After over 20 years of teaching we have piled up a great deal of feedback from many students. Here is just a brief sampling of what many had to say:
Johnny Glanville
My daughter has been learning from Damian for a few years now and the lessons learned are the type of lessons that last a lifetime. Damian doesn't just have a vast knowledge of music but he teaches character. To me this is the most important aspect of the learning. I would send my daughter to The Spaulding School to be around that positive vibe and energy of growth and learning.
Mark and Jodie
My 14 yr old daughter began piano lessons with Damian Spaulding in June 2021 with a very basic understanding of the fundamentals, from 2 yrs of lessons as a young child. Initially she found the teaching methods challenging because it wasn’t what she expected, but we encouraged her to stick with it. Damian immediately recognised her lack of self confidence, found her boiling point and was patient, encouraging, relatable and kept situations jovial as he needed to, to keep her engaged and prevent her from giving up.
Over the past 6 months, yes our daughter has learned a level of piano she could never have achieved under a standard lesson structure, however we believe the most valuable lessons she has gained from her time with Damian are a sense of resolve, confidence in herself and grit; the ability to keep fighting when challenged beyond a level she thinks she can achieve. Through Damian’s gest, level-appropriate explanation, eye to eye conversation and sharing of his real-life experiences, our daughter has learnt to listen, ask questions, have a go and to laugh at herself… because, what’s the worst that could happen?
Damian Spaulding offers a psychological approach to learning music through a deep seeded belief that one size definitely does not fit all and an understanding of the things that drive and motivate people, and through laughter… so much laughter.
Jess M Jolly
I was learning the cello for three years and then didn't touch it again for about four years until I found Damian. In just five weeks I've learned twice as much as I did the first three years! My mind is blown at how much I can do and now I have everything I need to continue progressing on my own time. Thank you so much!
Nelia HuttThanks Damian!!! After 4 years of classical piano training my 10 year old son Evan began to reject this style of learning. He stopped enjoying playing. It all became to regimented "too perfect" with no room for him to express who he is.
But in just 1 lesson with you he has gotten his passion back for music and is able to express himself again fully.
Without boundaries. Our entire family thanks you for sharing your passion and love of music with us.
We have now had 5 lessons with you and instead of begging him to play we find ourselves asking him to stop and go to bed. The possibilities are now endless. Thank you
Collin Gibson
Defiantly a superb teaching style based around what the student actually wants to learn. I found that there were layers of guitar that were opened up to me that I never understood before. That mixed with Damian's fun personality made the lessons & the learning flippin grate. Highly recommended!
Collin Gibson (Adult - Now Teacher)
Martina Speirs and The Speirs Family
As a family that has tried both a conventional approach to learning music, and The Spaulding Method of learning, we can say with absolute certainty that Damian Spaulding’s approach engages children and inspires them to grow. My boys aged 7 and 5 always look forward to spending time with Damian as he appeals to their fun nature and playful curiosity. He inspires them every day to try new things, and I know they are gaining valuable knowledge and experience when they are in his classes. For my younger son regular piano classes were boring, and it was very hard for him to focus. His previous piano teacher would scold him for being silly or not listening, even though he was still very young and simply couldn’t sit and listen for long periods of time. Needless to say he did not thrive in those classes and we made a decision to stop them. I still wanted him to be exposed to music and so we gave The Spaulding Method a try, and it has been wonderful to see him take interest in music and grow as a person. He does not remember things through traditional teaching and we have always noticed that he has a hard time retaining information. When I would watch him in Damian’s class I would see him take an interest in the music, but at first I didn’t think he was remembering what he had learned because often when the attention is on him he acts like he doesn’t remember things. After one particularly difficult week where he didn’t feel like participating, imagine my surprise when at home one day he took it upon himself to sit down at his drums and started drumming all the patterns he had learned! That was the moment I knew The Spaulding Method was working, and he was retaining information and was able to repeat the patterns he had learned, of his own choice. I love that Damian’s approach is to understand how each individual child learns best, and teach them that way. I can truly see how these methods can be applied to any subject, not just music. Music classes at The Spaulding School of Music have been a really wonderful experience for my whole family.
Martina Speirs
Mike & Marlene Mueller
As the parents of Madison, we would like to take the opportunity to thank you for the positive influence you’ve been on our daughter. She started at Spaulding 3 years ago, when she was 10, with some piano experience and a desire to compose and perform.
Your teaching methods and personality have inspired her to perform live which has boosted her confidence in many other parts of her life. We have seen tremendous growth in her ability to compose her own music and write lyrics over the past 6 months.
We love that she happily spends many hours in the “music room” at home practicing without being asked and we attribute this to your teaching and musical influence.
