Ford is an excellent teacher. Having RCM credentials while choosing to specialize on piano instruction (rather than a number of different instruments) was appealing to me. I also appreciated that he was so accommodating when it came to having lessons at a time that would work best with my busy schedule. His approach is structured, patient, and encouraging. As an older beginner, I like how his feedback is technical about what I did well (with every piece that I play) and also what I still need to work on. His knowledge of the various composers and having the occasional (impromptu) duet is a nice treat as well. Several months after starting, I am excited to continue this musical journey with Ford as my instructor and highly recommend him. Travis
I have had an excellent experience with Ford as a piano teacher. I feel I have made significant progress with my piano lessons with him, developing both technical skills and an understanding of music theory. His feedback is always constructive and I would recommend him without reservations to any student!
Ford is amazing as a piano teacher. He is really knowledgeable about the history of music and musical structure. I really feel that I am improving and learning more about different techniques than ever before.
As an adult learner, I found Ford to be very patient, nurturing and accommadating to my individual interests and needs. He really takes the time to teach techniques and practicing routines that work best for me. After about half a year of working with Ford, I'm already seeing a significant improvement in my playing ability and enjoyment from playing the piano. Thanks, Ford!
My two sons have been working with Ford and I highly recommend him. He has progressed their technical skills, helped them understand music and perfected their playing to levels that go beyond my expectations. He manages to encourage them and keep them motivated to play while also providing direct and constructive feedback. We couldn’t be happier with Ford’s teaching.
Ford is a great teacher. He's patient and knowledgeable abut piano techniques, repetoire and styles. I am an adult student and he is encouraging and positive. Under his guidance, I have improved tremendously. He is excellent on the classics: Bach, Beethoven, Mozart and Chopin. I recommend Ford Barker as a teacher of piano.
Ford is a wonderful teacher and makes learning the piano fun! His lessons are tailored and accordingly paced for each student, building on their strengths and paying extra attention to areas where they need help. He is extremely patient and encouraging, and can put even the most nervous student completely at ease. I recommend him highly to anyone looking to learn to play the piano!
I've been studying with Ford for almost a year now and I can say he's incredibly knowledgeable and talented at explaining technique, theory, history, etc. He's shown me the difference between bringing a piece of music to life instead of simply playing the right notes. Best of all, he's been very patient with a slow learner such as myself!
Ford is a wonderful teacher, I am an adult student. Even I had learned to play piano for past 17 years on and off with different teachers, my performance is still not good and had some bad habits. Since I started to take lesson from Ford, he corrected that which I found really helpful in my daily practice. I love Ford’s teaching style, he is amazing patient.
I've had a couple of piano teachers in the past but Ford has been the only one I've felt comfortable with. His lessons are always a relaxed atmosphere but totally focused on the lesson. He's very patient and explains technique clearly with good instruction how to practice at home. Over all, I'm delighted with my progress so far. I highly recommend Ford if you're looking for solid piano tutoring
All three of our sons have taken piano lessons from Ford in the past 10 years. We signed up our boys at 7 or 8 years of age with a view to giving them a basic grounding in music. Ford is a dedicated teacher and has helped them achieve that and more. I would happily recommend Ford as a piano teacher.
Ford Barker is an Outstanding Piano Teacher. He has an easy going and unassuming manner, but behind that is a depth of Musical knowledge and Piano Technique. I started with Ford one year ago and am amazed at how much I have learnt in that time. I attribute this to his Natural teaching ability. He brings structure and direction but also inspiration to continue. Ford engages with his students guiding you through / around obstacles. This is why Ford is the right teacher for me and the right teacher for anyone with an interest at learning to play Piano.
I've had a couple of piano teachers in the past but Ford has been the only one I've felt comfortable with. His lessons are always a relaxed atmosphere but totally focused on the lesson. He's very patient and explains technique clearly with good instruction how to practice at home. Over all, I'm delighted with my progress so far. I highly recommend Ford if you're looking for solid piano tutoring
Ford is an excellent teacher, especially to our 8 year old son, who always looks forward to his lessons with him. It's a highlight of his week. He works on dynamics and timing, tailoring to his needs, even adding a touch of music history from time to time. He helped take our son's progress to such a high level, not only with the RCM level exams but with the ORMTA Junior Scholarship Recitals, which our son was invited to, by virtue of his talent, that was encouraged by his teacher. Ford is supportive, knowledgeable, firm yet patient. We highly recommend him!
I highly recommend Ford Barker. I started learning piano last year. I'm 28 and Ford was able to accommodate to my work schedule. It's been a year now and I saw a great progress in my learning process. Ford has also the full setup for online lesson if needed. He is following the Royal Conservatory of Music method. He will ensure you build up the fundamental skills if you are a starter to make sure your continuous progress.
Patient, Passionate and Insightful - Couldn't have found a better teacher!
As a retired music teacher ,I have returned to playing after a 20 year hiatus. I feel that Ford is a professional and knowledgeable teacher who is thorough and able to communicate exactly what is needed to help me return to the piano in my later years. Teaching on "Zoom" must be incredibly difficult, and I applaud Ford for his efforts to go the extra mile to encourage his students to achieve their goals. I look forward not only to my online lessons but also to the musical discussions. Thank you, Ford.
As an older beginner, I was careful about choosing a teacher who would accommodate my needs and am pleased to say I chose well with Ford. He’s a tough task master but always kind, patient and understanding of the fact that some weeks I’m able to practice more than others just because of life commitments. He has chosen a series of books that do a great job of incorporating theory and repertoire. The pieces are melodically interesting and progressively challenging and, in a few short months, I am able to work through new pieces on my own so that, during my lessons, I can make the most of my instruction time. We don’t leave a piece until he is confident that I am playing well, hitting all the right notes and demonstrating an appropriate level of skill. During this difficult time with Covid when so many of us have been stopped in our tracks, we are so lucky to have the technology that makes remote piano lessons possible. Not all piano teachers are able to so seamlessly switch to remote learning so I also lucked out in getting a teacher who is very comfortable with the technology. I feel so privileged to be learning not just a new skill but pursuing a life-long dream that has already enhanced my life, immeasurably. Ford has made all that possible and I’m lucky to have his support and mentorship on this journey. I am very pleased and satisfied with all that Ford has done for me in such a short time. Initially I was very intimidated by the thought of music theory but with his patience, guidance and support it is no longer a foreign language to me. I am so thrilled to come back every week for our lessons. I am so honored to be Ford's student!!
Ford is the piano teacher I'd send my child, or friends to
with utmost confidence to learn the basics of musicianship,
in counting (no. 1)
musical patterns, phrasing, and discipline. He is
patient, and understanding with a specialty in learning
difficulties.
