Mr. Simon Kerwin (BA) Hons

Raised in the heart of the brass band community in the North West of England, Simon Kerwin has developed his musical career to become a  globally recognised performer, conductor, composer and arranger.

Commencing his musical studies on baritone at the age of 12 years before progressing to the euphonium and finally settling on the tuba, Simon became a member of the successful Wingates Band at the age of 17 years-old.

Studies at the University of Salford advanced Simon’s performance and conducting skills, whilst studying under some of the world’s most influential composers such as James Curnow, John Golland, Phillip Sparke, Peter Graham, Arthur Butterworth and Michael Ball elevated Simon to now be considered one of the most prolific modern day composers and arrangers for brass and wind instrumentation, working regularly on commissions for some of the world’s greatest ensembles.

Composing regularly for many worldwide publishers, Simon has also developed his own publishing house, Kerwin Music. In addition to having over 400 titles published, his works are regularly featured on CDs, radio and television and his arrangements have been featured in two very successful movies, Brassed Off and the Full Monty.

A tuba player with some of the most influential bands such as Britannia Building Society, Yorkshire Building Society and Wingates, Simon was also a member of the prolific James Shepherd Versatile Brass and has regularly performed with some of the world’s greatest orchestras, including the Manchester based Hallè Orchestra.

Such has been the demand for Simon’s talents he has lived and worked in England, Scotland, Scandinavia and New Zealand, performing, composing and conducting ensembles such as The Trusts Waitakere Brass Band and the Auckland Philharmonia. Simon was also appointed Director of the Sentinal Auckland Brass Academy and National Schools Band of New Zealand, before returning to live in England in 2007.

In addition to his very busy professional life, Simon is presently developing a series of tutor books, with the aim of teaching a high-class method of musicality to all brass and woodwind instruments. The tutor system is called “Mode For….” and the new business of Mode For.... and Mode For.... Music is a joint venture between Simon and business partner Tabby Clegg.

For more details log on to www.modefor.co.uk and www.modeformusic.co.uk