Nat Simpkins

Name:	Nat Simpkins
Location:	Manchester US 01944
Contact:	Send Nat Simpkins a message

Additional Info:

I have been involved professionally in music for over 35 years as a music teacher, performing artist, recording artist, record producer, record label owner, arranger and composer. I have written many music books and hundreds of arrangements for musicians of all levels. I have experience in virtually all styles of music. I offer private lessons to students of all ages and abilities in all styles.
My Teaching Background
My entire family is involved in the arts. My Mom is a painter and violinist in the Cape Ann Symphony, my Dad was an actor and a writer. My Uncle was under contract to Cecil B. DeMille and appeared in several Hollywood movies with Gary Cooper and Paulette Godard. I was educated at the Berklee School of Music. I also studied privately with John Payne, Jerry Bergonzi, Houston Person, Buddy Tate, Arnett Cobb, Eddie lockjaw Davis, Eddie Cleanhead Vinson. I have recorded 10 CDs as a leader. My CD Crescent City was the #1 Record on Jazz Radio Charts coast to coast in 2002 and #35 of all jazz Records released in that year. I performed on “Good Morning America” as part of the Mardi Gras coverage. I have performed in New Orleans at Jazzfest, Satchfest, and major venues including Tipitinas, Snug Harbor, and the House of Blues and with the Neville Brothers and the Marsalis family. Also in New York City at The Village Vanguard with Buddy Tate and Scott Hamilton, Birdland with the Count Basie Band, the Lester Young Tribute Concert in NYC, and Cecil’s Jazz Club in New Jersey. I headlined at Boston’s “Steppin’ Out” concert sharing the stage with Delfeayo Marsalis, Ellis Marsalis, Tito Puente Jr. and many others, and at the Jazz Week festival in Boston sharing the stage with Max Weinberg from the "Late Nite" with Conan O'Brian Show. Primarily a saxophonist I also perform and teach Piano, Guitar, Bass, Drums, Clarinet, Flute, Trumpet, Trombone, Banjo and Mandolin.

My Teaching Philosophy
I approach teaching each student as a unique individual and try to assess what their skill levels and goals are and how I can help to take them to the next level. When I find that a student reaches a certain level I start creating unique arrangements for them that will help them grow even faster musically. I have students from age 5 to age 85 on all instruments. Along with private lessons I offer ensembles. One of my students performs professionally with me on trumpet. He is now 18 and has been studying with me since the second grade. Another of my students started two years ago at age 56 on Bass Guitar and then Bass Violin. He now performs regularly with me as well. One of my students is 10 years old. His mother and father are from Brazil. He has been studying with me for 5 years. He began on piano and added the trumpet about two years ago. His best instrument is the drums however! After studying with me for only a few months he has become the drummer in my main ensemble which includes the two previously named students and is performing with us a concert which is part of a big arts festival. I teach my students that there is no limit to what they can achieve if they keep trying!

Will Teach:

Beginners, Intermediate Grades, Advanced Grades, Diploma / Higher Levels, Adult Beginners