Being a deaf musician... 

Reading these beautiful comments, I see that we are really starting to become a community of like-minded people, good people, with a lot of life and love to give, who want to live better and contribute toward a better world. I really really like that. This can grow! ❤️

Being a disabled 66 yr old RN, I had begun to give up on everything, even life. Feeling everything is "over". My husband of 40 years gave me a keyboard for Christmas and sent me your Masterclass Ad. I signed up out of curiosity and it led me to this video. Your story is such an inspiration! I look forward to this new journey with you. Thank you

This makes me remember that i wasnt the only One to get bulied in school it inspires me a LOT to keep going and after i heard him Play in Latvia it changed my Life he gave me a way to folow he helped me build my road of Life i want to folow he Made me herlife AS a song that i make when i paint my paintings and Play my bass guitar he is just gold not just gold but Tons and Tons of dimonds

i’ve never related so much! i’m deaf in one ear almost completely and slightly in the other. i’ve been this way since i was born. a lot of people are surprised to learnt this. because i don’t tell people because of this one kid in primary school. he told me that i couldn’t succeed in life. i’m disabled and worthless and can’t do anything right. but i’m a musician. i’m currently learning my fourth instrument and i sing semi-professionally. i’ve also acted in national tv. yes i’m deaf. but hearing people (mostly) don’t know sign language. hearing people can’t lip read. hearing can’t tell who is talking or what instrument is playing by the vibrations in the floor. yes we’re different but that isn’t a bad thing. cause people with disability don’t live with struggles. they don’t resistance and they don’t know what’s it like. don’t ever let anyone tell you ur worthless because ur deaf. because ur not!!!! if someone says ur different say yes u r and be loud and proud about being a member of the deaf community. don’t let anyone pity u either because yes life is harder but it still a human. keep living life to the fullest!!!

Стивен, это невероятная история жизни, в которой каждый увидит одну важную истину - занимайся тем, что желает твое сердце и ты будешь счастлив! Спасибо за такую открытость и искренность, ты заряжаешь людей энергией и это дорогого стоит!

Your words reminded me of Jim Carrey’s speech: “Risk being seen in all of your glory. Bc life doesn’t happen to you. It happens FOR you...” Your philosophy and life goals are absolutely incredible. Thank you!!!

WOW!! This is the moment when there are no words. I'm not a very sentimental person, but this story made me cry. Not because I felt sorry for someone, but because it made me look at my life on the other side . I was always looking for justifications, making obstacles that I thought I couldn't pass. This is so stupid, but it still. I want to say THANK YOU for making the world better. Looking at you, I went back to music, started playing the piano again, started learning a guitar, and doing vocal. I started believe in myself again. Thank you again for everything you do. I`m looking forward to the concert in Moscow P.S. a special thank you for the cameraman, the video is just incredibly beautiful! ♥

I’ve never left any comments on RU-vid before, but this is so inspiring just like the story of the film.. Breathtaking ...❤️

I understand this challenge. I have been told I am handicapped due to my eye sight. I was completely unaware of this condition until 1 year ago. I am 48 years old. I was diagnosed with epilepsy, for which I took medication for 13 years. I never had epilepsy and the doctors wouldn't listen. When I was properly diagnosed and given prisms in my glasses my whole world changed. Living my life with what is called a handicapped never stopped me. I am thankful I was never told I had a disability because I never quit, I never gave up. I just tried harder and succeeded. My doctor was shocked at what I have accomplished in life. I attributed that to that fact that I was never labeled has disabled. I am so happy to hear your music. It is beautiful. Thank you for sharing your story as well.

When you mentioned telling your mom that you didn't want to go back to school, I felt that. At the end of grade 2, I went home and through tears told my mom that I didn't want to go back. I've never been filled with this kind of hope before, thank you for making this video.

WOWWW!!! I haven't been this inspired in a very, very long time. This guy ooozes joy and confidence and a love of life that surpasses the imagination.. So impressed with his attitude of 'NO LIMITATIONS" and that he CAN do whatever he wants. Thank God for all of us, that it's music. Didn't think ANYone could ROCK a piano, but this guy can! Stephen, you are an amazing person and you're right --- Everybody can feel your music. It is so nice -- especially in these troubled times -- to have you in this world! 😮🙂🙃

Wow WOW You are such a Great Man You inspire me more and more every day of my life, I wanna share something good and positive, I wanna share love to other people because YOU share your love to me(and to others), you give me that incredible power of Life that light up every single corner of my existence, of my Life I'm extremely grateful and I wept while watching and listening to this absolutely INCREDIBLE story. You are like Music - powerful, gorgeous, soaring and motivating And inspiring Thank you❤️

Stephen, I’ve listened to you sing a song for the world. Today as I was listening to you I saw a notation jump out “ Being a Deaf Musican ”. Stephen I began teaching deaf children in 1971 with normal hearing. I am also a musican. In the last 12 years I have lost 70 dBs of hearing. There are days I am very discouraged and feeling isolated. Hearing you sing has given me new hope. I hope I can connect with you and we journey together. Blessings. Kathie Sherman

What an amazing guy, this is an artists the world needs to see

Your story made me understand your music deeper than I used to, and appreciate it even more. Thank you for being so inspiring and sharing your soul with us both through music and words!

