As a conservatory-trained pianist educated at the prestigious Royal Northern College of Music, Queen's University Belfast, and Royal Irish Academy of Music – Rory brings exceptional qualifications to his teaching. His formal training sets him apart as one of the few piano instructors in Phoenix with extensive teaching, performance, and academic credentials, ensuring you learn with someone who offers genuine expertise and depth of musical knowledge in piano.
Unlike music schools with rotating teachers and ad hoc curricula, Rory's private studio offers a reliable, structured, and relationship-based learning experience. With little institutional overhead, Rory's studio provides premium facilities—including a concert-quality grand piano and dual instruments for interactive demonstrations—while maintaining competitive rates and delivering truly personalized instruction.
With a Masters degree in piano performance and pedagogy and 20+ years of piano teaching experience, Rory offers tried-and-tested methods that maximize your enjoyment, boost your progress, and save you years of redundant time and effort. He is a fourth-generation teacher with pedagogical lineage dating back to Beethoven, and is a member of the Music Teachers National Association.
Many students join after finding limitations with app-based learning or previous instruction. Rory's approach draws his teaching experience and conservatory training to offer methods that simply work. By combining technical fundamentals with engaging instruction, Rory's students develop skills efficiently and enjoyably, avoiding common pitfalls that can lead to frustration or stalled progress.
Rory accommodates the full spectrum of pianists—from young beginners taking their first musical steps on a xylophone to advanced performers refining their concert repertoire. With tailored approaches for every age and skill level, Rory provides technically sound, engaging instruction that meets you exactly where you are in your musical journey, whether you're 4 or 94, just starting out or professionally trained.
Annual performances at Steinway Hall in Scottsdale on a Model D concert grand piano in a stunning setting.
Students achieve Distinction-level marks on average in assessments, exceeding the national average by 15%.
Rory's students regularly place first or second in local and national competitions, building recognition, confidence, and learning from others.
Member of the Music Teachers National Association (2025).
Every lesson includes an additional 10 minutes of exclusive resources to suport your learning:
Masterclass-level tutorials on essential repertoire pieces
Engaging courses that double your progress in half the practice time
Monthly gatherings to connect with fellow piano enthusiasts
We'll get to know you, your goals, and set the foundation for your piano journey.
You will have established best practices for successful piano learning including on-time arrival, bringing materials, and tracking practice.
You'll receive an offer to continue lessons upon successful completion.
Play for and socialize with like-minded learners in a supportive environment.
Receive feedback from a professional musician and build towards Grade 1.
Showcase your progress at Steinway Hall in Scottsdale, or simply come and observe. Invite your friends and family!
Leverage the feedback from your performance towards Grade 1 for best progress.
Enjoy the rewards of your strong musical foundation and build incrementally to Grade 8.
Congratulations! You play piano at a high level and you've reached a significant achievement that is widely recognized and highly respected. Take piano diplomas next for professional-level achievement.
Arizona Study Program options also available.
Please note that the timeline is for demonstration purposes only. Your timeline may differ based on your goals.
Rory's students received Distinctions on average in 2025.
The average mark for Rory's students is significantly higher than the national average reported by the ABRSM.
Sadanna (8 y/o) switched teachers and methods last year and achieved an outstanding 141/150 mark with Distinction in her Prep Performance!
Jan (65 y/o) started piano lessons in retirement and achieved 135/150 with Distinction in her Initial Grade, proving it's never too late to start learning piano!
Steven (35 y/o) started beginner piano lessons in 2016 and achieved Grade 8 piano in 2024 - a remarkable achievement! Steven is now working towards his piano diplomas.
Featuring a grand piano and high ceilings for responsive feel and sound quality, creating the perfect environment for your learning experience.
Dual piano setup (acoustic and digital) enables seamless demonstrations and duets between teacher and student, maintaining lesson momentum without disruptive position changes.
One-to-one piano classes for kids aged 4-17. For parents looking to make the quality investment of a lifetime for their child.
Private piano lessons for adult beginners and returners looking for a creative outlet, including professionals and adults over 50.
Quality piano lessons for those looking to take their piano playing to the next level with high-level instruction.
Carly Walker performing at Steinway Hall on a Steinway Model D Concert Grand.
"Rory is an absolutely amazing piano teacher. It takes a lot more than knowing how to do something to be able to teach it to others. I've been taking in person lessons with Rory for 6 months. He keeps the lessons professional, light, and fun all at the same time."
Carly Walker
Adult Beginner
60-minute lessons
Steven Alcock performing Scarlatti Keyboard Sonata in F-sharp Minor, K 67 on his keyboard at home.
"I have had lessons with Rory since 2016 and he is comfortably the best music teacher I have encountered. If you are in any way serious about improving as a pianist, be you a beginner, an intermediate, or an advanced learner, I can thoroughly recommend his services."
Steven Alcock
Advanced Lessons
60-minute lessons
Nguyen Huyhn's son showing his John Thompson's Easiest Piano Course certificate in his lesson.
"Rory is truly an exceptional piano instructor! Rory's professionalism and engaging teaching techniques have certainly shaped my son to become an active learner with joy, discipline, and curiosity. I highly recommend Rory if you are seeking for a compassionate piano teacher with a strong music background, experience, and a teaching style that aligns with your learning goals."
Nguyen Huynh
Parent of Child Beginner
30-minute lessons
These are genuine reviews from Rory's students. Additional reviews available upon request.
Best for budget-conscious learners
Best option for most learners
Best for maximum creative exploration
Limited availability ensuring personalized attention for each student.
"Rory's enthusiasm and love for piano is so clear and such an integral part of his teaching, and it's something which continues to inspire me and my playing to this day!"
Lauren Richards
Experience your highest quality, best value piano lessons in our North Phoenix studio, located just north of the 101, off Deer Valley and 31st Avenue.
Serving North Phoenix, Phoenix, Scottsdale, Chandler, Mesa, Gilbert, and surrounding areas (in person or online).
Address will be confirmed after booking your lesson.
Too far? Consider our convenient online and hybrid lessons instead!
Experience the same exceptional quality instruction from the comfort of your home.
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Lessons are available Monday through Friday from 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM. We will work with you to find a consistent weekly time that fits our schedules.
Lessons are scheduled weekly at the same day and time. We provide 45 lessons per year with breaks aligned with major holidays.
If a student misses a lesson, the lesson is forfeit. However, with sufficient notice, the lesson may be swapped with another student who misses a lesson. Students are encouraged to give as much notice as possible to increase the chances of a lesson swap.
We require one month payment notice if you need to discontinue lessons for any reason, including changing lesson day or time.
Payments are made monthly via our payment provider. Your monthly payment reserves your weekly lesson time and is due on or before the 1st of each month.
This method stabilizes the long-term commitment required to make steady progress at the piano, reduces our joint administrative tasks, and ensures the highest level of education is channeled to our students.
There are no registration fees or hidden costs. Our payment provider charges a small processing fee. You may need to purchase books and materials, and there are nominal fees for participation in optional assessments and competitions. There is no cost to take part in our meetups or recitals - you may choose to make a voluntary donation to support a local charity.
As a classically trained pianist, classical music forms the foundation of our lessons. This approach develops well-rounded musicians with strong technical skills. However, we incorporate other styles based on student interest once fundamentals are established.
We specialize exclusively in piano instruction to provide the highest quality lessons in our area of expertise.
Experience the difference that quality instruction can make in your musical development.