Simon Farintosh
Guitar
Simon Farintosh is a guitarist, composer, arranger, teacher, and award-winning performer from the west coast of Canada. He is known for his unconventional programming choices, connecting with audiences by integrating the classical guitar with more contemporary forms such as electronic music and jazz. His debut EP Aphex Twin for Guitar (2021) comprises his own transcriptions of pieces by British electronic artist Richard D. James, fusing two seemingly disparate types of music. His second EP ‘Seascapes’ consists of original compositions inspired by the vast and captivating landscape of the Pacific Northwest, combining the resonant sound of the eight-string guitar with atmospheric synth textures.
Simon earned a Bachelor of Music Degree at the University of Victoria, where he studied with renowned guitarist Dr. Alexander Dunn. In 2020, Simon completed a Master’s Degree at The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee where he was a student and teaching assistant to Rene Izquierdo, an internationally-recognized Cuban virtuoso. Currently, he is pursuing a Doctorate of Musical Arts at the University of Toronto, where he is a student of Dr. Jeffrey McFadden. Simon’s performances have garnered him top awards in competitions such as the Northwest Guitar Festival and the National Music Festival of Canada, and he is a six-time recipient of the British Columbia Arts Council Award.
As a teacher, Simon always prioritizes the individual interests and goals of his students. Although his primary studies have been in classical guitar, his experience playing other styles of music has cultivated a well-rounded teaching approach that is applicable to a wide range of playing styles. Simon is adept at teaching the fundamentals of guitar, with ample experience in subjects such as technique, fretboard harmony, arranging, ear training, sight-reading, and music theory. His students have achieved top grades on RCM exams and received the highest awards at both regional and provincial levels.
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