Testimonials

Stephen's musical credentials need little introduction, as a performer, academic and composer, with a detailed knowledge and understanding of musical genres, techniques and learning styles.  His outstanding skill is in hooking into the interests of his pupils and to instil in them a love of music and the joy of learning and playing pieces.   His enthusiasm is infectious and his ability to encourage his students to go beyond their own expectations is impressive. He talks to students about what they want to achieve and to set them goals that will stretch them.  He is able to put even the most nervous player at ease and to relax into playing and to make it fun.  He has a great knack of pointing out errors in a humorous way that encourages students to work out the mistakes in a supportive environment.  My son's musical abilities blossomed under Stephen's guidance and it is wonderful to hear him play pieces that he has worked through with Stephen.  My son will genuinely miss his lessons with Stephen. Stephen is a very gifted teacher.

Gai Murphy

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Emma Carter (Now studying geography at Oxford University – Emma has also recently won the Keble College Music Scholarship.) 

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Dr Wood has taught piano to  our daughter and she absolutely loves it. It helps that he has the patience of a saint but she also enjoys doing her lessons. It is a total pleasure listening to her play and she has been very successful with her exams as well as participating in Ramsbottom's Music Festival and winning her class twice. Thank you for the support and gift of playing. 
  
Debra Carr - Head teacher, Walmsley CE Primary School, Egerton, Bolton.

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Steve taught both my sons to play the piano, taking them from the early grades to diploma level. He has always tutored them with a perfect balance of patience, firmness and encouragement, and they absolutely loved having him as a teacher - indeed, my youngest is now a young adult pupil paying for his own lessons! Steve is always keen to encourage pupils to challenge themselves through, for example, taking a higher grade examination, performing in public or competing in local music festivals, but he is never too pushy and always respects their preferences. I also appreciate the way in which he uses his boundless musical knowledge to set the pieces being learnt in context, giving a frame of reference and perspective which makes learning the music even more interesting and engaging. Thank you Steve for giving my boys a love of music and a skill for life. 

Karen Smith
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Steve taught all three of my children and now teaches me. He took my son from complete beginner to Diploma in four years. Steve has been inspirational as a teacher. Hi is patient and supportive; he pushes/challenges where needed and is stimulating intellectually and musically.

Debbie Knight, parent and student.
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Steve has taught me from grade 6 to diploma level, and achieving that is something I’d never have thought possible. I am so grateful to have had his expertise and tuition, and appreciate everything he has helped me to do. Steve always challenged me to push myself when he knew I had the ability to, which has given me so much confidence in playing the piano. Thank you for being a wonderful teacher. 

Emma
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We've been delighted with the confidence and progress that our daughter has made since starting lessons with Steve. Steve has a lovely manner, is very supportive and extremely reliable. She is learning to really play the music, rather than just play the notes. Thanks Steve!

Lyndsey Brierley
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Learning to Play the piano was a retirement project but I had little confidence in my ability to learn. Steve and I discussed what I wanted to achieve and how he could help me accomplish these goals. Each lesson was structured and evaluated together with a target set for each week. This really helped with motivation and enabled me to see my progression. Steve is very patient and encouraging and the journey has been life changing. I never thought I would have the confidence to take and exam and now at the age of 70, I am working towards a grade 8 and enjoying every minute of it.

Irene
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Steve is an excellent teacher who knows how to get the best out of his students. He is really encouraging and teaches to a very high standard.

L Riggs    

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Thank you for all your efforts in getting Tom to the standard that he's at, it wouldn't have happened without your efforts to keep him interested and motivated.

M. Devereux

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