“I'll tell you what freedom is to me: no fear. I mean really, no fear!”
Nina Simone
This portfolio presents selected work from my development as a musician, performer,
composer and producer. It has been adapted as part of my HND Music Graded Unit
and is designed to support my application for a freelance session musician role.
The site demonstrates performance, composition, music production, theory and
literacy, online promotion, and professional practice. It also shows how I present
myself as a modern freelance musician with a clear digital portfolio.
Bio
Simon Guy is a singer, pianist, multi-instrumentalist performer and composer based
in Glasgow, Scotland.
Inspired at an early age by classical piano, he later developed a wider musical
identity shaped by influences including Nina Simone, David Bowie, Radiohead, soul,
rock, classical music and contemporary songwriting.
He has sung solo and as part of tenor and bass sections with choirs led by musicians
including Jane Wheeler and Alan A Craig, performing at venues including the London
Southbank Chorus Festival and Glasgow Royal Concert Hall.
Simon has experience of being recorded, recording others, working with digital audio
software, and developing music for performance and portfolio presentation. He is
comfortable working in both structured and more improvised musical environments.
Performance
This section demonstrates vocal performance, interpretation, stylistic awareness and live performance preparation.
Life on Mars
Written by David Bowie, 1971.
Skills demonstrated: vocal interpretation, phrasing, emotional expression, stage presence and stylistic awareness.
Hard to Handle
Written by Otis Redding, 1968. Song information
Skills demonstrated: ensemble awareness, rhythmic feel, confidence, communication and genre versatility.
Composition
Mirror
Mirror is an original composition by Simon Guy. It demonstrates melodic writing, harmony, structure, notation and production skills.
Skills demonstrated: composition, notation, harmony, arrangement, audio production and creative development.
Audio Production
This section presents evidence of recording, editing and production skills developed through HND coursework and independent creative work.
Cubase and Recording Work
My production work demonstrates an understanding of DAW workflow, recording, arranging, editing, mixing and preparing audio for presentation.
Skills demonstrated: digital audio production, studio awareness, arrangement, editing, mixing and independent problem-solving.
Theatre work
Composition for stampede scene in Jungle Book
Music Theory and Literacy
Musical literacy is important for session work because musicians may be expected to read charts, understand harmony, communicate musical ideas and adapt quickly in rehearsal or studio environments.
Theory, Harmony and Notation
My HND work has developed my ability to understand keys, chords, harmony, structure, notation and musical style. This supports my ability to communicate clearly with other musicians and respond to different musical situations.
Skills demonstrated: reading notation, understanding harmony, analysing musical structure, arranging and communicating musical ideas.
Professional Practice
Music Business and Online Promotion
This website is also evidence of online promotion and professional self-presentation. A modern freelance musician needs to be able to present work clearly, communicate professionally and make examples of their work accessible to clients, studios and collaborators.
My wider professional development includes learning about copyright, contracts, self-employment, online branding, portfolio design and the role of organisations such as the Musicians’ Union.
Skills demonstrated: online promotion, professional branding, music business awareness, communication and independent career planning.
Teaching and Communication
My experience teaching beginner piano students has helped me develop patience, communication skills and the ability to explain musical concepts clearly. These skills are also useful in session environments, where musicians need to collaborate, listen and respond professionally.
Skills demonstrated: communication, planning, patience, musical explanation and reflective practice.
HND Portfolio Summary
The following table summarises how selected portfolio material relates to skills developed across the HND Music course.
| Portfolio Item | Skills Demonstrated |
|---|---|
| Life on Mars | Vocal performance, interpretation, stagecraft |
| Hard to Handle | Genre awareness, rhythmic feel, ensemble performance |
| Mirror | Composition, notation, harmony, production |
| Cubase / Production Work | Recording, editing, mixing, DAW workflow |
| Website Portfolio | Online promotion, branding, professional presentation |
| Theory and Literacy Work | Musical analysis, notation, harmony, arrangement |