“I came to Dr. Farouk as an advanced pianist with many questions about how I was physically playing the piano, and how to overcome specifically difficulties. I had seen Dr. Farouk’s performances on the internet and his playing caught my attention. I heard Dr. Farouk play with the sound, emotions and sincerity of the great pianist of the past, whom I wished to emulate. In our first lessons I was amazed at how grand his sound was when demonstrating on the same piano I was using. As we progressed in our lessons, he was successfully able to diagnose specific issues with my fingers arms and body. He also increased my conception of practice techniques. Over time, these suggestions began to take hold and operate simultaneously in my playing.
Most important to my development was learning about how Dr. Farouk became such a great pianist himself, and the self discipline a human needs to display to achieve the massive repertoire that he has already performed in public. This discipline in life has allowed Dr. Farouk to be a master demonstrator in the lessons. Just watching and listening to his demonstrations has often been the true guide in my practice. Seeing first hand how easily he can create the most difficult music on the piano had the most positive impact on my practice. The positive results of studying with Dr. Farouk’s for two years were noticed by all of my colleagues who knew my playing previously. I can only agree with the many people who have told me that my piano playing is the best they have ever heard from me. I no longer feel any physical and psychological problems with the most difficult piano repertoire, for which I am extremely grateful.
Simply put; what could be better then a piano teacher who has thorough knowledge of the standard repertoire and beyond, and who has the capability to demonstrate all of it on the spot? His playing reflects who he is as a person; caring and dedicated to his art and his students. His actions in this regard have been a guide to me beyond the realm of music, and that fact is necessary for any teacher to be considered great at teaching music.”