Todd Simmons - piano instructor and performer
For more than thirty years, Todd Simmons has dedicated his life to developing exceptional young pianists and enriching the musical life of his community. Teaching a select group of students from his Lawrence Township, NJ home studio, he blends deep musical expertise with a warm, thoughtful approach that inspires artistry, discipline, and confidence.
A versatile and passionate musician, Todd is an active soloist, collaborative pianist, choral director, and church musician. His performances on piano, harpsichord, and organ are heard throughout the region, reflecting both technical mastery and a genuine love of musical collaboration.
Todd’s students have earned top honors in an impressive range of competitions, including the NJMTA Fall Young Musicians Competition, NJMTA Spring Festival and Recitals, Music‑Fest Rising Talents Festival, Golden Key Music Festival, Crescendo International Competition, American Protege International, Elite International, IMPACT Young Artists Competition, and the Steinway Society competitions of Greater Princeton and South Jersey. Their achievements have led them to prestigious stages such as Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall, Merkin Hall, The Kosciuszko Foundation Recital Hall, The Kimmel Center, and Nicholas Music Center at Rutgers University.
Beyond teaching, Todd is a highly sought‑after accompanist, currently serving Timberlane Middle School and Hopewell Valley Central High School. His collaborative work includes the Princeton Girlchoir, Princeton Boychoir, American Boychoir, and Fairfield County Children’s Choir. From 1996–2019, he shaped young pianists as Co‑Director and masterclass teacher at Westminster Choir College’s High School Piano Camp.
Todd’s leadership roles span both educational and church music settings, including Assistant Director at the Westport School of Music (CT), Music Director at Plainsboro Presbyterian Church (NJ) and St. Paul’s Episcopal Church (CT), and choral leadership at Ridge High School, Princeton High School, and Fairfield High School. He also founded and directed the Women’s Choir of Fordham University from 2001–2005.
He holds degrees in Music Education (Eastman School of Music), Choral Conducting (University of Southern Mississippi), and Psychology (Meridian University). His musical training includes piano studies with Ingrid Clarfield and Vincent Lenti, harpsichord with Dana Ragsdale, and conducting studies with Helmut Rilling, Timothy Koch, William Weinert, and David Effron.