"Joe Ward is an excellent piano teacher. He is highly qualified with extensive knowledge and understanding and sensitive to individual needs. Alex , my son, remarks on how Joe shows real depth in being able to answer any question - in detail - and how he shows his love of the piano and music in the way he teaches. He understands how children learn, he is gentle and encouraging in his approach. Both my boys like him and are aware of the progress they have made not only in playing but also in their wider musical knowledge. I would recommend him as he is brilliant at getting the best from his students."

"I am returning to the piano after a number of years' break and have just started lessons with Joe. It is wonderful to be playing again. From the outset, I was impressed by Joe's knowledge of the piano repertoire and I have found him to be an excellent teacher, able to give help on technical points as well as guidance on the phrasing and feel of the music. I suffer from nerves about playing in public, but Joe is very sympathetic and encouraging and I have already noticed an improvement both in my playing and in my confidence. I have no hesitation in recommending him as a teacher."

“I’ve known Joe for around four years. He teaches my twelve year old son, James. Joe has a very gentle style of teaching that is extremely effective. He is very patient and manages to engender real interest in his subject. I love the fact that he is very open, whatever level his student may be at. He is a teacher who engages with people in a very respectful manner, whether they are an experienced opera singer or a novice piano student. He also encourages performance from the very start. His concerts include a great mix of abilities, from the most elementary level right through to the virtuoso. I think it is this respectfulness and genuine love of playing that is a big part of the reason James continues to want to learn. I frequently recommend Joe to anyone who is interested in learning the piano, just because I’m not sure you could do much better.”

“I am an older adult student and have a weekly lesson with Joe on Zoom which is very convenient. Joe has been my teacher for about 12 months after I took up the piano again after very many years of not playing. I am very pleased with the progress that I have made in this short time. This is due to Joe’s method of teaching of breaking down the pieces with advice on how to overcome any difficulties and how to practice. He is always encouraging and patient which has helped my confidence and motivation. He has introduced me to several new pieces, some quite difficult, which have been rewarding in achieving a level of being able to play them through to a reasonable standard. He is always well prepared for the lessons and has a deep understanding of the composers’ intentions and how to try to work towards this. In addition, the lunchtime concerts when Joe has given recitals himself or accompanied singers are very professional and enjoyable. He is excellent value, and I would recommend him wholeheartedly.”

"Joe is a very talented and accomplished pianist, which provides a great deal of motivation to me as an adult beginner. He can always spot the underlying causes of my difficulties and recommend ways to overcome them which, with a bit of practice, invariably work. His teaching style and choice of practice pieces is ‘grown up’. In particular, I appreciate his detailed explanations and reasons for doing what he suggests. Joe seems to remember well the problems that he encountered when he first began to play; his empathy and encouragement adds to my determination to make progress. I am surprised at what I have achieved in such a short period of time and I am delighted with the results of his lessons.”