Zach (Simba) Simms

"Zach Simms, 'Simba' as he is called by most close friends, is based in the DMV and Eastern Shore of MD, where he grew up captivated by all things musical. While his prime instrument is Guitar, he performs and instructs on Mandolin, Electric Bass, Ukulele, and on the odd occasion, Banjo. While he spent his younger years focused on drinking in most genres, he spent his college years at Salisbury University studying under Master Guitarist Dr. Danielle Cumming, focusing on a more purist form of Classical guitar, and earning a Bachelor of Arts in Sound Engineering.

Between practicing and studying constantly, Simba spends his time a number of ways; Instructing Private Students, performing around the DMV, and Sound Engineering, where he has run sound for acts such as Marshall Tucker Band, Styx, Merle Haggard, to name a few. He also performs as a gun-for-hire for both the stage, and studio.

Simba also responds to his musical calling by running Production Coordination for Marlow Guitar International, a Classical Guitar Series based out of Silver Spring, MD. He has worked production for the likes of Xuefei Yang, Martin Taylor, Sergio Assad, Frank Vignola, and David Russell.

While teaching, Simba is always searching for the light-bulb moments that will help his students become inspired and continue to learn. He knows with a growth mindset, any student can become a talented musician, and find ways to connect music to the way they live their life.

*When he is not working on music, he is enthralled with log cabin architecture, various languages, and food."

When it comes to the music, and instruments like the guitar and other strings - its a massive world, and you can always dive deeper

I find that learning a bit of every style is the best approach to becoming a healthy musician. I can teach it all to you, all you need to bring is some good interest, open-mindedness, and some passion. I'll be throwing a healthy does of musical workouts at you, combined with challenges to grow you. As well as familiar pieces to mix in fun and stability!

I combine this well-rounded approach with tactfulness and practicality. I will set you up with a practice regimen, focused around music you want to learn, and music you should learn to develop your technical skills and diversity of taste. We will work together to get you listening to music that is growing your ear, alongside your instrument.