Stephen is very attentive to where the student is musically, and adjusts accordingly. He encourages good practice habits and parental presence. Overall this has cause my 11 year old to feel that he can do it and that he is not alone. I'm impressed that my son could learn to play so easily. This has to do with the instructor (who never has a bad day), and the curriculum he uses. The course is designed to move at your pace. It's a real pleasure to see my sons progress. It's a skill he can now carry with him the rest of his life! Our family thanks you Stephen!!! read more

Stephen is an awesome teacher, and always encourages my daughter to do her best. She's learned many pieces in a short amount of time. I really recommend him. read more

I have been a student at Stephen's Piano Studio for nearly three years. Many years ago I took piano lessons and learned how to read music. However, I was always 'all thumbs' when playing. With Stephen's guidance and the 'Simply Music' method, I have become more adept at this instrument every week. I am playing music I love, and building a repertoire I can share with family and friends. Stephen is thoughtfully aware of my goals and has patience with the speed at which I progress. I have realized that playing the piano and mastering chords and skills is fun! I recommend Stephen's Piano Studio most highly. read more

I first heard about Stephen and Simply music from a friend. I wanted to play the piano but didn't know how to read music. I bought a few books and tried to teach myself but quickly gave up. Approximately a year and a half ago I decided to meet with him to see if this program would work for me. I am very happy that I chose to work with Stephen. He is an excellent teacher. He is patient, guides me along in my lessons and gives me inspiration to play. I recently went on vacation and could hardly wait to get back to playing the piano again and going to my lessons. Taking piano lessons from Stephen has enriched my life. read more

My teenage daughter has been taking piano lessons with Stephen for 2-3 years now. Not only is Stephen very patient and kind, but he is also a great communicator and very encouraging. I believe that my daughter continues with the lessons because between Stephen's teaching style and the Simply Music Program, she feels challenged (yet not overwhelmed), and she is always learning something new. Being able to play different styles of music right from the get go has kept her interested and wanting to learn more. I'm not sure the traditional approach to learning the piano would have kept her engaged. Stephen is always available for his students. He is a wonderful teacher. read more

Stephen has been my son's piano teacher for just about two years. I was not familiar with the Simply Music program prior to this, so I did not have any expectations. I have some previous musical experiences with various instruments, but all had been with a traditional reading and music theory approach. My son started at age 5, and in the two years has shown great progress on the piano. The most important aspect has been that he is not tired or bored of playing. I believe that with with the patience of Stephen and the variety of the styles in the program, this is a great way to get a child (or adult) a solid start into the world of music. I would highly recommend Stephen and the Simply Music program to anybody who wants to try a different approach to learning to play the piano. read more

Stephen is an outstanding teacher and musician. I am a former student and peer of his from college. I experienced first hand, his true talent and hard work ethic. He is responsible and caring too! He studied music from top notch musicians such as Marilyn Thompson who performed at Carnegie Hall. You will be amazed at the experience of listening to Stephen play piano, or at watching him teach a lesson. He has my highest recommendation. Annemarie Rosa Webster M.A. read more

My son started learning his first musical instrument, the piano, and Stephen is our first teacher. We've been really happy with the experience and my son is very motivated to learn with the Simply Music style. Stephen is organized, he communicates very well and his passion for both teaching and playing is evident. I love how quickly one can progress while learning with Stephen, and the resources are fantastic. read more

Stephen is a patient and encouraging teacher. The method he uses makes lessons fun and easy. I had previous experience and knew some about playing from sheet music, but I am now learning many other aspects of playing piano that I find really rewarding. read more

Stephen has been my piano teacher for almost 3 years now. I'm impressed by his consistency of attention to detail and his knowledge of this playing-based program, Simply Music. I started and stopped traditional piano lessons at least three times in the past and have never considered quitting since working with Stephen in this program. He's an excellent pianist, too, something I've had the pleasure of seeing at the recitals he holds twice a year and somehow manages to pull off even on Zoom (during Covid, when we can't meet in person). When I started lessons in 2017 I knew nothing about the Simply Music program, I was simply open to learning about it since I've wanted to play piano for so long and the way I was trying to wasn't working. Composing songs, actually learning and playing many songs for over a year before learning to read it, practicing rhythm--a wonderful variety. Stephen is patient, never pressures or rushes me but keeps steady attention to helping me move ahead. I recommend him highly. read more

