Classics By Ear – Student Reviews

Students are LOVING the Classics By Ear courses!
Now ANYONE can play their favourite classical pieces.

Pianoforall Classics By Ear Reviews

Jump to a course page on Pianoforall Academy

Erik Satie →  |  Bach Preludes →  |  Moonlight Sonata →

Erik Satie

SO CONSISTENT AND WELL THOUGHT OUT

I’ve been working on other pieces and just getting back to the Gnossiennes again. The courses are so consistent and well thought out, it’s easy to resume learning.

John M.
Moonlight Sonata

MAKES LEARNING A PLEASURE

“Really enjoying the logical instructions and methods together with the clarity of the diagrams with keys and finger positions- it makes learning a pleasure”

David Edwards
Erik Satie

I ENJOYED EVERY MINUTE OF IT

“I am a 70 year old advanced beginner who has never tried to learn anything on my own without an instructor by my side. This was also my first attempt to play classical music. I had a great time, enjoyed every minute of it and felt like I did have someone to guide me through all of the pieces. I thought the presentations were very well organized and easily understood. I would definitely sign up for more of these. A great way to enjoy sheltering in place. Thanks again.”

Paul B.
Bach Preludes

THE RESOURCE PAGES ARE AMAZING!!!

“The resource pages are amazing!!! Definitely does great job at breaking information down into multiple concepts/pathways to learning & memorizing/reading notes while getting some real progress learning beautiful pieces (not stuck doing Mary had a little lamb!!!).”

Alyson
Moonlight Sonata

THIS COURSE IS WONDERFUL

“This course is wonderful. The instructions are detailed and clear, with easy-to-follow demonstrations. I could always get useful tips when I needed them.

I couldn’t possibly manage to learn this beautiful piece without this course, in only 28 days. (last time I wanted to learn it from sheet music and gave up at bar 5…) I played this piece in front of my family and got loads of praise 😀

Thank you, dear instructor. Learning piano has never been this engaging and fun.”

Hua Wei
Erik Satie

I’M MAKING MORE PROGRESS THAN EVER BEFORE – I’M 87

“Because of its flexibility of use. You can match your own ability and time available that you have. Which means you are in complete control of your own progress. It has never been patronising. In order to gain from the course you do have to be disciplined to carry out regular study. I’ve found all the courses I’ve tried very well paced and logically presented with very clear instruction.

If anything I’ve signed up for more courses than I have time to concentrate on but I find I can drop in and out of your courses and easily pick them up where I left off and so far not been bored by any. They are in fact all related to my interest in becoming better educated about jazz piano.

I have been involved with music most of my life and I feel I’m making more progress than ever before.
One thing my be of interest l’m 87 years old.”

John B
Moonlight Sonata

THIS COURSE WAS AMAZING

“This course was amazing – as was the Bach preludes course. It delivered as promised! I now know how to play the Moonlight Sonata! Put in the time, follow his instructions and you will learn how to play it. I’m amazed. I’m 53 and I’ve tried to learn piano over the years. I came across this and figured why not?! I plan on continuing to learn how to read sheet music and improve but in the meantime – I now have a few beautiful songs under my belt that I play often – very relaxing and fulfilling.”

Fernando Rodriguez
Erik Satie

YOUR COURSES ARE ABSOLUTELY SPLENDID

“Just purchased this course too. Couldn’t resist because your courses are absolutely splendid (and to be honest, WELL under-priced – thanks for the absolute BARGAIN!). So I am now the proud owner of all your courses so far, Robin. Looking forward to diving into this one too in the near future! (I might even tackle it along with the Bach if I’m feeling really daring). Yet more splendid tuition – and truly beautiful music – to look forward to… Great stuff indeed! And very addictive…!!! Thanks and God bless, Robin :-)”

Chris H.
Moonlight Sonata

EXCELLENT COURSE

“Excellent course. Especially appreciate the fingering notation and highlighting of the sharp notes. Labeling of the notes in general and videos of the bars being played are also very helpful.”

Robert Obsieger
Moonlight Sonata

AMAZING TEACHER

“This is my second course from this amazing teacher. I’m a 62 year old novice, but these courses have made me a better player than I ever expected to be. Thank you.”

Ken Koehler
Moonlight Sonata

HIS METHOD OF INSTRUCTION IS EXCELLENT

“This is the second course I have studied with this tutor. I find his method of instruction is excellent for my limitations. Having left and right hand coordination problems.”

Kenneth
Erik Satie

ONE OF THE BEST COURSES OUT THERE

“I’m quite impressed how an online course can be actually better than a presenting course. I didn’t expect much of this, but I’m 100% satisfied and do believe is one of the best courses out there. At least is working really well for me.
Also, my aunt is taking another course from this teacher and she’s enjoying a lot.
Thank you”

Alex C.
Bach Preludes

I COULDN’T ASK FOR MORE

“Your methods are totally accessible. I couldn’t ask for more, as someone who wants to play, has minimal time to learn, but will put the time and effort in for the result of beautiful pieces like this and those of your Satie course. Thank you!”

Justin Ruiz
Erik Satie

FANTASTICALLY ORGANISED

“Robin is a great instructor. He breaks down these beautiful classical pieces into very digestible bits. His hierarchy of sheet music is also fantastically organized and useful, depending on where you are in your mastery of the song. He even adds good tips on how to take the songs to the next level. If you enjoy Satie, this video will certainly help you play his pieces, even if you’re just a beginner like me.”

