Carol Slade. Shortly after, Simon went to study for the next four years at Chatham’s School of Music School in Manchester.

Simon then gained a scholarship to study at the Birmingham Conservatoire where he studied teaching and performance, tutored by Danny Longstaff from the CBSO.

He soon realized his passion for teaching, as well as performing. Simon has enjoyed a vibrant and varied music teaching career working in secondary schools, including Oulder Hill, Haslingden High School and Saddleworth School, and then specialized brass teaching and conducting roles with Bradford Music Service and his current post, with Trafford Music Service. Throughout his teaching life, Simon has been an enthusiastic and resolute performer and teacher and has played in a number of ensembles, including orchestras, brass ensembles, and musicals around both the Midlands and the Northwest.

Simon has lived in Bacup for twenty-five years and enjoys walking and cycling around the surrounding countryside.