Keep doing what you’re doing!
Sincerely,
Mike & Marlene Mueller
Brenda Lant
Well, I don't how you did it...perhaps your enthusiasm for your students, your talent or just your amazing sense of humour...just when I was about to sell my cello after 20 years you have inspired me and given me a new approach! Good-bye theory and hello..."I can do it and enjoy it at the same time!" Wow!
Nicole Simec
After just one month I noticed the significant amount of progress that I had made with my vocal skills because of Damian. I had been taking singing lessons for two years on and off with multiple teachers and none of them even compared to the enthusiasm and skill set that Damian has when it comes to music. Every lesson challenged me in ways that only called for progression and I cannot thank Damian enough for doing what he does best!
Tony Stanbra & Stephanie
I Just wanted to pass along our appreciation for your teaching method and style. I have played guitar off and on over the last 30 years without ever really progressing much. I have learned more in the 5 lessons with you than I had in the ten lessons with my previous teacher. What has previously been confusing and complicated with other teachers has become simple and straight forward and fun with you. You have made the light come on for so many topics that I had found frustrating and confusing before. It’s great to have a teacher that doesn’t try and influence you with their musical preferences. Stephanie did piano lessons under the RCM curriculum for 2 years and fought us tooth and nail over going to lessons and practicing, it was frustrating for all involved. She never wanted to practice and always wanted to quit. After four lessons on the violin with you I can’t believe she is the same girl! She loves the lessons and I never have to get on her about practice! She will practice for 2 hours without having to be asked, when in the past it was a fight to get her to practice for 10 minutes. She prefers Your fun and creative approach to lessons far more than the rigid structure of the RCM curriculum. We have seen more passion from her in four lessons than in the previous 2 years of RCM Instruction. Thanks again!
Tony & Stephanie Stanbra
The Morrison Family
We had no idea that music lessons could be so much fun! Damian is inspiring and encouraging and he is gifted at explaining music concepts to the kids in a way that they can grasp. I have been amazed at his ability to co-ordinate all four of our kids to play together so quickly. They love it when he jumps in to participate in playing with them too. He has such a range of talent to teach Keyboards, Guitar, Trumpet and Drums. I have never met such an excellent model of what it is to pursue the love of music passionately. We love you Damian!
Susan Morrison
I have taken other lessons, but by far, Damian is the best!
Sarah Morrison (age 14)
Guitar is very hard but you make it fun! Thank you for being so encouraging. THANK YOU
Lydia Morrison (age 11)
It?s so much fun when you teach drums for me. I am learning a lot, thanks.
Ruth Morrison (age 8)
Lynne, Ron & Sydney Coombs
Damian has been Sydney’s teacher for a while now. When we first met Damian I knew he was sent directly from God to all who get the privilege of knowing him. Damian's unique form of teaching and his compassionate and loving nature for his students was immediately revealed. Damian would go to extended lengths to make certain Sydney understood concepts and fully would immerse himself into her learning. Damian is unlike any teacher I’ve ever come across! Sydney has so much fun with Damian and is inspired every week by his incredible talent and knowledge. Sydney is challenged in ways that she never has been before, and Damian always lets her try to figure stuff out and then consistently leads Sydney to the answers she seeks. Sydney grows with every single lesson, and practices every day – for the love of it!!! Thank you Damian! We love you Damian!!
Sydney has just recently completed her first piece of music and is very proud to tell everyone that she partnered with her mentor and most incredible teacher Damian. Damian composed the most extraordinary music to accompany Sydney’s beautiful words. Sydney is excited to say the song belongs to Sydney and Damian.
We are so blessed to have found you Damian and are eternally grateful for the impact you have on our Sydney and her love of music.
Love and blessings
Dr. Paul Webber
Just a quick note to say how pleased I am with your music lessons. You are enthusiastic, hands on, and you have taught my 8 year old daughter an incredible amount in just a few months. You are unlike any other music teacher we have met. You are a talented teacher and player. Your enthusiasm is infectious. I love to watch you teach!
Roy Snow
I started playing guitar in my early 20's, having been one of the only people in my family who didn't play. My interests started with wanting to play along with family members a few times per year but after learning basic chords my playing flat lined and I grew immensely frustrated. Not being able to expand and lacking the knowledge to gain structure in my learning I decided it was time to find some help.
