Piano Masterclass by Ridley Academy - A Deep Review (2024)
Stephen Ridley claims to have developed a totally new approach "The Ridley Method" to learning piano, promising to make you play with confidence up to 10 times faster than conventional methods.
He assures us that no prior experience is required, and he guarantees to unlock your creative potential. Sounds too good to be true, doesn't it?
Let's dig deeper into the claims, methods, and Stephen Ridley’s revolutionary approach to see if it lives up to the hype or if it's just another overpromising attempt to lure in eager learners.
Ridley Academy presents itself as a groundbreaking platform that offers a fresh perspective on learning the piano.
The price of the Complete Piano Masterclass by Ridley Academy is $2997.
According to their claims, this academy, spearheaded by British artist Stephen Ridley, has devised a revolutionary approach that aims to transform anyone into a skilled pianist in a fraction of the time it would traditionally take.
The academy boasts an accelerated learning method that promises to make you play with confidence up to 10 times faster than the conventional methods.
They assert that no prior experience is necessary, enticing beginners and those with limited musical knowledge to embark on this transformative journey.
At the core of Ridley Academy's Method is the belief that piano learning can be simplified by breaking it down into 55 key steps, each as straightforward as brushing your teeth.
By meticulously guiding students through these steps in the correct order, the academy claims that success is virtually inevitable.
While the claims may sound alluring, skepticism naturally arises. Is it worth the $1397 price tag?
Can Stephen Ridley’s Academy truly deliver on its promise? Is their approach truly revolutionary, or is it just another marketing ploy?
Let’s find out…
Meet Stephen Ridley: The Visionary Instructor
At the heart of Ridley Academy is its visionary instructor and founder, Stephen Ridley.
Presented as a multi-award-winning international pianist, Stephen Ridley is portrayed as a prodigious talent who began teaching himself piano at the tender age of 2 before embarking on formal training at 11.
His early years of trial and error allegedly led him to develop a completely unique approach to learning piano and understanding music.
Ridley's Method centers around breaking down the process of learning piano into 55 key steps, each as simple and time-consuming as brushing your teeth.
He believes that by guiding students through these steps in the correct order, one can achieve inevitable success. This claim raises skepticism: can such a seemingly simple approach truly unlock the full potential of aspiring pianists?
While Ridley's passion and dedication to teaching are evident, some people may question his credibility and whether his self-discovered methods hold up against more established teaching approaches.
It is crucial to critically examine the evidence and evaluate whether Ridley's expertise translates into a successful learning experience for his students.
Ridley Academy Piano Masterclass: A Breakthrough Learning Experience?
Central to the offerings of Ridley Academy is their flagship program, the Stephen Ridley’s Piano Masterclass.
Marketed as a comprehensive guide designed to take anyone from a complete beginner to a skilled pianist, this course claims to offer a fast-track path to mastering the piano.
Ridley Academy asserts that their Complete Piano Masterclass is a game-changer, requiring just 3 minutes of practice per day over a period of 3-12 months, depending on the individual's study schedule.
Stephen Ridley boldly states that this “Ridley Method” is a staggering 150 times faster than traditional methods. Such an ambitious claim undoubtedly raises skepticism and warrants closer examination.
The course promises to equip students with a full understanding of music theory, the ability to play the piano, read and write music, learn any song, and develop an emotional connection to music.
It aims to produce not just technically proficient pianists, but also artists who possess a deep appreciation and expression for the art form.
While the accelerated timeframe and comprehensive curriculum may sound enticing, one might question whether such ambitious goals can truly be achieved within the proposed timeframe.
The production quality of the videos is high, with Stephen Ridley explaining concepts clearly and demonstrating techniques.
However, the bite-sized lessons move quickly through material without much depth. I'm doubtful the limited instruction could provide a comprehensive foundation.
The idea of dividing practice into 3 minute micro-sessions seems intriguing for fitting into busy schedules. But I question whether such minimal and fragmented practice could lead to mastery.
Some people might also wonder how effective this approach is compared to more affordable, time-tested methods and courses of piano instruction like PFA.
Course Details
Ridley Academy Complete Piano Masterclass aims not only to teach piano skills but also to inspire students and unlock their creative potential.
Ridley Academy Piano Masterclass spans a 6-12 month program, tailored to accommodate individual study schedules. While the timeframe may vary depending on the student's availability and commitment, the course promises to provide a comprehensive understanding of the subject of music and the practical skill of playing the piano.
With over 220 videos and more than 28 hours of tutorials, the course offers a wealth of instructional content. These videos guide students through each step of the learning process, following Ridley Academy's unique method to piano instruction.
Additionally, guided video exercises and supplementary materials, such as the Ridley Academy Exercise Pack and Ridley Academy Music Dictionary, are included to enhance the learning experience.
The course emphasizes a practical approach, aiming to develop pianists who possess a deep understanding of music and the ability to play rather than merely focusing on technical jargon.
However, it's important to approach this claim with skepticism, as the exclusion of technical terms may raise concerns regarding a well-rounded education in music theory.
The goal of Ridley Academy is to unlock students' creative potential and foster an emotional connection to music. By the end of the course, students are expected to be able to play the piano, read and write music, and learn any song.
