Simone Collins has been playing music for over 40 years, and teaching music since 1997.
One of my favourite things as a child was to listen to my father play the organ. I was so excited to begin learning to play the piano at 6 years of age and the electronic organ at 8! Music lessons are a great gift – it opens up a magnificent doorway for expression and enjoyment, and it is such an honour to introduce students of any age to the realm of music.
Thanks to my own music teacher’s encouragement, I developed early a love for performing in front of crowds (which was also an excellent vehicle for developing public speaking skills) and arranging music. In the years I competed in Yamaha Electone Festivals, in most cases playing songs I had arranged myself from orchestral scores, I usually won my heats and went on to the state finals on several occasions. In fact, the first time I went through to the WA State Final I was the youngest ever to do so, at 10 years of age.
These days, I perform monthly in concerts organised by the Theatre Organ Society of Australia (WA Division) and participate in Park Jam sessions for fun. I also publish music arrangements through Sheet Music Plus and Sheet Music Direct.
Simone Collins’ Qualifications & Registrations
In my youth, I completed Australian Music Examinations Board (AMEB) exams for Classical Piano and Theory of Music (both to Grade 5) and Yamaha Exams for Electronic Organ to the equivalent of the AMEB’s AMusA level. I started teaching under the mentorship of Jan Veal. These days, I undertake regular professional development, and present workshops for other music teachers as well.
I am registered:
- with the WA Music Teacher’s Association (WAMTA) as an Accredited Teaching Member, and
- as a Rockschool Teacher.
Since joining in 2016, I have been an active member of WAMTA. I hold the positions of Marketing Co-ordinator and Treasurer on the WAMTA Council. I’m also employed part-time as the WAMTA Secretary / Office Administrator.
I have a Working with Children card. As a member of the Board of the local high school, I undergo police checks with the Department of Education regularly as well.
About my teaching and philosophy
I believe that music lessons should be fun and tailored to the individual. Students should be well versed in understanding the theory of music, including reading music rather than learning pieces by rote. This enables them to branch out into whatever area interests them most.
We don’t work with any one syllabus. Instead, I draw on a wide variety of lesson books, repertoire, theory and note spelling. For beginners, we spend a lot of time reinforcing concepts with games, colouring, flashcards, a whiteboard etc. This helps to mix things up and accommodate different learning styles.
I make the most of technology, including a variety of fun apps to reinforce music concepts and practise. Students have free access to Piano Maestro while they are taking lessons with me. (Piano Maestro is normally $14.99 a month if you were to purchase it yourself!)
Students I cater to
I have taught students from the age of 3 through to their 70s, from complete beginners through to students preparing for exams at the highest levels and for entry to tertiary music degrees. My preference is to not start students below the age of 6.
Lessons cater for both students simply looking to learn for fun, as well as those wishing to take exams. I work with a number of different exam syllabuses, particularly the Australian Music Education Board (AMEB), Rockschool, and the Australian Guild of Music & Speech (AGMS). While I can prepare students for classical exams, my specialty is contemporary music.
In 2018, I was nominated for an ARIA Music Teacher of the Year award. In 2024 my student Joya was awarded the AGMS Dux Artium for WA. This award recognises the highest score at the highest level in 2023. Joya completed a Professional Performance Diploma, at an Associate Diploma level of performance.
If I sound like a good match for you, please contact me to see if I have any availability. I look forward to teaching you or your child and being a part of your own musical journey!