Student of the Week - Christine Potter

We are very proud to announce Christine Potter as this week’s Student of the Week! 

“When I joined Ridley Academy, I only had two years of piano lessons way back in fourth and fifth grades, and I was only comfortable playing in the key of C. But throw in a few sharps or a few flats, and I was out of there. I also remember as a child it was grueling memorizing scales over and over with no rhyme or reason and playing stupid songs I didn’t know!

“My goal was to be able to play any songs no matter what key they were written in. I also wanted to be able to play popular songs, not whatever the teacher was making me play. So, I decided to enroll in Ridley Academy with the hopes of being able to achieve this.

“Thanks to Stephen’s amazing and brilliant teaching method and his Piano Masterclass, I’m understanding music theory and all the scales, and, most importantly, I’m believing in myself.
“Remember in The Wizard of Oz, the Cowardly Lion? He said, ‘I do believe, I do believe, I do, I do, I do believe.’ Well, that’s been my mantra. And now, at 75, I’m playing songs I never dreamed I would be able to play. With all the sharps and flats! Stephen’s teaching has made learning piano so much easier. I truly enjoy sitting down at the piano now.

“Since starting Ridley Academy, I’ve gained a lot of confidence and even play songs at our Christmas parties! And I’m especially proud of learning the scales so easily with Stephen’s method. I knew that was the base I needed for everything else on the piano.

“I really appreciate the Ridley Academy staff reminding me to practice, putting on live seminars, and even setting up remote events where we actually get to meet Stephen and learn at lightning speed — and everything they do behind the scenes.

“My musical goals for the future are to be able to sight-read quickly, improvise, learn jazz, and accompany myself or other people. Also, I’d love to sit down at a piano at a hotel or any random place and just PLAY! I know with Ridley Academy I am well on track to be able to achieve these goals.

“So thank you, Stephen, for sharing your gifts and your talent with us. And thank you to all your staff—they’re wonderful—and to all my new Ridley Academy friends from around the world for your encouragement.”

— Christine Potter, Ridley Academy Student of the Week, 30 October 2026

Very well done, Christine!!