Guy T.
Moonlight Sonata

THE COURSES ARE SO ACCESSIBLE

“I really appreciate the approach you take – learning to play by ear is just so so rewarding but I now realise the 10,000 hours factor is so true -I need to practice productively everyday -which I am yet to achieve but will get there -I have purchased your previous 2 courses and found them most helpful(Classic/Eric Sate )-the courses are so accessible – many thanks much appreciated -I dream of playing Moonlight Sonata to my family -lets see if i can achieve that !!!!”

Mike Purtell
Bach Preludes

WONDERFUL METHOD

“Love this course! Inspired to play again after a “little” break of 60 years. Breaking the piece into sections and identifying the memorable elements of each section makes it easier to memorize and adds tremendously to the pleasure of playing. Warmest thanks for this wonderful method.”

Bibi Blue
Moonlight Sonata

THIS IS AN INCREDIBLE COURSE

“This is an incredible course for a self taught hobby and though it’s difficult to begin with and has to be learnt in piece meal chunks first before putting together when you get to end of sheet one which you don’t think you will ever accomplish at first it really is a gratifying feeling. Just to be able to learn to play a tune you like for yourself in your own time by following along to the guidance this course musician provides aligned with the detailed sheet music has, imo made this a worthwhile hobby I enjoy returning to, so from me it’s a thumbs up.

I have a ways to go yet as I took this up alongside my academic studies which are also a completely new field and this course helps give me that much needed break and escapism all in the comfort of my own home and, not having to worry about being frowned upon by a tutor for hitting those wrong chords or missing that note when practising to string a row of bars together lol. Well worth purchasing in my opinion and presented by someone who has put such effort into their online course to help others interested in and wanting to learn and study at the own pace and, who is worthy of much more praise than I could ever offer up.”

Aidan Jon Walker
Erik Satie

YOU’LL BE PLAYING THIS PIECE IN A FEW WEEKS

“Awesome course. Helpful even if you have never played the piano but would take some time to get used to it.
For those who have been playing for 1 or 2 months, don’t be afraid to tackle a proper piece. Just put in an 15 min on top of your normal practice and you’ll be playing the haunting piece in a few weeks.
Playing a piece like this is highly motivating and keeps you going through the simpler pieces that you might be learning”

Alvin L.
Moonlight Sonata

I ABSOLUTELY RECOMMEND THIS

“I always wanted to be able to play this exact piece, but got stuck pretty quickly and gave up. Now I can already play it up to the 2nd page! I would never have thought this! Thank you so much for teaching me this! This method of breaking the piece down into individual pieces, combined with the excellent explanations in the video and the perfect printable documents, is for me the best way to learn piano.

I absolutely recommend this as well as all of Robin’s other courses. I sincerely hope that there will be more courses. I will attend all of them without exception. Thank you again Mr. Hall!”

Daniel H.
Moonlight Sonata

FANTASTIC SO FAR

“I’ve wanted to learn how to play all my life and I’ve finally taken the plunge at 63! Moonlight Sonata is the 1st song I’m learning to play and the journey with Robin is fantastic so far! I’m still on the first page but everyday is a victory! Between the video, the sheet music (which I’m reading by the way) and Robin’s great voice, I’m on my way. I’m also learning with the entire Pianoforall course, which is also fantastic and deserves it’s own separate review. Bravo Robin, Bravo!!!”

Joe Garcia
Bach Preludes

EXCELLENT BREAKDOWN

“Excellent breakdown technique. This was an excellent match for me. I tend to want to jump ahead before I have mastered a section completely. This kept me on track and I could go back and work on any section I needed too work on.
I am 70 years old and memorization has become difficult but I was able to stay focused and work through each section at my own pace. I realize that this was not a complex piece but I will apply the technique to other songs. Thank you.”

Cynthia P Jones
Moonlight Sonata

WHAT AN INCREDIBLE COURSE!

“What an incredible course! That’s how piano should be taught. No oversimplifying and making false promises like most online methods. You need to engage with the material, not follow blindly.

Robin Hall teaches you the most effective/proper way to study every piece of music. No other teacher I ever had in private tutoring explained that well how one should learn the piano.

Thank you! P.S. Robin are you planning in making more step by step guides for other pieces that those already on the platform?”

Iason Katechis
Moonlight Sonata

THIS COURSE WAS EXCELLENT

“Best course on not only learning one of the greatest classical songs of all time but also incredible for learning to play the piano. As someone who has only a few months of piano experience, this course was excellent in guiding, explaining, and illustrating how to correctly play each cord. There will be frustration on your end because of inevitable struggle but if you stick through with it, your future self will thank you. Don’t give up!”

Russell Lopez
Erik Satie

I THOROUGHLY ENJOYED THIS COURSE

“I thoroughly enjoyed this course.
I had heard Satie’s Gymnopédies before, but not the Gnossiènes, and didn’t really know what to expect. I initially found the musical scores a little overwhelming and intimidating when I first downloaded and looked at them, and doubted that I would be able to play them without a LOT of effort.
Although I am not a complete beginner anymore and have been playing the piano for about a year now, Satie’s pieces are not exactly easy!
But Robin has structured this course extremely well, breaking down each of the three pieces into logical sections. I loved learning these pieces in such a manageable, step-by-step way.
Although I have finished the course now, I realise that I will need to put in a lot more practice to feel really comfortable with the left hand jumps and chords and the strange-sounding right hand melodies, and to be able to bring it all together in a moving, expressive way – and to do so consistently, without errors.
Robin, thank you so much for guiding us through these beautiful pieces. I hope you’ll offer more courses like this in the future.”

Regine L.