Teachers
Our Teachers
Simon Gardner - Principal Guitar Teacher and Director of Simon Gardner Music
Simon started playing guitar in 1981 at Brisbane Grammar School and is still just as passionate about guitar 30 years later. Having been very fortunate early on with guitar teachers and guitar role models Rick Purdie and Barry Morton, Simon has adopted the same demonstrative and holistic approach to his teaching of guitar.
In 1989, Simon attended the world famous Musicians Institute in Hollywood California and has since released 4 Solo albums, played support for Joe Satriani and remained active on the live scene with his own electric and acoustic gigs as well as freelancing his guitar talents to various artist projects. He is also a clinician for the Roland Corporation Australia and a Fender endorsee.
Simon has been a private studio guitar teacher for almost as long as he has been a player! He has taught at such schools as St Josephs College Gregory Terrace, Nudgee College, St Margarets Anglican Girls School and Sandgate High. More recently, he has lectured at the JMC Academy in Sth Brisbane and been appointed technical writer for a brand new National Contempoary Guitar Syllabus for the AMEB.
In 2006, Simon Gardner Music was born with the intention to create a studio that would be a collective of vibrant and talented industry professionals with varying areas of expertise that could reinforce Simon's philosophy of a holistic approach to contemporary guitar tuition in a professional, positive and inspiring environment.
There is a strong emphasis on core technique and skills as well as variety of repertoire. Students are constantly encouraged to seek their own personal tastes and follow their own musical path while remaining open minded to new challenges on the instrument that will be presented in the lesson.
Simon teaches Monday to Friday from 9 am til 8pm and on Saturdays is taking Finger Fitness classes on Saturday mornings.
Jeff Harris - Guita
Jeff Harris is a Brisbane based musician and teacher specializing 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 earned a reputation within the local music scene as a reliable and knowledgable guitar consultant.
Over the years Jeff has been fortunate enough to have 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. Through these meetings and by attending clinics and master classes with world class musicians Jeff has a deep insight into many aspects of playing and teaching music.
Jeff began playing the guitar in 1991 whilst at high school. In 1992 he began lessons with a highly acclaimed acoustic guitarist whose technical mastery and passion for the guitar caused an indelible change in the way Jeff approached his playing. After high school Jeff spent years studying with a variety 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.
As a performer Jeff first appeared in the local pub and club scene during the late nineties playing electric guitar. Though from 2001 through to 2005 Jeff spent the majority 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.
In addition to all of this Jeff has also been the guest guitarist in stalls at local trade shows representing guitar and amplifier manufacturers.
Over the last few years Jeff’s focus has been on original composition and he is working with Jill Beth as a guitarist and co- songwriter. Jill and Jeff’s music can be heard at;
Travis McClymans - Guitar
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.
Tom Combes - Guitar
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 2011 release.
Tom currently teaches regularly at Simon Gardner Music, Monday, Wednesday and Thursdays and Saturdays.
David Orr - Guitar
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 - Piano
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 Teo - Piano
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
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.