Simon is an extremely accomplished and experienced piano accompanist. His work includes accompanying for exams, diplomas, auditions and competitions, as well as frequent recital work. He also has experience of ballet and opera piano playing, as well as function work.
While he worked in Hertfordshire, Simon was the official accompanist for the Bishop’s Stortford Young Musician of the Year for ten years, and also the college pianist at Hockerill Anglo European College and for the Bishop’s Stortford High School, playing for all their exams and competitions. Having previously been an accompanist for the Stratford International Flute Festival, he is the resident accompanist for the annual Flute School London courses. In addition to these regular posts, Simon is always in demand as a freelance accompanist, playing regularly for diplomas and for undergraduate final recitals. He has been fortunate enough to collaborate with many leading UK artists in recital, including Michael Cox, Katherine Baker, Katherine Bryan, Gareth Davies, Matthew Featherstone, Samuel Coles and Ian Clarke.
Simon has a vast knowledge of the repertoire of all instruments and for singers, and is an excellent sight reader.
Testimonials
“Simon is an incredible musician to work with. He is a highly sensitive accompanist, reacting to every detail of your performance in the most supportive way. In addition, he is extremely passionate about the works he accompanies and will give you very valuable advice, no matter if he has experience playing your instrument or not. As a clarinettist, I can easily say I have learnt about nuanced performance and felt I have gained insight about my own clarinet playing from Simon. He is the easiest accompanist to work with, with his general love for music giving you the comfort in your own performance. He will consistently make you feel prioritised in his schedule, happy to travel when required. He has accompanied me for many years now, always making me feel comfortable in high pressure situations such as orchestral auditions and competitions.”
“Simon started teaching me the piano and accompanying me at the age of 9. We played together in many competitions across the country, notably the National Rotary Competition Final. He carried on accompanying me throughout my time at the Royal College of Music. I am grateful for his support and brilliant musical insight.”