Teachers
Our Teachers
Jason Collins | Jeff Harris | Travis McClymons | Tom Combes | David Orr |
Wade Gregory | Lisy Teo | Travis Lee
Jason Collins – Guitar
Jason is an experienced teacher and performer, practicing both in Australia and abroad. He holds two Cert IV’s (of Contemporary music production and Workplace training and assessment) an Advanced Diploma of jazz improvisation (guitar) and is finalizing a Graduate Diploma of Pedagogy (multi-instrumental). His teaching has taken him from private and public schools to tertiary music institutions in Brisbane, while as a performer, he plays around Australia and S.E. Asia. As a teacher, his approach is wholly engaging with a strong holistic (practical) emphasis on learning and improvising.
As a high-school student, Jason played guitar with the Brisbane Bullets sportsband. He played in both award-winning touring bands PTY LTD (Fusion) and Fasta La Granda (Acid Jazz) while completing secondary school; and later professionally in Deep Four (Brisbane rock band) before relocating to Hong Kong playing a residency at the Sai Kung beach resort.
Upon return to Australia, Jason furthered his studies (Advanced Diploma: Jazz Improvisation) while playing with the Deadly Vibe winning act 'Banawurun'. Jason currently plays with Brisbane-based bands 'Calvara' and 'Time, Space & Origin'. He is currently in development of a solo project.
Jason performs a range of styles and features variously as accompanist, session performer and producer/director – classical/jazz/contemporary acts; recorded and live projects as well as independent act development and production. He is currently finalizing graduate diploma (multi-instrumental pedagogy).
Jeff Harris - Guitar
Jeff Harris is a Brisbane based musician and teacher specialising in acoustic and electric guitar. As well as performance and teaching Jeff worked part time in music retail for over a decade, where with his vibrant personality and commitment to the guitar playing community he earnt a reputation within the local music scene as a reliable and knowledgeable guitar consultant.
Over the years Jeff has had the opportunity to meet and converse with music giants such as Steve Vai, Steve Morse, Joe Satriani, Billy Sheehan, Phil Emmanuel and James Morrison. Jeff has also been fortunate enough to attend clinics and master classes with world class musicians all combining to give Jeff an insight into many aspects of playing and teaching music.
Jeff began playing the guitar in 1991 at High School. In 1992 he began lessons with Tony Vandermeer a highly acclaimed acoustic guitarist whose technical mastery of and passion for guitar music caused an indelible change in the way Jeff approached his playing. After High School Jeff spent two years studying with other private guitar tutors in Brisbane. During this time Jeff’s own teaching began when clients at his Palings Music day job made continued requests that he privately tutor them. In late 2002 wanting to further his musical knowledge and abilities Jeff again sought the tuition of Tony Vandermeer who helped refine and expand his skills.
As a performer Jeff first appeared in the local pub and club scene late nineties playing electric guitar pop cover act Sci- Hi. Though he put in most of most of his performance time in acoustic orientated bands Apple Horse and Gravity playing covers and originals all over Brisbane, Toowoomba, Sunshine / Gold Coasts and other near by towns. Jeff has also been the guest guitarist in stalls at local trade shows representing guitar and amplifier manufacturers.
Currently Jeff is working in Jill Beths' band as guitarist and co- songwriter. Jill and Jeffs' music can be heard at www.myspace.com/jillbethmusic.
Born and raised in Moree, NSW Travis had long dreamt of making his life with guitar.
At 17, Travis was accepted to study guitar at the prestigious Southern Cross University in Lismore with Australian guitar icon, Jim Kelly. During his studies, Travis had the opportunity to perform and record with dozens of artists including an Australian Idol cast member, Brett Kembich.
2006 saw Travis move to Brisbane to pursue a career as a session guitarist for studio and live work in varying styles as well as a specialist guitar teacher.
At present, Travis is readying to complete his own bands’ debut album, with an accompanying nationwide tour scheduled for a 2009. Also, while still having his feet planted firmly in the session scene, he continues to refine his own skills as a guitarist in the realms of rock and country guitar.
As an instructor, Travis seeks to give each student the skills necessary to fluently pursue any musical avenue they choose, with a strong and practical methodology.
He is currently teaching at Simon Gardner Music Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturdays.
.jpg "Tom Combes - Guitar Tutor")
Tom started playing guitar at age 10 and has developed his considerable technique across many contemporary styles ranging from Tommy Emanual-esque solo acoustic virtuosity to modern electric guitar styles in funk and rock bands.
