Alongside my performing career, I have been pleased to share my love for music with many students and offer masterclasses and occasional one-to-one coaching sessions. I enjoy connecting with students of different ages and abilities, and getting to the root of technical and musical issues. I believes in approaching every piece of music from a purely musical perspective and encourage all attending my classes to form a strong and communicative performance.
Recent engagements have included masterclasses and workshops at Chetham's School of Music, Royal Birmingham Conservatoire and Concord College, two courses in Malaysia and Thailand, and chamber music coaching at the Royal College of Music and Benslow Music. I am also Head of Piano at the Ingenium Academy which is now in its sixth year and welcomes over 100 students from 35 different countries! I am also on the faculty of the thriving music department at Harrow School.
Simon Callaghan shares, inspires and builds many young pianists to improve themselves in piano performance. His performance with skilful technique leads us to a great understanding in various styles and different periods. Also, his guidance and creativity inspire many young educators to explore more in various learning and teaching styles.
Sow Mun Fan Fantasia Music House, Malaysia
Simon’s encouraging and empathetic approach was much appreciated by the students. Whilst being struck by his impressive technique, the students were also impressed by his command of their repertoire and of his ability to bring new aspects of performance to their understanding of the music in a relatively short space of time: each student was given twenty minutes of tuition and guidance, in the presence of a small audience, and was encouraged to think carefully about the interpretation and technique involved in performing repertoire that ranged from Bach to Billy Mayerl. The masterclass is still much talked of at Sherborne School and I hope that a return visit may be organised before too long.
James Henderson Director of Music, Sherborne School
Simon Callaghan is an inspirational educator, mentor and teacher. His focus on the finer details and interpretation of music as well as the technique and physicality of playing ensures remarkable progress. His students are always motivated and empowered in their learning. His ability to treat each pupil as an individual and to address their unique needs and skills ensures that their learning is both an exciting and rewarding experience.
Rebecca Hawley Director, Ingenium Summer Academy
Simon has been a wonderful colleague and friend of the music team at the College for many years. In addition to supporting our students as a superb accompanist, he has also offered a masterclass for piano students and a seminar on freelance business skills for musicians. In these sessions, he has demonstrated an excellent ability to communicate with students, offering clear advice and warm words of encouragement. He has a strong ability to ‘read’ the educational and musical needs of individual students and knows instinctively how to stretch and challenge players. All who took part in these sessions were given an opportunity to progress and develop.
Mel Coyle Luton Sixth Form College
Simon Callaghan's Masterclass for Royal Birmingham Conservatoire was a highlight of the season. Students responded very positively to his clear and elegantly expressed ideas, and when he sat down to demonstrate a point of sound, balance or phrasing his playing confirmed this natural authority.
John Thwaites Head of the Department of Keyboard Studies, Royal Birmingham Conservatoire
Simon Callaghan is an eloquent and authoritative musician who brings aristocratic erudition, sensitivity, care and inspiration to the teaching studio. His outstanding artistry brings impressive experience and possibilities to a those fortunate enough to study with him.
Murray McLachlan Head of Keyboard, Chetham's School of Music