Simon MacLeod is a contemporary classical saxophone teaching and performing artist known for his warm sound, curiosity‑driven artistry, and a teaching style rooted in heart, humour, and the power of shared musical experiences. His multifaceted career—as performer, teacher, collaborator, and communicator—has led him to work with musicians, dancers, filmmakers, composers, and visual artists, all fuelled by a passion for telling meaningful stories through sound.
A sought‑after educator, Simon has provided private saxophone instruction and theory tutoring for all ages and levels, and has led clinics across Southern Alberta through the Mount Royal University Conservatory, University of Calgary School of Creative & Performing Arts, Banff Music Retreats, the Clinic Line, and Vic Lewis Band Festival. Students can expect thoughtful guidance, genuine enthusiasm, and a supportive environment that nurtures confidence, creativity, and musical joy.
Simon brings an adventurous spirit to the stage—whether playing with Alberta Winds, the Calgary Civic Symphony, or the Calgary Wind Symphony; collaborating with folk and indie artists like I Am The Mountain or Samantha Savage Smith; or improvising alongside Japanese shamisen player Hiroshi Yamaguchi or on stage with the improvised music concert series Bug Incision. His approach blends strong classical foundations with a love of storytelling, experimentation, and community connection.
Outside the studio, Simon is a collector of hobbies: birdwatching, skiing, hiking, gardening, pottery, and beginner tap dance (emphasis on beginner…). He also channels his creative energy professionally as Marketing Manager with the Honens International Piano Competition. Most recently, he finds joy as a new dad, curating great playlists, spending quiet time in nature, and cheering on his wife in her latest contemporary dance projects.