Simms Violin Studio
Build confidence, develop strong technique, and enjoy making music with personalised one-to-one violin tuition.

1-1 violin lessons with a postgraduate-trained professional violinist and experienced teacher.

violin lessons in
lichfield, staffordshire

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Meet Josh Simms
I’m a postgraduate-trained violinist and experienced teacher offering high-quality one-to-one violin lessons in Lichfield, Staffordshire.

I hold a Master of Music with Distinction from the Royal Northern College of Music and a Bachelor of Music from the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire.

I have over fifteen years of teaching experience of beginners through to advanced students. I have had roles with the Birmingham Music Service, been an Instrument Ambassador with The Nicola Benedetti Foundation, and have observed lessons at The Yehudi Menuhin School. I am currently a violin teacher at Sheffield Music Academy.

I have performed professionally across the U.K., Europe and Australia.

I am enhanced DBS checked and a member of the Musicians’ Union.
Why Study With Me?
Personalised Teaching
Every student receives their own 1-1 lesson and a detailed weekly practice plan tailored to their individual needs and goals.
Expert Guidance
I offer ongoing WhatsApp support between lessons, video feedback, and guidance for parents on how to help students practice at home.
Dedicated Teaching
I am passionate about teaching and developing my students.
I support my students and their parents both in and out of lesson time to ensure consistent progress.
Student Successes
Students of the studio regularly achieve success in exams, youth orchestras, scholarships, and chorister auditions.

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
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Lesson Information
All of my students receive a weekly 1-1 lesson of either 30 mins, 45 mins or 60 mins from my teaching room at Lichfield Cathedral School (with parking).

Lessons are for students age 5+, from complete beginner to advanced students auditioning for conservatoires.

Parents and students receive a personalised detailed practice plan each week to follow at home to ensure progression in between lessons.

Parents and adult students can contact me via WhatsApp in between lessons for any assistance or advice.

Bonus lessons are available during the holiday periods.

Lesson Fees

All students attend weekly during term time (39 weeks per year).

The pricing below is the cost per lesson. Commitment is termly and fees are paid via a one off payment or via a monthly payment plan.

Lesson lengths recommended for each student depend on
their current level and commitment to study.

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
30-min
45-min
60-min
£ 30
£ 45
£ 60
Enhanced DBS Checked and
Musicians Union Member

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 once you're booked in.

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?

Once you're booked in for a trial lesson with me I can help you find the correct size of instrument via a short video call.

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 advanced students or professionals where fortnightly lessons can be arranged.

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 with the help 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?

I currently teach in the evenings between Monday to Wednesday. 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 term. 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 also led the Auer Quartet who performed in festivals and events across the West Midlands. Josh was also 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 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.

Josh 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.

Performances have taken him to venues across the U.K and Europe including the Royal Albert Hall and Royal Festival Hall in London, The Bridgewater Hall in Manchester and Birmingham's Symphony Hall. As a violinist he has performed with orchestras including The Brigantes, The Piccadilly Sinfonietta, The International Film Orchestra and The Yorkshire Symphony Orchestra. As well as live performances, Josh has also recorded music for film which has been featured on Netflix and Amazon Prime.

As well as performing, Josh is a passionate teacher and has his own class of students in his private teaching studio in Lichfield. He is also a violin teacher at the Sheffield Music Academy.

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