I've been taking weekly video exchange lessons with Ruth for fourteen months now. I started with very little piano experience, and I have learned several dozens of classical pieces during that time. Ruth makes very good choices of repertoire that covers various styles and time periods. My technique has improved a lot. I've learned a lot about rhythm, dynamics, articulation, phrasing. The main focus has been playing real music, not technical exercises.
Ruth provides you video demonstrations for each assignment. This gives you a clear goal: you hear and see what your performance should be like. When recording your video you listen to yourself and analyze your playing. Ruth gives you very clear and detailed feedback for each assignment, so that you understand immediately what needs to be improved. Ruth is a very knowledgeable and encouraging teacher. I've felt inspired all the time since I started taking lessons with Ruth.
Andrei
I had been learning piano with weekly face to face lessons, from a local teacher, for about two years when the first pandemic lockdown put paid to all that. As an older adult, with no musical background, I felt I had invested quite a lot of time and effort already and didn’t want to lose it all, so I looked around for an on-line alternative. That’s when I found Ruth and I’m so glad I did.
We started off with a couple of ‘video link’ lessons, which were a great way to introduce ourselves and get to know each other a little. Ruth immediately came across as very supportive and encouraging, coupled with a strong sense of calmness and patience as I struggled to play on live video. However, I was worried that if I couldn’t demonstrate my developing skills adequately on a video link it would be difficult to move forward. To help get over my performance nerves, Ruth suggested that another option that she calls ‘video exchange’, might suit me better and we have found that this weekly regime works really well.
It works like this: Ruth sends me a lesson plan for the week by email, often with one or more short video links so that I can see and hear her demonstrating how to play a piece (we both have copies of a workbook or piece of music we are working on). During the week I make video recordings of my own playing of the various exercises and pieces, and then upload them to Google Drive (you could use other platforms). I can then copy a link address for each of my recordings into my email reply to Ruth so that she can view them.
Some of the great things about this process include having a written record of each lesson plan (that I can refer back to in the future) and having video examples of how to play correctly. It’s also extremely helpful to be able to look at my own videos to see and hear how I am playing, check my hand positions and timing etc.
I’m quite used to self-directed study at home so I’m very comfortable with this arrangement. I’m also enjoying learning more music theory and Ruth is brilliant at replying to email requests for help and providing detailed feedback on my progress on both theory and practice. She also has a lot of helpful guidance on various topics available on her web-site. Other students might find it useful to supplement video exchanges with occasional face-to-face video link sessions.
In conclusion, I think this is an excellent way to learn to play. I have all the benefits of working with my own personal and very experienced piano teacher, combined with the flexibility to practice and record my efforts at times when it suits me.
Thank you so much, Ruth.
Kathryn
Pros of online piano tutorials (self-learning)
Cons of online piano tutorials (self-learning)
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Pros of private 1-to-1 tuition (in-person)
Cons of private 1-to-1 tuition (in-person)
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I have never been so inspired or in love with the piano as I have been for the past few months whilst having lessons from Ruth. I am a returning adult learner learning through distance learning with Ruth. I have had in-person lessons with various other teachers in the past and honestly feel as though distance learning is so much more beneficial! Ruth is fantastic at explaining things via email and videos, you can tell she really does put a lot of time into things and never rushes her feedback. Not only do I strongly recommend Ruth as a piano teacher but I also strongly recommend distance learning as a method. I am hoping to soon start preparing for my grade 6 exam with Ruth and feel every confidence that she will be able to get me there!
Hayley
Ruth is a great teacher! Very supportive and always answers my questions. I have found her online lessons perfectly fit in with my busy lifestyle. I can re-view her videos and emailed instructions (I obviously don't get things first time round!) I can also see my progress as it's all recorded and saved. And I find that really motivating. She has personalised every lesson. I can even learn away from the piano... so no excuses! Haha! And I love her cat that makes an appearance every now and then in the videos. I've nicknamed him 'Cameo Cat'
Sarah
Ruth is an amazing teacher.. i had distance lessons with her by email and video and it worked really well! Ruth is brilliant at seeing what you need and breaking down into into easily digestable chunks.. patient and insightful - i have had to stop lessons for now but will be resuming as soon as i can!
Charlie
