Learning to play the piano is something that I have always wanted to do. I started to realise what an opportunity I would miss if I never took it up. I finally stopped just thinking about it and started looking for piano teachers in the Rotherham area. I came across Dr Michael Spacie's advert in the Yellow Pages, and a phone call later I was booked in for my first introductory lesson. I thoroughly enjoy playing the piano as well as singing.

Selina Saville (Manager and Administrator)

Since starting lessons in April 2010 I have learned a lot with Michael. When I started I couldn't read music, but Michael taught me an easy way to do it. I feel I have grown a lot in confidence and also feel that I can play much better pieces. Doing music theory has also helped me to play a lot better the music of different genres. I really enjoy playing the piano.

Michael Barton (Student)

Mike is very clear about what progress you have made and what you need to work on next, which makes me feel like I've got somewhere with my music and with much more confidence.

Eleanor W. (Student)

When I was considering approaching a singing tutor and taking singing lessons – that alone was unnerving. I have never sung seriously in front of anyone other than very close family.

I think we all like singing at one time or another whether it is in the shower, whilst in the car, or while cleaning the house, and so many of my friends and family love playing on singing games. However, within my circle of friends and family, singing lessons were not something you would go and do just because you could sing a tune in the shower.

Naturally hearing family and friends tell me I was good at singing and should consider taking lessons was surprising and almost certainly would take me out of my comfort zone. Taking lessons would mean that I was no longer just singing along to a song but actually learning about my voice and developing it.

From the initial phone conversation with Michael he made me feel comfortable with my reasons for wanting too take singing lessons and explained in great depth what would happen within the first introductory lesson, and how this would be of benefit if I chose to take further lessons in the future.

Within the first lesson, Michael explained all aspects of the voice coaching extremely well; I learned more about my voice as a tool in that one lesson than I had imagined, and was pleasantly surprised with the complimentary comments Michael gave me in respect of my voice.

I enjoy singing more now than I did before. I think this is partially down to the small steps in confidence I now have when I am singing following the lessons I have had, and the skills I have been taught.

I feel I have progressed quickly and I am now more confident with music. Dr Michael Spacie makes everything very simple and easy to follow and is extremely patient. I have learnt more from his lessons than I ever expected to and I can read and follow music. Michael is extremely good at what he does and is a really fantastic teacher.

Abigail Carter

Learning with Dr Michael Spacie is concise and fun. He instils the sense of confidence and constructive criticism needed to improve vocal knowledge and performance. The atmosphere is welcoming and lessons enjoyable and you leave with a sense of achievement, having progressed through learning something new.

Vicky Haigh (University Student)

I started taking lessons to learn to play the piano as I really enjoy piano music. Learning something new has given me new focus, relieves stress and has provided me with a refreshing challenge.

Mike is very intuitive and fills me with confidence which makes the learning process easier and enjoyable!

Zoe Brockman (Admin Manager)

As a mature student, I was reluctant to start singing lessons, but Michael immediately put me at my ease and gave me a lot of encouragement. It's never too late to learn something new.

Lesley Wilson (Retired Civil Servant)

I have wanted to sing for ages but my lack of self-confidence meant I put off taking the first lesson for years. I finally plucked up the courage to book my first lesson with Mike; by the end of it I was relieved and impressed. Mike is highly professional and has a profound knowledge of music which gave me great confidence in his instruction. But just as importantly his lessons are very relaxed and I soon forgot my nerves. I have achieved the Trinity Guildhall Grade 7 Theory of Music exam with Merit.

Dr Paul Walke (Physicist, Lecturer and Writer)

I came to Mike for piano lessons but I have also studied music theory with him. I've really enjoyed getting to grips with the basics of both disciplines (which complement each other so well!) and I feel I have progressed well. Mike's style of teaching is very precise, with accuracy in theoretical work and good piano technique emphasised from the beginning; this very much suits my own learning style and would also suit that of anyone wishing to reach a high musical standard.

Tanmay Suri (Training to be a Medical Doctor )

Learning to sing is something I had always wanted to do but never had the confidence. When I started lessons with Mike it was clear that confidence was not an issue in the relaxed environment created by Mike. I have learnt so much about the various aspects of singing and I am excited to learn more. Mike is a professional yet very approachable teacher who makes lessons relaxed and very enjoyable.

Vicky Mollekin (Primary School Teacher)

I enjoy having singing lessons with Mike very much. He makes me feel totally at ease and has helped to improve my confidence as well as my voice.

I have achieved Grade 5 Singing and, with Mike's support and guidance, I think I've made good progress.

Katy Lockwood (Lecturer in Psychology

For many years I have harboured a wish to be able to sing well and in public. Having achieved neither by my late fifties, procrastination was no longer an option and I decided to look for a suitable teacher. In Dr Michael Spacie I found someone who possesses a profound musical understanding along with a skilful and finely honed teaching ability. Thanks also to his limitless patience and encouragement my initial doubts and self-consciousness almost completely melted away.

Barbara Kuzma (Staff Nurse)