Rory has been at the centre of our son’s music journey, carefully guiding his progression and development by setting challenges and providing inspiration. At the same time he has always helped us as parents in thinking about his future as a musician.

What is notable is his organisation. Rory thinks ahead and balances things just right to suit the musician and their abilities. For instance, a meticulous, neatly handwritten practice diary comes home every week, full of notes and pointers.

He encourages confidence, preparedness and calm for music exams and teaches a very efficient Theory Exam technique that is so clever, yet so simple.

In lessons, he pitches just the right mix of authority and humour that children need and quickly earns him their respect.

Rory is very family orientated and his encouragement of collaborative and ensemble activities, such as Norfolk Keyboard Orchestra is very much in the same vein.

In a nutshell, I’d say Rory is honest, positive, a superb pianist and we would recommend him to other parents as a music teacher without hesitation.

Phil and Catherine Butcher, parents of one of my pupils

The skilled musicianship of Rory enhances our worship at Hemblington.  In addition to his keyboard and other instrument skills we especially enjoy his leadership of our small music group which brings another dimension, not only to our Sunday services, but to our special services at Easter, Harvest, Remembrance and Christmas.

Sue Shillam, Hemblington Church

My daughter has been a member of NKO for four years now and she has thoroughly enjoyed being part of the Orchestra. The type of music played covers a broad spectrum from pop to classical to folk and more, which helped to broaden her knowledge of music whilst setting her a challenge of learning new skills. 

Rory and his team are all very experienced musicians whilst being very understanding teachers and conductors. The concerts at the end of each term are excellent, always well attended and a joy to be part of. They enhance and develop the members skills and give them experience of playing to an audience; we thoroughly enjoy the concerts.

Keyboard Camp is certainly the highlight of our daughter’s year with NKO; she absolutely loves being at camp and has made many new friends through NKO. A massive well done to all concerned; keep up the good work and we look forward to hearing the concerts for this academic year.

Kevin Hurn, father of a member of the Norfolk Keyboard Orchestra