In 2006, Tom graduated with a Bachelor of Popular Music from Griffith University Conservatorium of Music and continues to expand his knowledge and follow his passion for everything guitar and music in general.
Tom also has over 6 years of wide and varied teaching experience in studios and high schools such as Kids on Keys (Gold Coast) and Beerwah State High School (while he was still a student there!)
Currently performing around South East Queensland with various bands and pioneering DJ and live guitar shows, Tom is also working on his debut solo acoustic album due for a 2009 release.
Tom currently teaches regularly at Simon Gardner Music, Monday, Wednesday and Thursdays.
With over 16 years professional experience in all facets of the music industry ranging from composing and performing to teaching and operating an entertainment booking agency, David is dedicated to pursuing a career within the music industry.
As a motivated team member and effective communicator with excellent attention to detail, David thrives and succeeds in challenging environments, relishing opportunities to diversify and develop his skills. David takes pride in professionally approaching any situation, whether it be a rehearsal or recording session, song writing or instrumental lesson.
Throughout his career David has also focused on studying many different musical styles, creating music for many different situations.
In David’s own words; “My primary objective is to constantly progress and evolve as an artist and musician, sharing my knowledge and enthusiasm with students. My lessons are a balance between the fundamental and the practical and engaging elements of playing guitar”.
David teaches guitar at SGM on Monday and Tuesday.
Wade Gregory is a pianist, arranger, and educator who was born in Melbourne, but now calls Brisbane home. He graduated from the Queensland Conservatorium of Music several years ago, majoring in contemporary piano. He also grew up learning classical piano through the AMEB exam system, and enjoys teaching all musical styles. He has been a ‘relief’ teacher at Simon Gardner Music for several years, and now is delighted to be here on a more permanent basis.
As well as various teaching commitments, Wade is also in demand as a performer and accompanist. His versatility as a musician sees him playing in settings from quiet solo piano to big swing bands; corporate rock bands to intimate jazz duos.
Wade brings a calm, patient and nurturing approach to his teaching. He sees the role of teacher as one who guides and inspires his students to discover the joys of music, and helps them choose pieces they’ll enjoy playing and practicing. He is currently teaching at Simon Gardner Music on Mondays and Saturdays.
Lisy is an experienced piano and violin teacher as well as an accompanist. After completing the Trinity College Performer’s Diploma (LTCL), she went to London to further her music education where she obtained her Bachelor in Music in 2 years. She then spent a further one year to earn her Master in Music majoring in Performance.
Lisy began her music teaching career at age 16 after completing the Trinity College Teacher’s Diploma (ATCL). She is also a qualified instructor for the famous Yamaha Junior Music Course for young children. Lisy has taught in many countries including UK, Malaysia and Singapore.
As a teacher Lisy’s aim is that her students have an enjoyable and stimulating experience with music as well as preparing those interested for professional examinations like AMEB, ABRSM and Trinity Guildhall. Besides techniques and music theory, Lisy focuses on developing aural, reading, composition, improvisation and performance skills of her students.
Lisy teaches at SGM on Tuesday,Wednesday and Thursday
Travis Lee is an extraordinarily talented musician known for his outstanding singing and song writing skills. Known also a performer he has astonished crowds of all sizes with his captivating style and personality. His musical influences range from Soul to Reggae and Rock to Hip-hop, from artist such as Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, 2 Pac, Sting and the Beatles.
Travis Lee graduated from Griffith University with a ‘Bachelor of Popular Music’ in 2008 and South Bank Tafe in 2005, studying in all areas of music. His experience has also given him the opportunity to teach music with the company ‘Oxygen 42’ working with people of all ages and all levels of musical experience.
Travis has also worked along side publishing company ‘Bell Hughes Music’, session singing for artist such as Guy Sebastian, Sisqo, Kevin Lyttle and many other major recording artists.
Travis Lee is a passionate musician and teacher looking forward to making his mark in the music industry as a highly respected singer/songwriter and producer.
Travis teaches at SGM on Saturday.
POSITIONS VACANT - We are Recruiting!
Simon Gardner Music is looking for talented, passionate, enthusiastic Guitar Tutors.
If you love teaching guitar and want to part of our community,
please call Simon on (07) 3314 8504.
We are looking for very special staff who are committed to
providing great service for our students.
