PicoBlog

I’ve studied, practiced for my entire life (over 40 yrs) & now teach piano. I can honestly say I am utterly appalled & fed up of watching Mr Ridley's strategically targeted ad’s & grandiose claims all over the internet. Curiosity made me watch his 90minute “webinar” (THIS IS PRE-RECORDED & plays on a LOOP; IT’s NOT LIVE!). I can find absolutely no evidence showing him performing ANY significant, complex piano repertoire. He claims to be an internationally renowned concert pianist, but he has no notable performances, I’d never heard of him before the insidious ad’s began playing everywhere, & having watched his brief demonstrations it’s obvious that he does not possess anywhere near the skill level to support this being the case. Even his demonstrations, which he claims illustrate increasing levels of difficulty involve him usually playing in C Major at ever greater volume by bashing the keys aggressively; focusing on 4 main simple root chords; & incorporating arpeggiated left hand accompaniments. Arpeggios can look impressive if you’re unfamiliar with piano, but they’re really not that difficult. The price that he quotes for his “Masterclass” is exorbitant! It also does not allow potential students any example or trial lessons. Most, if not all, reputable music teachers will offer new students an introductory lesson. I am unfamiliar with the other teaching course that you mention, but the price certainly sounds much more realistic. The only thing I’d question is the instructor having passed a Grade 10 level certification? The RSAMD & Trinity College exams stop at Grade 8, I wonder if you meant that the instructor has achieved his Diploma. There are several different Diplomas that both institutions offer, focusing on performance or teaching respectively. That makes more sense to me. Obviously I can’t comment on the Piano For All course, but I am glad that you, & many others by the sound of it, have found a learning experience that meets their needs without breaking their bank balances. I’m also really encouraged that it’s instructor has qualifications & can produce them for his students as bonafides: I really doubt Mr Ridley could claim to be able to do the same. The main advice I’d offer anyone thinking of beginning lessons, whether online or one to one with a teacher is: make sure you see & hear them play live, that they offer you an introductory/trial lesson; they can either produce qualifications, or if not can at least demonstrate sufficient previous experience & practical working knowledge to show competency to teach; if they have testimonials that they're from actual students not just anonymous comments that could be generated by a bot, or otherwise faked; have they presented any of their students for graded exams & if so what’s the success rate/grades achieved; that they can give you clear individual positive criticism that is individually-learning based to aid you improve, develop skills & technique but is not couched in jargon & meaningless ‘buzz-words’; any teacher should discuss what you want to achieve from your lessons & should then devise a lesson plan based upon helping you work towards those goals. Most importantly learning & playing an instrument should be an enjoyable, creatively satisfying experience. It takes effort, practice, commitment & time. If it sounds too good to be true it most definitely is, regardless of Mr Ridley’s assertions, there are no shortcuts. Good luck to all those who are seeking a teacher. I hope that you find someone who can fulfill your expectations. xx

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