After 3 tries with online guitar teaching websites I met Damian at a local Open Mic he was running and started taking lessons a few weeks later. After a year of lessons I've become proficient with Country guitar and Blues, which when I started were the genre's I was interested in, and now I'm working on Jazz and I'm learning the mandolin and slide resonator guitar. I'm no longer scared to experiment with my instruments and my playing and I'm comfortable playing in large groups and live at some of the Open Mic events Damian runs. If you want to learn ANY instrument I highly recommend The Spaulding School of Music and if you start learning from Damian I'll look forward to playing with you at future Open Mic Nights.
Debbie Fisher
I am 52 years young and have just begun my venture into the world of singing and radio commercial voice over talent. I have taken singing lessons with two different teachers, but never continued because I felt I was not learning anything except how to do breathing exercises and sing scales. It was very frustrating! I know I have a good voice with great postential. I want to learn how to strengthen it and sing the best that I can. My nephew told me about Damian and how good he is. So I contacted Damian to see if he would take me on as a student, because I live in Kingston which is 4 hours away. He agreed and we met in December. All I can say is WOW, he is amazing and very gifted! His teaching style is different than any other voice teacher I have had. I learned more in one lesson than I had in one year of lessons! He makes you feel comfortable, is very encouraging, and no scales! Love it!!! Now, I travel once a month to see Damian…that is how good he is! I have a competition coming up in May and will soon have an agent to represent me. Thank you so much Damian for helping me to get there! I look forward to learning how to play the guitar next
Carol Fisher
Damian is not only a gifted teacher but an empathetic and caring individual.
My son admires and respects him. He has the unique ability to touch everyone that is fortunate enough to have him as a teacher.
I would highly recommend him to anyone that would enjoy enriching their lives with music.
My son has gained a tremendous amount of knowledge, confidence and now is able to perform in front of an audience.
Thanks Damian!
Julie McDiarmid
Damian is so energetic and fun that my son can't wait for his piano lessons! Music is never boring and we are so amazed at what he is learning. My husband has been playing for 30 years the "traditional" way and my son is catching up with him in just a few years with Damian. He's the best!!
im in just a few years with Damian. He's the best!!
Firoza Patel
It has been such a blessed change that my boys are excited about their lessons every week and voluntarily are practicing on their own. They think the world of Damian and are super excited to have him as their teacher, so THANK YOU Damian for bringing the love of music back for them.
Indeed you have been blessed by God with your teaching ability and talent. I am grateful that you are sharing this with my boys.
Sandra Perisa
Damian.
This is an amazing opportunity for Matej and he is very excited about it!
He is very inspired by your talent. It is great to see him pick up the guitar and go to town with the things he learns from you! Taking on the challenge of learning an instrument, expecially learning it well, takes a lot of dedication and hard work. There is just something about you, probably your fantastic sense of humor, that makes Matej really look forward to his lessons! Learning should be about using the God given talents we have within to spread the word. It's people like you who show us that we shouldn't be afraid to let it all out. We always look forward to what you have in store for us at the next lesson....and you never dissapoint!
Paulina Sawicka
When my host family and I sit and talk about Our Favorite Part of The Day around the kitchen table on Mondays I always say ”Voice-Lesson with Damian”. You’re an amazing teacher and a true inspiration to me. I’m so happy and blessed to have you as my vocal coach and I always have a blast. You inspire me to be better and you definitely challenge me for the better. Also, your energy and optimism is one of a kind. I love it! Damian, you’re by far the best teacher I’ve ever had and I’m already looking forward to our next lesson.
Amanda Mckinnon
A personal letter from me to Damian:
"That lesson was AMAZING!!!!! It was all the reasons I loved you from the very start...you see the potential for someone to push beyond their comfort zone and then you take them there in a safe fun way! I loved the way you pushed Mathew to reach beyond and did not make him feel bad about himself. I LOVED that you noticed he was playing a bit quiet at the end and took the time to ask why, even though you were running over time. I LOVED that he LOVED the lesson and was inspired. I loved that he felt safe to say to you, this is hard for me or I need help or I do not get it. I love that you know somehow when he says I do not know how...and you know which times he means it and which times he is faking you out. I love that you play along with him, it makes him feel like he is doing a good job and that you want to be a part of it. I love that you are funny, silly, serious and caring! You are the best!"
Amanda Mckinnon & Mathew (age 12)
Carla Canning
-- The following email communication is a regular occurrence with our students ---
I was wondering if you’d mind terribly if we cancel my lesson this Saturday. I’ve taken in so much from you in the first 2 lessons that I need an additional week to practice and process. I have to admit that this is the first time that I’ve run into this particular problem with my music lessons. I’d really like to anchor what we’ve worked on with respect to strum patterns and bar chords before we meet again. These are intellectually simple enough, but take so much time to learn to do with very little thought. I think that once I’ve tackled these two components the next pieces might fall into place easier.