Welcome! I am a producer, multi-instrumentalist and composer in Oakland California. 

Sharing the famed Studio D at Hyde Street Studios with Joe Bagale (aka Otis Mcdonald) bringing artists visions to life. From tracking all instruments to arranging and engineering quality audio and visual components, I offer my clientele the full package.

A graduate of the California Jazz Conservatory, I have had the opportunity to apprentice as a guitarist under the great Mimi Fox. 

Click the three lines on the Top Left to navigate to my events page!

As a Performer

Session work Simon has been a side man on half a dozen albums, and produces his own music that he engineers, performs, mixes and masters to completion. See bottom of page for recent projects!

Streaming  on all major platforms, tune in Wednesday and Sunday nights for live production and performance sessions!

Solo Voice and Guitar gigs where I either play a full instrumental set or work vocals into the arrangements. Joined by a revolving cast of musicians. Wide range of music played, mellow jazz standards reminiscent of Chet Baker's sensibilities, to Curtis Mayfield's groovy falsetto, and of course plenty of original music.

Celestial Hotties is a roots style band that plays original tunes in addition to classics by James Brown, Rick James, Beyonce, and Chaka Kahn among others.

Golden Sun, Silver Sky is a modern experimental math-rock band, performing original music joined by drummer Zachary Bookstone.

For any inquiries as to hire, for any of these groups please contact me at simonoto@gmail.com

As a Producer

I work at Studio D under Joe Bagale at Hyde Street Studios in San Francisco,  flat rate and hourly deals available for recording, mixing, mastering, with integrated video components. 

As a Teacher

I have the pleasure of teaching at my Alma Mater, the California Jazz Conservatory. Fall '22 Funk Ensemble, lets go!

I  have my own studio in Oakland where I teach more advanced students, come by and do a trial lesson. Half hour and hourly rates are available, get in touch! simonoto (at) gmail.com

I am also a private instructor at Inspire! Music Academy in San Francisco, where I teach talented individuals of all ages

(https://www.inspiremusiccenter.com/about-simon-drums-guitar)