Joshua Simms

Violin Teacher in Lichfield, Staffordshire

I help young violinists
reach their potential through high-level tuition

Learning the violin can seem difficult.
But with dedicated teaching and support,
I provide students and parents with the
help they need to succeed.
1-1 lessons
All ages and abilities
Experienced and
dedicated teacher
WhatsApp support
for parents
Personalised practice plan each week

What people say about me

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
get in touch
Would you like your child to learn the violin,
but you're not sure where to begin?

Perhaps your child already learns the violin,
but they're not getting the right amount of
help and support they need to improve?

Or maybe your child is unsure sure how to practice
properly and isn't making any progress?

Learn with me

ages 5-18
Young Violinists

1-1 lesson every week during term-time so each student gets the attention they need

WhatsApp support for parents/guardians
in between lessons to provide extra support and guidance for practice

Personalised practice plan each week to ensure students and parents know what and how to practice to make progress

get started
ages 18 and over
Adult Learners

1-1 lesson every week so each student gets the attention they need

WhatsApp support in between lessons to provide extra support and guidance for practicing at home in between lessons

Personalised practice plan each week to ensure students know what and how to practice to make progress

get started
My Teaching

I am a passionate violin teacher of students age 5 and above, from complete beginners, through to advanced students auditioning for universities and conservatoires.

My aim is to help my students to become fantastic violinists whilst helping to develop their individual musicality and unique expression through performance.

I teach students from my home teaching studio here in Lichfield, Staffordshire. As well as Lichfield, many of my students also attend from Sutton Coldfield, Tamworth, Birmingham and across Staffordshire.

I have a wide range of teaching experience, both privately and in schools across Birmingham. I have been teaching privately for many years, as well as previously working as a violin and orchestral tutor for the Birmingham Music Service. From 2022-23, I was an instrumental ambassador for the Nicola Benedetti Foundation.

My passion for pedagogy started from an early age, leading me to undertake personal research into string teaching, as well as studying pedagogy during my undergraduate degree. I have been fortunate to have studied with some of the world's best teachers and performers, as well as having the opportunity to observe lessons at The Yehudi Menuhin School given by Dr Robin Wilson. I use all of this research and experience in my teaching studio.

Beginners (from age 5 and upwards) start with a 30-minute lesson each week.

As students progress, they then move to having longer lessons, with intermediate students having 45 minutes and more advanced students having
60 minute lessons

Practice is of course essential for progress, so each week my students receive a personal practice plan to help them know exactly what to work on between each lesson. Students are expected to practice regularly at home, with the help of their parents, by following the practice plan and using practice techniques shown in lessons.

Parents/guardians attend all lessons, taking part in the learning process by making notes and engaging in their child's learning and practice at home. I work closely with parents by providing email and WhatsApp in between lessons, answering any questions they may have relating to their child's practice.

Enhanced DBS Checked and
Musicians Union Member

FAQ's

What makes you different to other teachers?

I am an extremely dedicated teacher who supports the students and parents of my studio both in and out of our lessons. I believe that teaching is not only the time once a week during the lesson, but being there to support my students and parents whenever they need me with advice, guidance and support in between lessons.

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 for 30 minutes however I do give extra time in our first meeting for us to get to know each other and discuss anything in detail.

How much does a violin suitable for a beginner cost?

A violin suitable for a beginner is approximately £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.

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.

Does 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 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 Friday. 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.

Pricing

The lesson time required for each student is on a case by case basis dependant on their current level and needs.

Pricing shown is cost per lesson, and lessons can be paid termly or monthly upon request.

Beginners

Age 5 +

1-1 lesson every week during
term-time

Personalised practice plan
each week

Email & WhatsApp support throughout the week

30 mins/ £30
get started

Intermediate

Grade 2 - Grade 4

1-1 lesson every week during
term-time

Personalised practice plan
each week

Email & WhatsApp support throughout the week

45 mins/ £45
get started

Advanced

Grade 5 + /Adults

1-1 lesson every week during
term-time

Personalised practice plan
each week

Email & WhatsApp support throughout the week

60 mins/ £60
get started

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.