This is really pure. And yes, we are getting bigger. Thank you for doing this! You are such beautiful soul.

Wow! Amazing story! Just started playin the piano

This is so inspiring man! Your enthusiasm gave me so much hope. I'm glad I got to know you and your music ❤️🙏🙏🙏

I am not sure if you even monitor this channel anymore, but I wanted to say I enjoy your passion and sheer exuberance for music and teaching piano and it’s a pure joy to behold! You are a ⭐️

Inspirational and talented! Thanks Stephen for getting this out there,now you can let it completely go and CONTINUE to move forward 😁🥂💕

Amazing Stephen! Such a perfect time in my life I’m truly learning to go past “wanting” to be more to actually BELIEVING I can be, do or have more. We are truly limitless of potential if we can truly... believe. Once we are fully persuaded of that belief are we limitless. Your testimony is evidence of these convictions. Blessings to you and your venture with Master Class!

That is an awesome video, you can actually feel so much love to life and to the people surround you, and its really cool that you are showing how you can change your problems to your strengths, thats really powerful !!!

I'm glad you can hear now and sharing your music...love your voice, continue doing what makes you happy. God bless u and keep safe.

@Stephen Ridley love seeing how you pour yourself into your music and in return your music pours unto others! Thank you for sharing this!❤️

TRULY AMAZING ! I love how you make challenges in life a game instead of some overwhelming battle you lost before even trying. I will definitely teach everyone around me to look at it in the same way. It's a wonderful way of looking at life ❤️

Спасибо, это большая поддержка для людей!! Несколько лет назад, я почти не слышала на одно ухо. Твоя история мне близка. Людям всегда легче посмеяться над другими, чем понять и поддержать. Главное, не отказываться от своей мечты и идти к цели сквозь преграды 🤗

Wow, I just listened to your Imagine in the empty station. I had no idea you were deaf until I saw your pop up. Your pitch is spot on. You’re amazing. Well your hard work paid off. You’re right we are only as limited as our brains tell us.

Stephen, Great to see you rise meteorically since we had a chat many years ago in a Fulham flat. Did you ever write that book? - Doing what you love: you have the strength to go ahead with it. Others don't. Let that power you forwards - Hearing impairment: just like ADD, ADHD, color blindness, dyslexia - you perceive thing differently, not better or worse. Be different, be great - Scientology: you have found something there that gives you a great structure for self-fulfilment and growth. It's not for everyone by it works for you. You do you, whatever works. When you're playing, you can't hear the boos, the nay-sayers, the sceptics. So play, louder and all who stop to listen. Nice meeting you Stephen, I'm sure we'll cross paths very soon -

Stephen.. I just knew you from Instagram but just watched this video. Thanks for sharing this. I can feel you. I also had an experience of losing my hearing a few years ago.. I was so scared and then had a few treatments till it got better. This video showed that no matter how many obstacles we have, there's no limitation. You're a true gift, you're talented. I'm happy to discover you. 😊😊

Thanks for sharing your story! It’s very encouraging!

Stephen you continue to inspire & delight me more & more all the time. Thank you for everything you do and who you are. What a gift to the world. 🙏💜

This moved me to tears. Can't believe you had an impairment. So inspirational, your words.

thank you for sharing that. Your story really motivates us to overcome challenges and not give up! I sent this video to many friends!

I’m speechless and my tears just run out of my eyes. You ARE the miracle, Stephen!

Great story! My congratulations, bro! Thanks for motivation!

Wow! No words! Only feels! Chills, man!! I love your story, you ever evolving journey, your vibes, your energy, love it all! You are a very, very special person Stephen and the world is so lucky to have you

Thank you for being you ♡ You are a blessing and a gift to this world!

What a beautiful human being you are and what a great message you are spreading. Music is a blessing shared by all of us. Keep being you, do you, play music and sing your heart out to us. Much respect and love.

really stunned by your life story. You're an incredible beautiful soul with such a talent. Show it to the world Stephen, show them. You're a an Spirit of Light.

