I’ve been with the Ridley Academy for about a year now, and joining both the Masterclass and the Mentorship program has truly changed my life. When I first signed up, I knew nothing about music or the piano — only that I had a vision of creating music and maybe even using it to help others one day. What I didn’t expect was how much this journey would heal me in the process.

Growing up, I faced learning challenges that made school incredibly difficult. I didn’t process information the way other children did. Words, numbers, and directions often became jumbled, and I would freeze under pressure. Instead of patience or understanding, I was punished for it.

“My father called me stupid as he hit me for freezing in fear. Those moments shaped how I saw myself for decades.”

Later in life, I learned that what I experienced is sometimes labeled as “dyslexia,” but as a child, all I knew was shame. Because of that, I avoided music entirely, even though I longed for it. I didn’t believe some...

My piano story actually began when I was eight years old. I took lessons for a year and then quit—life got busy and the dream quietly slipped away. Years later I tried again, but responsibilities pulled me off track. Still, the desire never faded. That quiet longing was always there.

When I saw the promotion for Stephen Ridley’s Academy, something inside me sparked. My doubts kicked in: Too old? No time? Is this really for me? But then I asked myself:

If not now, when?

So I enrolled.

From the very first lesson I felt the difference. The structure, the clear direction, the way everything made sense—it all clicked.

“In just three months, I’ve grown more than I ever expected. I’m proud of myself—and that is priceless.”

I’m learning music in a way I never did before. Not just songs—but why they’re built, how they feel, how they connect. The tools I’m developing? Hand coordination, rhythm, ear-training—real skills.

“This is the best personal move I could have made for myself—es

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"I started Stephen’s Masterclass because I wanted to learn piano seriously—not just play a few songs, but really understand music. I’ve tried other courses before, but this one is different. It’s not built on shortcuts or quick tricks that don’t lead anywhere. Every lesson helps you build a real foundation and understand what you’re doing.

The coaches are amazing. They don’t just correct you—they help you focus on the things that truly make you better. Their insight keeps me from wasting time on habits that don’t help, and that has made a big difference in my progress.

When I began, I couldn’t play anything at all. Now, after working through the first year, I can play several songs, and more importantly, I understand what I’m doing. The first phase really focuses on building solid skills, and it’s so rewarding to see how everything connects.

I also joined Stephen’s Mentorship Program, and that took things to another level. In mentorship, I get new lessons daily, and it feels very pe...

"Hello Rex,

I learned that I will receive, tuition free, the number of weeks I was unable to participate in the Mentorship program (due to house fire, no piano) My heartfelt gratitude to you for speaking up for me.

Being in the Ridley Academy, being ‘coached’ by you, has been so enlightening, enriching. I’m learning so much “piano sense”. I didn’t realize there was such a thing as a teaching strategy for the piano that could work for me. So helpful for you to tell me which finger drills to use to help my 4th and 5th finger perform well. And reminding me of the hand stretches 👍

I have a lot to think about and explore. im not at the learning stage where it is intuitive to know which exercise will help me get through a rough spot. I trust that will come in time. When I listen to your comments I’ve begun to take notes. i think that will help me retain your suggestions.

I’ve been a bit limited in the time I’ve had available to spend with my piano. So, as I said months ago, please don’t ...

Frode Heggelund — Reigniting My Passion for Music
🌍 Norway

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 2 years of experience with Ridley Academy

"I joined the Ridley Academy 2 years ago after seeing the AD’s on YouTube, and I have been in the Mentorship program for the last year. Before this I haven’t really played much piano for 20 years and I was immediately thrilled by the excitement in Stephen’s personality. I knew that the best way to improve my artistic expressions was to get my mojo back and bring the fun back in. The Ridley Academy has definitely delivered even if I was at an advanced level before joining (I did play in 8 weddings 25 years ago), and I have experienced huge improvements in both singing and playing since I joined.

Yes, I may think that some of the AD’s are bending the truth a little bit, but I take it as they are, sales pitches and see through that. What really got me joining was the excitement and spirit. There is nothing that gives you more of a thrill and boost of confidence than a pers...

“When I discovered Ridley Academy, I had no idea how much it would affect my life…”

"When I discovered Ridley Academy, I had no idea how much it would affect my life. I first stumbled upon the ad for a free webinar in March of 2023, and I signed up for the Masterclass immediately after. I thoroughly enjoyed the Masterclass and found that I learned things in weeks that I was never taught in years of lessons earlier in my life, and I gradually became more confident in my playing.

In August of 2023, I had the pleasure of attending one of Stephen Ridley’s concerts with my husband and youngest daughter. Stephen’s energy is just as infectious at his show as it is in the Masterclass videos, and we all became even bigger fans.

About a year after that concert, my husband, Paul, passed away after battling a rare and very aggressive cancer. While he was fighting his battle, I would sometimes go to the hospital’s chapel to play the piano, and I was able to improvise and let out emotions ...