Growing up in Jamaica, Greta Simmons quickly fell in love with music and that love turned into a passion for teaching.
When she came to Bradford West Gwillimbury she initially began working as a teacher at Bradford Academy of Music, but in May, at 73-years-old, she opened her own school.
Ms. Greta’s Music School at 107 Holland Street East is run by Simmons and allows her to teach piano both in person and virtually.
“Starting a business is not easy, and at my age it’s even harder, but things are coming into place now,” she said. “We did our first recital in August because nearly 40 of the students from the school where I was teaching came with me when I left. It wasn’t planned at all and it just happened so I went with the flow.”
Since coming to Canada, she’s furthered her studies to enhance her skills as a teacher and in 2019 she received an award for being the best piano teacher in Bradford.
“I taught for the Bradford Academy of Music for 9 years and then my family encouraged me to start my own school and do it for myself,” she said.
Although it’s never easy to build a business from the ground up, Simmons’ love for teaching and watching the students improve has made the transition much smoother for her as she embarks on this new journey.
“It gives me joy when I see the kids understanding what I’m teaching them because music is not just about playing what you’re told, when you understand it, it brings you to another level,” she said. “Even when I’m tired, the moment I start teaching I forget. If I didn’t love it, I don’t think I could manage this business and teach at the same time. The teaching is the easiest part of the whole business, it’s my passion.”
Music has always been in Simmons’ life, going back to her childhood in Jamaica where her passion for it was fostered in the church.
“Growing up when we were kids we grew up in the church surrounded by music,” she explained. “We used to have gatherings at the church where we played music and sang. Then, my mom sent me to do lessons when I was about 10-years-old and I became fascinated with it and passionate about it from there on.”
Simmons then continued her music education at Northern Caribbean University before taking exams with the Associated Board of the Royal School (UK) where she completed all eight levels of piano in both practical and theory.
“I began teaching in Jamaica for a couple of years before I came to Canada in 1998,” she said. “I began teaching in Canada around 2000 and had my own school in Brampton before coming to Bradford.”
In October, Simmons brought Nicole Fleshin aboard as the school’s new guitar teacher and hopes to continue expanding with other teachers.
“We’re planning to do renovations and add some rooms so we can have different teachers teaching different instruments at the same time,” she said. “We’re looking for teachers who teach ukulele, drums, and voice. I’m anxious to get this place renovated to add those and it should be ready for that in a month or two.”
