Reviews and Awards

Thumbtack Top Pro 2021


What I’ve really loved so far is how inclusive the lessons are - really meeting you where you’re at, customizing to your goals and your lifestyle, and being really encouraging. For someone starting as an adult Chris has really managed to wipe away a lot of the fear and self-doubt associated with being a “late starter” and I feel really excited about the possibilities.
— Diana M. (Student)
I can’t put in words how great Chris has been in getting me to finally recognize pitches and sing in key. He has taken his own time after the lessons to make extra videos and answer my texts.
— John S. (Student)
My eleven year old son has been taking Rap lessons with Chris Swan for the past three months and I cannot be more thrilled! My son became intrigued by rap after seeing Hamilton on Broadway. Chris has used his piqued interest to expand his overall knowledge on the history of rap, the techniques with rap, and the writing of rap lyrics. We receive videos of each individual lesson, detailed outlines of what was learned in the lesson, homework for the coming week, and goals for the following lesson, all within 24 hours of the lesson. Chris is wonderful for my son, as he allows him to be himself, asking questions about things that interest him, and uses those specific details to formulate the direction of the class. My husband and I are fascinated weekly by what our son learns and shares with us! It is with great enthusiasm that I recommend Chris for music lessons!
— Jennifer C. (Student's Mom)
Chris is an excellent teacher to our daughter, who has dyslexia. He is patient and relaxed and she actually enjoys going to piano lessons! She doesn’t enjoy most things that are challenging, so that’s a huge accomplishment.
— Katie N. (Student's Mom)
Chris is incredible. I am an adult with some knowledge of music and Chris was able to determine the best approach and material for my situation in the first lesson. I have gotten to see Chris working with children also. He is great with kids as he has a very supportive approach and a fun personality. I would highly recommend him for adults and children alike. Thank you Chris for bringing piano back to my life.
— Bry H. (Student)
Chris is Highly Attentive to your needs and will adjust accordingly! His approach to helping you set tangible goals for yourself and helping you take one confident step at a time, even when you’re doubting yourself, makes his coaching style a necessary part of growing into the musician you want to become.
— Jonathan R. (Student)
As a 59 y/o beginner, I’m enjoying the opportunity to learn how to read music and play the piano for the first time. I can count on the STL Piano teachers to be on time for our appt and ready for the day’s lesson. I appreciate the patience and the ability to help me progress with each session. The central location, reasonable price, easy-going personalities and teaching ability are helping me achieve my goals. I highly recommend STL Piano Lessons to anyone of any age who wants to learn to play the piano.
— Guy S. (Student)
Chris is awesome! He tailored my lessons to help me cover the skills that I most needed/wanted to work on while continuing to cover the basic materials he takes all his students through. He’s professional, easy-going, flexible, and is a super talented player. Highly recommended for students of any playing level, or any age!
— Russ M. (Student)
If you are looking for fun and rewarding piano lessons, Chris Swan is the man to go to. Music is his life and it shows. He is very easy to work with and will tailor the lessons around what the student wants. Whether you want to learn to play popular songs that you hear on the radio (by ear) or learn how to read and play sheet music, Chris does it all. I’ve enjoyed learning from him over the last 2 years and would definitely recommend him for anyone looking to learn piano for the first time or pick things up again! Ask him how to play “Africa” by Toto...you won’t regret it!
— Doug J. (Student)
Chris is an incredible teacher for our twin boys. At first he did a great job teaching them together until their needs were different and now they are separate lessons. Very reasonable rate. He keeps lessons fun and interesting for our 10 yr olds. We couldn’t recommend Chris enough. He is awesome!!
— Tony E. (Student's Dad)
Chris has been a phenomenal teacher for my 8-year-old daughter! My daughter’s piano skills have greatly improved since she has started lessons with Chris. Chris also makes learning fun so my daughter actually enjoys going to her lesson.
— Ashley K. (Student's Mom)
Chris has been an absolutely awesome teacher for my 11-year-old grandson. My grandson is so comfortable with him and loves to go to his lesson every week. He is very knowledgeable, friendly, uses encouraging words, and has been an inspiration for my grandson. We are so glad we chose Chris! I would highly recommend him.
— Jane M. (Student's Grandmother)
Chris is an amazing teacher! He has helped me understand and connect the dots quicker than any other piano teacher has. He will teach you to your preferences as to how and what you want to learn. He is patient, caring, kind, and thorough. He truly wants the student to understand the music but to have fun while doing it. He has a great sense of humor and makes the student feel comfortable. Oh and there is no use of rulers to slap fingers who make mistakes!!
— Rhonda W. (Student)