+61 (0)457 843 905

East West Goliath
Logic
Sibelius
MuseScore
Orchestra Gold Etc.
PDF

Concert Band/ Wind Band
Rock/ Contemporary/ Club
Choral/ Vocal
Film/ TV
Dramatic (Opera/ Musicals/ Ballet, etc)
Jazz (Big Band/ Jazz Band)
Orchestral
Instrumental (Solo instruments)
Miscellaneous (Audiovisual/ Performance Art)
Electronic and Sequencing

Bachelor of Arts Degree in Music (Keele), 20+ years of using Sibelius & 25+ years in 'the business'!

London School of Musical Theatre, Starshine Music (publisher), Twist Films, Calibre Productions, Paul Holman Associates, Michael Griffith (writer/composer), Alexander Bermange (composer), Annette Mencke (songwriter), John Bartlett (composer), Spirit Productions (Worldwide), Low Rez Choir (Melbourne)+ many more etc. -and you?!

A4, A3

I emigrated to Melbourne in 2010 from the UK, and work consistently on projects from both countries. Becoming fully pro in 1994, I have since built a reputation for friendly and successful collaborations (many recurring), fast and accurate transcriptions (with perfect pitch) and creatively adapting or writing material when needed: in fact, just slotting in where required reliably and on time. As a former West End audition pianist, simple play-throughs are no problem with a great piano sound (naturally!), but with more budget I can also create fuller organic sounding custom backing tracks (with commercial level mastering) using Logic and detailed sounds such as East West Goliath and Opus. A recent addition to the armoury is AceStudio for AI guide vocals (etc.!) and seamless audio editing and transposition is also no problem.

I've orchestrated and scored seven musicals for established educational publisher Starshine Music and worked on the scores for the film "Morris: A Life With Bells On" starring Sir Derek Jacobi. Although I no longer musically direct pantomimes in the UK (the commute is a little too much!), I I still arrange and score for various Christmas shows in the UK, arrange for various choirs including Melbourne's LowRez and the Frankston Ladies Choir and work on an ad hoc basis for many producers, actors, singers, and composers from both countries - many long term clients.

Do get in touch if you think I can be 'instrumental' in making your project happen (if you'll pardon the pun)! Please email for a sample of work if required tailored to your needs. All best, Simon

Reviews:

"Simon has been arranging my piano compositions based on sound files and simple notations.  I am constantly impressed by the quality and timeliness of his work.  He always expresses enthusiasm and positivity toward me and I heartily recommend him"  

John: composition amateur

"Simon has been transcribing music for me for a number of years now. He has helped me with a whole range of musicals, including, Just So, Seussical, The Lion King, as well as many others. In addition to transcribing, he records backing tracks and even sings on them for younger children to follow. Simon is a joy to work with. He works quickly, efficiently and with great humour. I can't praise him highly enough"

Anne-Marie Conway, Teacher

"Simon was kind and professional in every way! His transcription was detailed and accurate and small details I asked to change about formatting he did quickly without question. I would absolutely recommend working with him if you are in need of a good transcriber!"

Marie Halcrow, Music Instructor & Producer 

"After thoroughly scanning the MAGA website listings, I commissioned Simon to resurrect ten songs from a rock-musical based on the life of Nostradamus that had been gestating for decades; consequently, some of the material I presented him with was dated and much of it raw to say the least. During our association he has shown empathy for my intentions with each song, but has also challenged my ideas in many ways, invariably enhancing the final version and bringing them up to date with panache and genuine talent. Could not recommend his skills more highly!"

Paul Blest (songwriter/scriptwriter/retired teacher) 

"I have worked with Simon as an MD on Kings of Swing (Calibre Productions) as well as hiring him to play keys for my solo band and MD for The Rat Pack's Back (SMA Productions). Simon's keyboard skills are second to none and he is an excellent musical director who is capable of directing musicians to the highest standards. Truly one of 'the good guys', Simon's humour and personality are always great to have on any job and he bridges the gap between musicians and singers / actors superbly. As an arranger Simon's work is very good with clean, easily readable parts produced on time and on budget".

Neil Gordon (singer/producer), hired Simon as a Musician in 2004, and hired Simon more than once.

"Simon (has) transcribed a number of songs (genre: pop) for me. I have always been very satisfied and can only highly recommend Simon. His work is accurate and always on time. Thank You Simon for your great work."

Annette Mencke (songwriter) hired Simon for Music Transcription in 2005, and hired Simon more than once.

"Simon has scored and produced at least 60 songs for me. He always manages to bring out the best of the idea and will often throw in some great lyric lines or unexpected twists. I would not hesitate to recommend him for your projects. He's also super fast and well priced compared to some others I have used in the past."

Mike Hume (writer) hired Simon for score, arrangements and backing tracks in 2004, and hired Simon more than once.

"Simon is an amazing pianist, great live performer, extremely reliable and incredibly loyal. It is always such a pleasure to work with him and I look forward to working with again very soon."

Colin Waterson (Waterson- singer/producer) hired Simon as a Arranger/Composer in 1999, and hired Simon more than once.