Stephen Ridley yours vibes are so contagious! It’s fantastic to see how you are creating this magic and spread it all over🧞‍♂️✨🎶✨ You are definitely setting a good example and inspiring others🎯🏆

I love your energy. You're an inspiring man with a beautiful soul and a fabulous musician. Thank you for sharing your passion... this is a gift for me.

When I hear stories like this, the moms always have a special place in my heart. Like this mom who had to sit there and listen to her baby boy tell her that bullies were teasing him at school, who had to get the scary news from the doctor that something was wrong with her child's hearing, and I'm assuming it was mama who got him lessons (and maybe even his first piano?) even though this might not be a hobby he could even pursue. Thank God she did though because this man has so much talent it's insane. Well done mama 👏

Wow what an inspiration you are. Spirit in motion. You found your passion and bulldozed all obstacles out of your way. We truly are limitless. Playing piano has been a lifelong dream of mine.

I'm a tear up, goosebumps everywhere music listener. You give both in you music, AMAZING. the world is blessed that you ignored "limits"

Thank you for sharing your journey. I have a young son who is faced with a new health condition that has pushed him down. Your courage to share will inspire many who are faced with a new challenge. Bless you

I have 2 deaf parents and my dad loved music, and it was always played loudly. This guy has skill and I love the way he plays

Dude you are so very strong for not allowing what they tried to say was a limiting thing and following your dream. I can't imagine how it feels to have hearing issues but, you, Stephen Ridley are an inspiration to me. I look forward to the Master class on the third of this next month, you've inspired me to want to learn to play the piano and I truly appreciate you and what you are doing for people and most importantly for yourself. Be proud bud, you're awesome.

It is extremely courageous of you for just keeping going on despite all the feelings/thoughts you've been battling with and look at you now because of YOU! I relate to the facts it's very disorienting. I got hit by a car as a pedestrian in 2015 and had a near death experience with lots of head trauma (skull fractures, rockbone, eye socket all around, 2 types of cerebral hemorrhages) I lost ability to taste & smell, my hearing decreased, right ear almost completely deaf. I was scared outside, disoeriented... It's a beautiful thing you kept on your track of what you're passionate about! Blessings 🙏🍀

You’re so amazing! I can listen to your beautiful music for hours it brings so much joy and peace to my mind. You’re such a inspiration to so many people and make this world a much better place 😊

Your amazing. My sister is deaf and she says the same about not wanting people to know about her “disability” and treating her differently. Good for you for breaking thorough other people’s limitations of what you can and can’t achieve. What an amazing strong mind you have 😍

Fantastic, thank you for this. And you’re existence. You have inspired a lot of people deeply, privilege to know your story. Thank you

Thank you for this, dear man, you gave me so much hope, I have six illnesses, including very serious physical illnesses, the only thing my soul desires is to play the piano, but my body does not allow it, every note hurts my fingers so much, As if it's against all odds, sometimes I cry when I sit down at the piano I just want to play and my body screams in pain, you just gave me hope...thank you for that

Oh man! I haven't seen this video before. Each day something new is revealed about you to me! That was crazy man! I have always said the world will be more beautiful having more crazy people. And now that I know your story, I adore you the most as the craziest man who has gone through the hardship of passing the boundaries standing against all limitations! Actually I was in a hard situation when I first saw one of your videos playing and singing so passionately. Since then I feel power and energy around me and I am trying to absorb it into me with the help of your inspiration! That is why I look to you as a gift from heaven! Now writing this I should confess that I even didn't know where the comment section on RU-vid is, I surfed the RU-vid videos for instruction on how to do so. This is to put my first ever comment for the one who has gave me the energy to move on! This is to thank you for sharing your story that tells us how you have become such a colorful butterfly out of the cocoon around you. Keep on rolling and fly to the highest Stephen and take us with you to your beautiful land of making even the most impossible dreams come true!

I’m a mum with an autistic son. I could relate when you said: ‘I could see my mum ...’ yes..... I went in and out of audiologist room for my son’s hearing test. I remember he looked into my eyes as if he knew that I was praying for a perfect result. His hearing is okay but he was diagnosed with autism a year after the last hearing test. I believe life is limitless. I always look at my son’s (7 yo) ability regardless what the world has labelled him. He has piano lesson and your clips really inspired him to practice more each day. Thank you.