Stephen is a great piano teacher. He is very skillful and knowledgeable. He adapts his teaching to suit students' different progress and needs. He is very patient and kind. But he does use his gentle way to point out areas to improve and guide students to progress steadily. Simply Music is a unique program. It is fun and versatile. In about a year, I have learned playing more than 30 songs that are different in styles, such as classical, blues, accompaniment, etc. Many songs are taught to be played at different complexities. I can clearly feel the advancement of my playing skills. All the knowledge about chords, rhythm etc. is embedded in different music pieces and has become easier to grasp. I am an adult student and was exposed to piano when I was young. In the past, I always thought that it would require many years of practice to be able to play and sing. But just in the first class, I was already learning that. It is even more amazing to me that I can write my own songs and improvise now. Stephen has many years of experience teaching this program. With his strong music background and his inspiring teaching style, learning has been very effective. Stephen also organizes recitals for students regularly. I already performed once. This was also a good experience for me. I got the chance to polish my playing and enjoyed playing to the audience for the first time. I have a busy work and life. But I truly enjoy every moment I spent on my piano. I highly recommend Stephen to whoever want to bring piano to their life. read more

I have been taking piano lessons with Stephen for about a year and a half using the simply music method. Over the years I had taken piano lessons using the traditional method and always ended up becoming frustrated and quiting. The simply music method makes learning music fun and with Stephen's kindness and patience, I'm finally not only learning to play the piano, but I'm enjoying the process. If you've ever thought about learning to play the piano but thought you were too old or it would be too hard, don't hesitate to given Stephen and the simply music method a try, you'll be pleasantly surprised! read more

Stephen is a very patient teacher who teaches a method that has you playing music, not just scales; right away. Easy to work with.

Stephen is an excellent piano teacher. I am a senior adult student who played many instruments in my younger years, so I wasn't starting from scratch with musical instruction. This was a little problematic in the beginning....because I wanted to play from my experience and not necessarily follow the Simply Music method to the "letter." I was genuinely intrigued by the method that Stephen teaches, because I do like instant gratification. The Simply Play method does allow for fast learning and wonderful results in a short period of time. I have been taking lessons for a year and know over 35 songs but heart....all styles...classical, blues, traditional. Stephen has been very patient with me....and my tendency to want to revert to my previous music knowledge. He is always on time, patient, and inspirational. I love it when he shows me something that is a little outside of the box....like when I play something that I have created...he shows me additional ways to play the same thing. I am very excited to be learning piano at age 70....and I love practicing and finding little nuances that fit with a song I have learned and can create new music from. I highly recommend Stephen and the Simply Play Music Method.....it is rather stunning how much one can learn without having to read music. read more

Stephen is a great piano teacher with the ability to work with many students at various skill levels. He is open and communicative with both the student and parents. He encourages students to follow their creative endeavors as well as hone their essential music basics and skills. We appreciate the work he's done with our son and the consistent and open communication we've continually had. read more

I've been a student of Stephen's for about eighteen months. I continue to be impressed with his teaching skills, commitment to the Simply Music method and his enthusiasm. As innovative as the S. M. method is, it must be in the hands of a competent and devoted teacher to be successful. Stephen is that teacher. When I reflect on my short piano journey, I'm amazed and grateful (at 69 years young) to sit at our piano at home and derive so much enjoyment. I have recommended Stephen to others, and to anyone that reads this review. read more

Stephen Riedel is a great teacher, and the program he teaches, Simply Music Piano, is a great program. Stephen is organized, patient, and committed to helping his students succeed at piano. He has decades of experience in piano and holds a Bachelor's degree in music. He takes advantage of technology, helping you learn to use an app to track practicing and complete homework assignments via your computer or smartphone. I began lessons with Stephen as an adult and was already a musician (10+ years violin) trained classically/traditional music method as a kid and I found the Simply Music method to be superior in many ways. I definitely would have enjoyed music more as a kid had I taken a program like this! I took lessons from Stephen for 10 months before a new job and a new baby made it impossible for me to continue practicing. I hope to come back to it someday though! If you are considering piano lessons, look no further! read more

Patient, inspiring piano teacher. Particularly good with children.

Stephen has been my piano teacher for two years. I started when I was 58 years old. He is extremely patient with me! I have learned so much from him and look forward to my lesson each week. He is always positive and encouraging. read more

We chose Steven for piano lessons for our 7 year old son because he uses the Simply Music program. We briefly tried traditional methods of learning piano and our son was frustrated with the process. The simply Music method has helped him enjoy learning and he is motivated and excited each week to learn new songs. Steven is punctual, organized, patient and genuinely enjoys teaching and sharing with others his love of music. read more