Pricing Options and Benefits
Ridley Academy offers two primary pricing options for the Ridley Academy Piano Masterclass. The most popular choice is the one-time payment option, priced at $2997, with this 53% off deal you can get it for $1397.
Alternatively, for those who prefer a more flexible approach, Ridley Academy provides the option to pay for the course over 12 months.
To obtain specific information about this payment plan, individuals are encouraged to contact support@ridleyacademy.team.
As an added bonus, students receive Stephen Ridley's latest guide to the best pianos and keyboards at different price points. This additional resource can be helpful for those who are in the market for purchasing their own piano.
What do students say about Ridley Academy?
Students have mixed opinions about Ridley Academy, with some praising the teaching method while others express skepticism about its claims and pricing.
THIS WHOLE THING smells like a MEGA-scam, and even if the course is ok in itself - it’s ridiculously overpriced, marketed in an unethical way, the people who work on this are selling this course like they’re selling a religious message and this whole experience has just left me with the worst impression of these people, this course and yeah everything. There are many many more examples of thing they’ve said to me that doesn’t add up but yeah - I just wanted to share this.
User: kamz_
Overall, while Ridley Academy has garnered positive testimonials regarding its teaching style and effectiveness, significant skepticism remains about its pricing, marketing strategies, and the validity of its accelerated learning claims. Prospective students should weigh these factors carefully before enrolling.
Free Masterclass
This “free 90 minutes masterclass” is prerecorded and you can watch it after you submit your name, email and phone number. On this free pre-recorded masterclass, Ridley introduces his piano academy and his method of teaching.
Ridley Academy - 4 Chords
Ridley’s 4 Magic Chords are:
C Major: written C or Cmaj
A Minor: written Am or Amin
F Major: written F or Fmaj
G Major: written G or Gmaj
You've probably have seen a video where Stephen Ridley explains that with these 4 chords you can play 100s of songs. The 4 chords are shown in the image above, and they are not something new or invented by Ridley.
Sleek Production, Limited Transparency
The Piano Masterclass has high production quality, lending it an air of credibility. However, transparency about the actual content appears limited.
Despite many glowing testimonials, objective third-party reviews of the course are scarce. And Ridley Academy does not provide previews of lessons for potential students.
Without access to sample modules, it's impossible to fairly judge the value being offered. The slick packaging does not necessarily correlate with substantive educational quality.
This lack of transparency means students must take a leap of faith, paying over $1397 upfront for undisclosed content. More insight would build trust.
Better & more affordable alternative?
Let's be real: $1,397 is a hefty sum for any online course, especially when promising "revolutionary" results. While Ridley Academy boasts intriguing features, its premium pricing begs the question: is it truly worth the investment?
Let's turn to a tried-and-true contender: PFA. This veteran in the online piano lesson space has taught over 500,000 students (including many of my friends) with its comprehensive, step-by-step video lessons and practical approach.
Here’s an interesting story: My 68-year-old mother had always wanted to learn how to play the piano. She kept asking me to teach her, but with my busy schedule, I just couldn’t find the time. Instead, I introduced her to PFA, thinking it might be a good alternative. To my surprise, just three weeks later, she Facetimed me, playing a full song on the piano! She was so proud and excited, and she told me it was the best gift I’d ever given her. It was amazing to see how much she had learned on her own!
Here’s why i think PFA offers the best bang for your buck of all the online courses out there:
Comprehensive curriculum: Covers a wide range of styles from classical to pop, jazz, and blues
Step-by-step approach: Designed for complete beginners to progress steadily
Video lessons: Visual demonstrations complement written materials
Interactive eBooks: Engage learners with over 1000+ audio and 300+ video examples
Affordable one-time fee of $49: No recurring subscription costs
Lifetime access: Learn at your own pace without time pressure
Practical focus: Emphasizes playing popular songs quickly
Chord-based method: Enables faster progress compared to traditional note-reading approaches
Large song library: Provides plenty of practice material
Positive user reviews: Many students report significant improvement
Money-back guarantee: Reduces financial risk for learners
For a fraction of the cost at just $49, PFA offers a proven track record of success.
Now, don't get me wrong, PFA might not be the perfect fit for everyone. If you're used to 10-seconds TikTok tutorials, its in-depth lessons might feel like a marathon. But for those who crave a structured learning experience, detailed explanations, and the ability to really understand music, PFA is a game-changer.
PFA offers a compelling alternative to Ridley Academy. With its proven results, comprehensive curriculum, and budget-friendly price, it's a worthy contender for anyone serious about learning piano.
Ready to explore a proven path to playing the piano?
Remember, the best investment is the one that aligns with your learning style, goals, and budget. So, before you shell out a grand on an unproven course, give alternatives like PFA a serious look. It just might be the right program for you.
I just came here to thank you for suggesting Pianoforall. I'm super impressed with the quality of the course, really easy to follow and there are explanations for everything. After trying many courses, i found the right one thanks to you and I'm finally learning to play the piano faster and better. Also the price is so cheap compared to what you get out of it. Again, thank you so much Dan.
Thank you I agree Stephen price is too expensive. You can’t bypass music theory to become a full professional. He’s had traditional lessons and teaching short cuts.