‘David is an extremely knowledgeable and experienced teacher who I greatly enjoyed learning from. I came to him with some experience already but he guided me through a journey onto higher grades in a calm and professional manner whilst also listening closely to my thoughts and input on the smoothest way to progress. I highly … More A journey into higher grades

A father comments: David has inspired James (14) to play some challenging pieces as he climbs the piano grades, has motivated him to confront the technical parts of the grade exams, and has ensured he practices regularly too.   David is skilled at avoiding the tediously repetitive and is engendering in James a critical appreciation of … More Engendering a critical appreciation

A mother comments: David took my daughter through several piano grades with great patience and skill (as she was not the best at practising), helping her to achieve good marks in all the exams. Lessons comprised a mix of pieces learned over several weeks; necessary scales and arpeggios; and more playful exercises devised just for fun, … More Both relaxed and kind but challenging and disciplined

A ‘returning adult’, who has since gone on to Grade 8 and beyond, comments: David’s patient, encouraging approach and relaxed, informal lessons are exactly what I was looking for after returning to the piano from a decade of almost complete lack of playing. His focus on teaching me to listen intently to the character of … More David’s patient, encouraging approach

David Soward worked through the ABRSM grades in his schooldays and then took up serious piano lessons as a young adult with Stephen Reynolds (BBC Piano Competition finalist, 1970). With a degree under his belt and well into his first job, he now focused on his piano performance, taking the Performers’ ARCM diploma in 1984 and … More Performer and teacher