I am a freelance musical director, performer, orchestrator & arranger, sound designer, and educator based in Devon, UK. My work spans everything from conducting large-scale musical theatre productions to orchestrating and arranging scores, performing with some of the region’s top professional musicians, running a project recording studio, and mentoring the next generation of musicians.
Musical Director
As one of the most in-demand and experienced musical directors in the South West region, I have worked on a wide range of large-scale productions. With a strong foundation in rehearsal planning, conducting, and vocal coaching, I bring both musical and leadership expertise to every project. I also specialise in integrating technology into performance environments—particularly in keyboard programming, creating custom click tracks, and enhancing live shows through innovative sound design. Whether working with professional musicians and actors or mentoring emerging talent, my focus is on delivering high-quality, engaging musical experiences.
Credits include:
Kinky Boots (Northcott Theatre Exeter 2025, Ast. MD Princess Theatre Torquay 2022); Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (Princess Theatre Torquay 2025); Everybody’s Talking About Jamie (Palace Theatre Paignton 2025); Elf The Musical (Barnfield Theatre Exeter 2024) Forty-Second Street (Princess Theatre Torquay 2024); Nativity! The Musical (Barnfield Theatre Exeter 2023); Oliver! (Ast. MD Princess Theatre Torquay 2023, Barnfield Theatre Exeter 2011) Grease (Princess Theatre Torquay 2023); Calendar Girls (Palace Theatre Paignton 2022, Cover MD Northcott Theatre Exeter 2022); Shrek (Princess Theatre Torquay 2022); Chicago (Palace Theatre Paignton 2020); Cats (Ast. MD Princess Theatre Torquay 2019, Pavilion Exmouth 2012) Wind In The Willows (New Hall Tiverton 2019); The Wiz (New Hall Tiverton 2018); Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (Ast. MD Princess Theatre Torquay 2018); Acorn Antiques (Pavilion Exmouth 2017, Barnfield Theatre Exeter 2013); Jesus Christ Superstar (Manor Pavilion Sidmouth 2016); Legally Blonde (Northcott Theatre Exeter 2016); Into the Woods (New Hall Tiverton 2015); Fiddler on the Roof (Barnfield Theatre Exeter 2015); Avenue Q (Barnfield Theatre Exeter 2015); Sister Act (Northcott Theatre Exeter 2015); Me and My Girl (Northcott Theatre Exeter 2014); Blitz (QE Crediton 2014); Footloose (Barnfield Theatre Exeter 2013, Pavilion Exmouth 2012); Starlight Express (Pavilion Exmouth 2013); Miss Saigon (Pavilion Exmouth 2013); The Wizard of Oz (Manor Pavilion Sidmouth 2012); The Sound of Music (Pavilion Exmouth 2011); Our House – The Madness Musical (Barnfield Theatre Exeter 2011); Oklahoma (Pavilion Exmouth 2011); Little Shop of Horrors (Barnfield Theatre Exeter 2010); We Will Rock You (The Phoenix Exeter 2009)
Upcoming projects in 2025: Come From Away (Palace Theatre Paignton); Calendar Girls (Manor Pavilion Sidmouth); Cinderella (Barnfield Theatre Exeter)
Performer
I perform in a wide variety of different musical settings, from musical theatre to function bands. I produce, direct and perform with the highly acclaimed All Jazzed Up band and Pocket Full of Groove function band. I am musical director and keyboardist with The All Seasons and keyboardist with the Magnificent Buble theatre tribute show. I work regularly as an accompanist both in rehearsal and performance including accompanist for Alastair Brammer (Marius in Les Miserable Westend 2009, Chris in Miss Saigon Westend 2014-2016 and Broadway 2017-2018, Fiyero in Wicked Westend 2019-2022) for Alistair Brammer A Caberet (Dec 2013, March 2016, July 2016, Dec 2019)
SOUND DESIGN | ARRANGER | ORCHESTRATOR
I run a dedicated project recording studio that focuses on sound design, orchestral score mock-ups, and high-quality vocal and instrumental recording. The studio serves as a creative hub where I produce everything from theatre soundscapes and demo recordings to fully orchestrated tracks and professional click tracks for live performance and rehearsal use. With a strong background in orchestration and arrangement, I work across a wide range of genres—adapting music for various ensembles, styles, and performance settings. I also provide professional transcription and engraving services, delivering accurate, readable scores tailored to the needs of performers, composers, and production teams alike.
EDUCATOR
With over 20 years of experience in music education, I have had the privilege of teaching and mentoring musicians at all stages of their musical journey. My work includes leading engaging workshops, directing group classes, and developing tailored music programs that inspire creativity and build confidence. I also run a private piano studio, where I offer one-to-one lessons to students ranging from complete beginners to advanced and professional-level pianists. My teaching approach blends strong technical foundations with a passion for musical expression, always adapting to the unique goals and learning styles of each individual student.
Simon Carter 