Simon Gardner is one Queensland’s premier rock guitarists and pre-eminent guitar teachers. At the age of 13, Simon commenced guitar lessons at Brisbane Grammar School under the expert tutelage of the late Rick Purdie. In 1989, Simon went on to be further his guitar studies at Musician’s Institute in Hollywood, California and as a teacher, Simon has been delivering lessons since 1988. From 2006 to 2017 ran his own music tuition hub, Simon Gardner Music.
Simon is now a senior music lecturer and guitar tutor JMC Academy Brisbane where, in 2025, he completed a Masters of Creative Industries degree. He also continues a private teaching practice online and in person at his studio in Lake MacDonald in the Noosa Hinterland.
As an artist, since 1994, Simon has released six albums and five singles to date and all of his work is available for purchase on Bandcamp .
Simon’s music and clips have also been featured on the internationally aired Guitar Gods and Masterpieces show on 7 mate.
As a performer, he has supported artists such as Joe Satriani, Larry Mitchell the late great Phil Emmanuel, Kevin Borich, Tim Gaze and performs live regularly with a variety of bands and artists ranging from blues, jazz and rock to his own original instrumental band.
In 2022, Simon will be MD for The Good Morning Vietnam – Music from The Vietnam War Era theatre show and is co-producer and MD for Simon Gardner’s Big Stadium Rock Show. Simon has also had the pleasure of performing with famous Hedwig and the Angry Inch actor, John Cameron Mitchell at The Tivoli in Brisbane. He has also been co-producer and artistic director at the Noosa Guitar Festival in 2023, ’24 and ’25.
In 2025, he released his two most recent singles with videos from his forthcoming album in 2025 – “The Highland Runner’ and “Cafe Racer’ with his 6th studio solo album ‘ Spirit of Energy’ released on November 27, 2025.
Simon has also been a guest artist and presenter at the Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne Guitar Shows.
“Gardner’s work is intensely original and he is extremely good at painting emotions with his guitar!” — Guitarist Australia
“Simon reminds me of a high-tech David Gilmour, but he has a style of his own and is breaking new eclectic ground.” — Mike Varney, Guitar Player Magazine Spotlight
“Simon’s exceptional playing and song writing skills instantly grabbed me. His ability to create melodies in conjunction with his feel and amazing technique is something the world needs to hear. The pleasure was all mine when Simon graciously accepted my invitation to be a special guest at my recent Australian Masterclass Tour.”
Michael Dolce, Guitarist for The Voice Australia, top Australian session player, educator and virtuoso
“You Know Why I Asked You Here overlays multiple grooves with distinctive melodies that really soar. Simon Gardner shows clearly here why he is one of the best players around on this track. His awesome technique on delightful display. Always a true pro whether performing or teaching Simon is a real industry asset and ambassador for the Guitar”
Rob Walker, Organiser, Melbourne Guitar Show
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