Simon Bottomley began playing the piano when he was 10. His first teacher was Nicola Gebolys, a well known local pianist. Two years later he became a pupil of David Hartigan subsequently winning first prizes at Music Festivals throughout the North of England.

He continued his studies with the distinguished Polish pianist Ryszard Bakst at the RNCM and after graduating he continued to study with Professor Bakst for six years. He considers this time to have had the most profound effect on his teaching.

Simon has given recitals as a soloist and accompanist, and has broadcast live on local radio, but now devotes his professional career to teaching. His aim has always been to help young pianists develop their talents to the full and achieve both technical and musical levels they previously thought impossible, experiencing the great joys of music.

His pupils have won major awards both at home and abroad, including finalist in the Piano section of the BBC Young Musician of the Year Competition, prize winner in the piano final of the Royal Overseas League Competition, fourth prize in the Ludmilla Knevkova Hussey International Piano Competition in Canada and semi-finalist at the Horowitz International Piano Competition in Kiev.

Simon's pupils have performed in the following London venues: The Royal Festival Hall, St Martin-in-the-Fields and St James Piccadilly.

His work is becoming increasingly recognised as an important contribution to the development of young pianists, one of whom (Kodo Osada aged 17who is already the winner of many prizes and finalist in numerous competitions including the BBC Young Musicians competition) will be taking part in the Horowitz International Piano competition in Kiev.

Apart from his success with obviously gifted children, Simon has dedicated part of his time to helping talented children with specific difficulties.

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