Simms Violin Studio

violin lessons in
lichfield, staffordshire

Simms Violin Studio is Lichfield's premier violin studio, offering one-to-one lessons for students age 5 and above.

The studio is led by Josh Simms, an experienced performer and teacher with a Master of Music (Distinction) from the Royal Northern College of Music.

Lessons are focused on nuturing both technique and musicianship, and are carefully tailored to each individual students' needs.

Testimonials

Josh's ability to teach is incredible... My daughter has improved so much.
TOM - PARENT
Josh was able to give her lots of techniques to improve.. so encouraging ..
JANE - PARENT
One of the great things
about Josh's teaching is his
attention to detail.
ABBIE - STUDENT
Josh is a very dedicated teacher... We highly recommend Josh!
MAYRA - PARENT
join the studio
Welcome

At Simms Violin Studio, high-quality violin lessons are available for students age 5 and over, from complete beginners to advanced students preparing for conservatoire and university auditions. Lessons are tailored to help each student reach their full potential. Parents of younger students are involved in the learning process to ensure they know exactly how to help their child practice at home.

🎻 Weekly 1:1 Lessons in Lichfield

Lessons take place in a teaching room at Lichfield Cathedral School (parking is available for parents/students when attending lessons).

Students have 30 minute, 45 minute or 60 minute lessons depending on their level and commitment to study.

(Bonus lessons are available during holiday periods by request)

🎓 Experienced & Highly Qualified Teacher

Josh holds a Master of Music (Distinction) from the Royal Northern College of Music and a Bachelor of Music from the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire.

He has taught privately for many years, as well as in schools across Birmingham - working as a violin and orchestral tutor. He was a Instrumental Ambassador for the Nicola Benedetti Foundation (2022–23).

Josh's teaching draws on years training, research, and mentorship from world-renowned teachers—including observing lessons at The Yehudi Menuhin School—to offer teaching that goes far beyond the average.

As a performer he has a wealth of experience as a soloist, orchestral, and chamber musician, having performed in venues such as Birmingham's Symphony Hall, Manchester's Bridgewater Hall, and both the Royal Albert Hall and Royal Festival Hall in London.

📘 Guided Practice Support

Every student receives a weekly practice plan so that they know exactly what and how to practice. Guidance is given to parents on how to support practice at home to ensure progression. WhatsApp support is available between lessons, and parents are able to send videos and recordings for feedback.

🏆 Proven Results

Many students of the studio have won scholarships, chorister places, and have success in examinations and youth orchestra auditions.

Enhanced DBS Checked and
Musicians Union Member

Lesson Fees

All students have a 1-1 violin lesson every week during term time (39 weeks per year),
with additional lessons available during holidays at request.

The pricing below is the cost per individual lesson, and lesson fees
are paid once a term or via a monthly payment plan.

Beginners

Age 5 +

1-1 lesson every week during
term-time

Personalised practice plan
each week

Unlimited WhatsApp support
for parents & guardians

30 min lesson / £30
get started

Intermediate

Grade 2 - Grade 4

1-1 lesson every week during
term-time

Personalised practice plan
each week

Unlimited WhatsApp support
for parents & guardians

45 minute lesson / £45
get started

Advanced

Grade 5 + /Adults

1-1 lesson every week during
term-time

Personalised practice plan
each week

Unlimited WhatsApp support
for parents & guardians

60 minute lesson / £60
get started

FAQ's

What makes you different to other teachers?

I am an extremely dedicated teacher who is passionate about pedagogy and providing the highest level of teaching for my studio.
I believe that the role of a teacher is not only providing fantastic tuition, but it is also about providing the highest level of support and mentorship for my students (and their parents) to help them become the very best violinists and musicians they can be.

Do you offer trial lessons?

Yes anybody interested in learning with me is more than welcome to have a trial lesson. There is no obligation to study with me after a trial lesson, it is simply a nice way for us to meet and experience a lesson. If you want to book a trial lesson for a student who does not currently have a violin (whether beginner or otherwise), I am happy to provide an instrument consultation to help you find a suitable instrument.

Are trial lessons free?

Trial lessons are £30 and usually last a minimum of 30 minutes, with extra time given if needed for us to get to know each other and discuss anything in detail relating to lessons and my teaching.

How much does a violin suitable for a beginner cost?

Violins that are suitable for beginners range from £150 - £250. This price includes an instrument, bow and case. The exact price depends on the size of instrument the student needs based on their age and arm length. Smaller instruments for younger students is on the lower end of that range, and larger instruments for students typically 10 years old and over is toward the higher end of the range.

