Gifted -> Musical

In a nutshell

Toby commenced his music studies on the piano at the age of 6 and at the age of 12 realised that his piano was not quite as mobile as he’d like.  Choosing a more portable instrument (the violin) meant he had a much more active social musical-life.  After mastering his piano studies and dabbling in violin, Toby was seduced by the luscious tones of the viola and at the age of 14 and commenced lessons under Bridget Crouch.  Toby Cumpstay began his studies in music performance (viola) at the Queensland Conservatorium in 2002 before changing his focus and co-founding Simply for Strings in 2005.  After realising that he could offer more as an entrepreneur, Toby moved into studies with Edgeware in 2003 and QUT (Business) in 2010.  Toby is a dedicated performer and has worked with many orchestras and ensembles in NSW and QLD.  However, his passion in life is ensuring that the next generation of performers (amateur and professional) are fitted out with the highest quality instruments and accessories delivered by a professional and dedicated staff.  Simply for Strings has allowed Toby to travel to Europe the UK and China to source and deliver some of the best quality instruments and bows for beginners and professional players throughout Australia.

What would your super power be and why?
Flight. To not have to take the plane, bus, car would be a dream come true.

Favourite album:
Giulano Carmignola 'Vivaldi'… simply stunning baroque performance and anything by Loreena Mckennitt , I always return to her music.

Favourite holiday destination:
Italy… the food and the people. It's my heaven.

Little known fact:
As a child I studied Interpretative dance.

Best book:
The House of Leaves – Mark Danielewski

Best gift:
My first car, a battered old Renault 12 that made clunking noises when you turned the corner. It was freedom!

Life without music would be...
a mistake.