Simon began his musical career in the Salvation Army. He was awarded a scholarship to study at the Royal College of Music, where he studied with David Mason, Andrew Crowley, Malcolm Smith and Baroque trumpet with Mark Bennett. Simon has performed regularly with many orchestras including the Philharmonia, Ex Cathedra Baroque (BBC Proms), Welsh Chamber Orchestra, National Symphony Orchestra, English Baroque Soloists, English Concert, the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment and New London Consort. Simon is also currently principal trumpet of the Paris based orchestra Les Arts Florissants under William Christie with whom he has toured extensively in Europe and Asia. He has performed on Top of the Pops and TFI Friday with the pop band The Divine Comedy. He has also toured Italy performing Bach's Brandenburg concerto no 2 and the UK with the show Honk! Simon has also appeared on film in ‘Bright Young Things’ and ‘Just one of those things’ that are to be released in 2003 Simon continues his busy freelance career with amongst other things West End shows and concerto performances with the Locrian Ensemble.