About Simon
Growing up in a multi-artistic family, music and creativity are an integral part of my life. I am told that from the time I could, I have been drumming on anything I could find. Growing up with ADHD, drumming became a big part of my process to bring clarity and focus to my life. Plus, it was just amazing to make big sound and bang away without getting myself into trouble! My brother and I often listened to music with an intention of picking out the instruments, and figuring out how the artists made the different songs. At a fairly young age, we formed our first band. And with true entrepreneurial flair, we made t-shirts and marketed the band to our schoolmates. Since then I have been involved in a couple of long term bands, have played with other artists and supported local events, been a long time member of both concert and jazz bands through school, and am fairly well known in the local music community in various genres.
As a self-taught drummer, I practice at least once daily, challenging myself with different beats, interesting style collaborations and new kinds of music. When I am not playing my instrument, I can be found watching videos of other percussionists, studying their technique and style, and learning how they make sounds that appeal to me. I also listen to music several times through the day. With earphones, it is a different experience to pick out instruments, intricacies and engineering techniques. I enjoy the process of composing in all genres, and bringing in progressive and alternative rhythms to each piece.
On the performance side, I really love playing live and enjoy the challenges of being on stage and in the moment. I am thoughtful and forward thinking of the performance, and help bring the band into focus and organization. When I am not playing on stage myself, I find ways of supporting other local musicians by attending their concerts, often helping with set up/break down, assisting with house sound and lights, sound checks or even standing in as a drummer now and then. For many years now I have felt that the best job in the world would be working in the field of music; not just as a rock star, but in the industry in general.
I was very excited to find the Music Industry Arts program at Fanshawe College. I visited the school and was very fortunate to meet the Department Head, to get a tour of the program and see the facilities and classes. I knew that it was the place I wanted to be to make my goal of working in the music industry a reality. In preparing recordings for the application (with very little previous knowledge of at-home recording or the software I used), I have to admit that I am surprised at the quality I was able to achieve in my bedroom studio! I was even able to fashion my closet into a sound booth for vocals! You can listen to my recordings on this online portfolio that were sent in as part of my application for the MIA program.
I am very excited about how much I can learn and grow as a musician and engineer, by attending the Music Industry Arts program at Fanshawe College. I'm not just chasing my dream - I'm going to grab it with both hands and have a great time!
Growing up in a multi-artistic family, music and creativity are an integral part of my life. I am told that from the time I could, I have been drumming on anything I could find. Growing up with ADHD, drumming became a big part of my process to bring clarity and focus to my life. Plus, it was just amazing to make big sound and bang away without getting myself into trouble! My brother and I often listened to music with an intention of picking out the instruments, and figuring out how the artists made the different songs. At a fairly young age, we formed our first band. And with true entrepreneurial flair, we made t-shirts and marketed the band to our schoolmates. Since then I have been involved in a couple of long term bands, have played with other artists and supported local events, been a long time member of both concert and jazz bands through school, and am fairly well known in the local music community in various genres.
As a self-taught drummer, I practice at least once daily, challenging myself with different beats, interesting style collaborations and new kinds of music. When I am not playing my instrument, I can be found watching videos of other percussionists, studying their technique and style, and learning how they make sounds that appeal to me. I also listen to music several times through the day. With earphones, it is a different experience to pick out instruments, intricacies and engineering techniques. I enjoy the process of composing in all genres, and bringing in progressive and alternative rhythms to each piece.
On the performance side, I really love playing live and enjoy the challenges of being on stage and in the moment. I am thoughtful and forward thinking of the performance, and help bring the band into focus and organization. When I am not playing on stage myself, I find ways of supporting other local musicians by attending their concerts, often helping with set up/break down, assisting with house sound and lights, sound checks or even standing in as a drummer now and then. For many years now I have felt that the best job in the world would be working in the field of music; not just as a rock star, but in the industry in general.
I was very excited to find the Music Industry Arts program at Fanshawe College. I visited the school and was very fortunate to meet the Department Head, to get a tour of the program and see the facilities and classes. I knew that it was the place I wanted to be to make my goal of working in the music industry a reality. In preparing recordings for the application (with very little previous knowledge of at-home recording or the software I used), I have to admit that I am surprised at the quality I was able to achieve in my bedroom studio! I was even able to fashion my closet into a sound booth for vocals! You can listen to my recordings on this online portfolio that were sent in as part of my application for the MIA program.
I am very excited about how much I can learn and grow as a musician and engineer, by attending the Music Industry Arts program at Fanshawe College. I'm not just chasing my dream - I'm going to grab it with both hands and have a great time!