Can I loan an instrument from a shop?

Violin loans were very popular in the not too distant past, however due to prices and insurance costs, it is now usually better to purchase a new student grade instrument. If you decide at any stage to stop learning, you can then try to sell the instrument locally or online.

What size instrument does my child need?

Please contact me for an instrument consultation and we can discuss this in detail.

Is it true that young students change violin sizes regularly?

Usually between the ages of 5 and 11, students go through four sizes of violin in alignment with their growth. Usually by age 11, students are using a full-size violin which is the largest size (the same size adults use). It's important to make sure a child has the correct size of instrument for their current needs.

Do parents have to attend lessons?

Yes, parents attend all lessons with their child until the age of 18 when that student may attend lessons independently.

Do you have instruments we can borrow/loan?

I do not have instruments for students to loan. I help all of my new students/parents find an instrument suitable for them to buy when they begin studying with me if they do not currently own an instrument, or need to upgrade their current instrument.

Do you offer lessons every two weeks (fortnightly)?

All of the students in my studio have weekly lessons as I believe it is integral to progression and consistency in learning. There may be special cases for adults or professionals where I think fortnightly lessons might be appropriate.

Do you offer one off lessons/booster lessons?

I do offer one off lessons and booster lessons for students who need extra support and tuition. This could be for a specific purpose (audition preparation) or for general advice on playing and practicing. Please contact me to discuss your specific needs and I will discuss how best I can help you.

Can my child study with you as well as their current teacher?

I do not typically teach students who are studying with another teacher, unless their current teacher has given express permission for this to happen.

What is your approach to exams/competitions?

I believe that any examination or competition should be undertaken in alignment with a students' development and progression. I only encourage my students to do this when I feel it would be beneficial to their growth and development as a violinist, or to gain performance experience.

Do students have to practice a lot at home?

Students are expected to practice in between lessons under the supervision of their parents until they are teenagers.
It is the responsibility of parents to facilitate and organise time throughout the week for their child to practice in a quiet environment when you both can focus on following the practice plan and have a productive practice session.

Do you offer group lessons for friends/siblings?

I do not offer group lessons as the primary form of teaching for my students. I am more than happy to offer group sessions for musicianship, music theory, chamber groups or ensembles.

Do you teach music theory in your lessons?

In my violin lessons I do cover topics relating to music theory, however I encourage all of my students to learn music theory outside of our lessons either through workbooks, flash cards and interactive learning games. I do offer separate music theory and musicianship lessons for students whose parents wish for their child to have them.

Do you teach adults?

Yes, I teach adults of all ages and levels from beginner through to semi-professional and professional players. Do get in touch if you are interested in learning with me.

Which days do you teach?

Currently I teach in the evenings between Monday to Thursday. In special circumstances I can accommodate a student who would like to learn outside of those times, but this is on a case-by-case basis. Please enquire if you would like to discuss this.

Do you have any spaces available?

Please register your interest using my contact form and I will let you know my current availability, as this can change each year. If I do not have any availability, I can add you to a waiting list and notify you when a space becomes available.

Biography

Josh studied for his Bachelor of Music at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire with Susanne Stanzeleit, Ulla Benz and Zoe Beyers.

During his undergraduate studies he performed as soloist with orchestra, as well as performing in various orchestral projects as Leader and Principal Second Violin. He was leader for many years of the Auer String Quartet who performed in festivals and events across the West Midlands.

He then studied for a Master of Music in Performance at the Royal Northern College of Music with Yair Kless, Jim Clark and Callum Smart, where he achieved a Distinction including an award of Distinction for his final recital.

Performances have taken him to venues across the U.K and Europe including the Royal Albert Hall and Royal Festival Hall in London, and Birmingham's Symphony Hall. Orchestral training experiences include those with the Welsh National Opera and Manchester Camerata. For many years, he was Principal Second Violin of the CBSO Youth Orchestra and Academy, where he worked with conductors including Alexander Vedernikov, Jac van Steen and Andrew Litton.

He has studied Chamber Music with members of  The Fine Arts Quartet, The Maggini Quartet, The Endellion Quartet, The Lindsay Quartet and The Heath Quartet. Further tuition includes lessons with Remus Azoitei and Tasmin Little.

Josh plays on a violin made by Vincenzo Sannino, kindly loaned to him by a generous supporter.