Simms Violin Studio is open to students between the ages of 5 - 18, from complete beginners through to advanced students auditioning for conservatoires and universities.
I help my students to develop and reach their potential by providing high quality teaching and support for both them and their parents.
All students have private 1-1 lessons every week during term-time at my home teaching studio in Lichfield. Parents are an important part of the student development, especially in the early years of study, so they attend all of the lessons and support their child at home with practice.
Beginners start with a 30-minute lesson each week. As students progress, they then move to having longer lessons, either 45 minutes or 60 minutes depending on their needs, level and commitment.
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 in the early years) by following the practice plan and using practice techniques shown in lessons.
To help support parents I provide WhatsApp support for any queries they may have in between lessons surrounding how to best help their child practice at home.
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.
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
Unlimited WhatsApp support
for parents & guardians
Intermediate
Grade 2 - Grade 4
1-1 lesson every week during
term-time
Personalised practice plan
each week
Unlimited WhatsApp support
for parents & guardians
Advanced
Grade 5 + /Adults
1-1 lesson every week during
term-time
Personalised practice plan
each week
Unlimited WhatsApp support
for parents & guardians
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Please contact me for an instrument consultation and we can discuss this in detail.
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.
Yes, parents attend all lessons with their child until the age of 18 when that student may attend lessons independently.
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.
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.
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.
I do not typically teach students who are studying with another teacher, unless their current teacher has given express permission for this to happen.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.