Testimonials
"Mr. Willis is a very versatile instructor. He is able to provide both the practical and theoretical skills needed in order to build a strong foundation in piano skills. He is flexible enough to appeal to a variety of age groups and provide classical and popular pieces to motivate individuals to excel in the their chosen selection. I am very impressed with his own level of perfection, creativity and dedication to my continuing development. If anyone is interested in learning basic or advanced piano, he is able to deliver the results necessary to successful development!" -- Rawan S., Winchester, MA
"John Willis is a dedicated classical piano teacher who keeps his students engaged and thriving under his wonderful guidance - children as well as adults. I first got to know John Willis when I brought my children for piano lessons. Later I decided to take lessons myself, and have been now studying for a couple of years. "Jock" knows his music and has the understanding to guide you through difficult parts. Needless to say, I treasure my music lessons, not just learning about playing, but also about listening and appreciating beautiful music." -- Hanne B., Winchester, MA
Piano is something that I have wanted to learn since childhood and now, at the age of 51, I have had the opportunity to take lessons from Jock Willis. Jock and I met while I was painting for him. Listening to him play in his home was inspiring. After a few years of working for Jock I finally decided to wait no longer. Jock took me on as a student and I couldn't be happier. I travel from my home in Rockport to Winchester once a week for a lesson that I can't wait to get to. And at the end of each lesson Jock will play a piece that I am to practice for the following week, even throwing in a few "Willis Notes". I love this experience and my only regret is that I didn't meet Jock earlier in life. Thanks for everything, Jock. -- Jerry E., Rockport, MA
"John Willis has been an inspirational piano teacher for our son (now age 12) for over six years, and he also taught our daughter how to play. John is not only a great teacher who builds an excellent rapport with his students and builds on their strengths, he's also a terrific person who opens his home to his students and who has earned our absolute trust. The musical pieces that John assigns have all been interesting, including new and older pieces we've not heard before. Not everyone knows this, but John is also an excellent composer in his own right - ask him to play one of his own pieces sometime!" -- Paul P., Winchester, MA
"I've been a student of Jock's for over 10 years, starting from scratch with the first beginners book and am now playing what he tells me are "advanced" pieces. I've thoroughly enjoyed my time with Jock. Not only does he have the patience of Job, but he is also the consummate musician with in-depth knowledge of music theory as well as excellent performance skills. His knowledge of the vast repertoire of piano music is encyclopedic. He will gladly take a student to as high a level as he desires with any piece, including the underlying music theory and harmonic structure as well as the playing technique. I can say he's wonderful with children as well as my son David took lessons with Jock and still is appreciative of what he learned, as he currently plays guitar and synthesizer keyboard." -- Neal S., Winchester, MA
"John Willis is an exceptional piano teacher. My kids have developed wonderfully under his patient and reinforcing instruction" -- Paul C., Winchester, MA
"After Jock taught our children piano for many years, it was finally my turn to study piano with this consummate teacher and pianist. He shares his love and knowledge of the piano by patiently encouraging me to get a strong command of the notes so that I'm then free to "squeeze all the juice" out of the interpretation. He demonstrates every piece I study to help me understand one interpretation and he then encourages me to play and interpret the music as I wish, as long as I stay within the parameters of what the written music permits. He constantly encourages me to play better while always truthfully telling me, when necessary, that my playing is "flat". Studying with Jock is a blessing and joy, not to mention challenge!" -- Carol B.
"I serendipitously ran into Jock a few months back; I had last seen him when I was a high school student 30 years ago. I had taken lessons from Jock from the time I was about 10 until I was 16 or 17. Well, to make a long story short, I've started taking lessons again! I can't begin to say how much I am enjoying studying the piano again. I've kept up with the piano on my own over the years, playing with a few groups, doing some accompaniment work, and even doing some teaching of own. Taking lessons again is such a joy - I'm working at a higher level than I ever have, and am getting such wonderful instruction and critique from Jock. He has such wonderful insights with the dynamics and style of each piece and I learn something new each time I come. I would highly recommend him both as a teacher and as a wonderful, warm human being!" -- Ann C., Andover, MA