Stephen, you inspire me to be who i really am. Your electric personality and soul music is one with eternal energy. You are a gift to the world, and the world is so much better with you here. So many turn back when faced with adversity and never let go of lifes limited rules to discover the freedom on the other side. I am honoured to listen to your soul sing its melody. Inspirational ❤

Inspiring ❤ Just what I needed to hear at the right time. Keep doing what you’re doing. You’re awesome!

oh man...Stephen....I am speechless...well that explains all this "playing from the heart " thing I felt from the 1st moment i saw you..i didn't know you..I just saw your webinar which I wasn't even planning on doing...it just popped up in front of me on Insta and although I had no time at all, i just sat there and watched it all til the last second! You had me from Hello..that/s all i can say..I am a bassist myself and i write music also.The main reason i play music is exactly what you are teaching..the interaction with the world and this very moment you know that you "have" them resonating with you...This magic moment is like a Dream...Knowing that you make them happy, that you fill every cell of them with your light.. .If it wasn't with this damn covid crisis I would have bought the offer immediately today..but No live shows for me since Jan, therefore no Income..Hopefully next year i will buy the "scales" bundle which is very important to me..GOD BLESS YOU now and always ..BE THE LIGHT and SHINE BRIGHT...lots of Love from your new friend in Athens Greece !

Thank you for this great story!! ❤️ Thank you for sharing it with us!!I’m almost crying! You’re amazing man! Thank you for your love and passion!

One's weaknesses will always make one stronger as they overcome them. Thanks for reminding us all that our limits should never prevent us from being what we can become. I appreciate your music and your inspiration to us all....thanks you...

That's completely empowering! Your message got to Brazil at 02:22h to someone who's anxious enough to be awake at this time home alone. Obrigada!

Wow Thank you for sharing your story ❤ "Going through the obstacles. To play the game of life" Oh yeah this is what really important.

Absolutely 100% inspirational. Very powerful. Thank you for sharing. I ws 56 yr old and at times still in that box bc of the bullying that happened to me so many yrs ago. I have hd to lern how to forgive, esp since there was a dare to trip me, and i broke my elbow, and fter many surgerie am limited by my activitiy but am very blessed to still have my arm even thru all the pain. I was so inspired to hear your story. Thnk you for sharing and keep playing. I love your music. May God bless you

Your story gives me some hope. My 12 year old don who has Autism (high functioning) told me last week that other kids make fun of him at school too and he feels like he has no friends. Of xourse that kills me as his mom hearing this. His dad and iI both are musically inclined and i believe my son is too but he needs the courage to really get going in learning music. We got him his own keyboard and are encouraging him to get more into it and find what he's really good at. Thank you for the reminder that anyone can do it if they have the support and confidence they need to succeed. I'm looking forward to seeing how far he can go! #soar 🦅

Thank you for sharing this story with us❤️

Stephen your story resonated so much in me, because we have a similar view of obstacles in life....... fighting for what we desperately desire to do all the while being told that we have to settle and just give up our dreams....that we are limited because of these obstacles. I would dearly love a conversation with you in more detail of your experiences, I think you have a lot more to share. My whole life has been a series of obstacles to overcome.....one of the hardest challenges i faced was i suffered a severe accident when both of my legs from the knees 3/4 of the way down my legs were shattered so bad the doctor wanted to amputate both legs. They gave me a 2% chance of ever walking, every doctor, physiotherapist, and medical professional told me to just accept a life in a wheel chair. It took me a year of fighting to learn how to walk again.... the good news is i made despite the odds. But these lessons teach us something about ourselves and about others and I find those kinds of conversations to be the most rewarding because everyone has a story and there is so much we can learn from each other. I am so happy you could enjoy singing and playing the way you do, although not easy to accomplish so rewarding because of the struggle.

So inspiring, thank you for sharing your story !

I am SO PROUD OF YOU! i cried, smiled and cried again - tears of joy as YOUUU GET IT! THANK YOU FOR BEING YOU and stripping away that limitation that most cannot. I’m on that path too champ! ❤ Many blessings to you all ! ✨🫶🏾🍄

1:24 I recently found out that I have a life changing and one would say defining and destroying illness and I've been trying to do some of the things now I've always wanted to do. one day when I was praying something within me like a lightning bolt I had this, ravenous urge to learn music and learn piano. I have been overcome with creativity since. since my health is declined I haven't been able to purchase a keyboard yet but I'm going to catch one when they're cheap and make sure it's got the right amount of keys and everything. once that happens I'm going to try to figure out where I can get a lesson plan to do on my own I don't have the resources to buy a lesson plan as I barely survive on my own as it is. but one thing that I can tell you that I'm very fascinated about, I only came here because you did a RU-vid commercial advertising some kind of a life lesson or piano lesson, and the music was so good it grabbed me and then it said it was a lesson plan so I hurried up and type your name in the box before I lost it to my memory I'm glad I found you but it breaks my heart you haven't been here in a couple years lol I loved your music! I wish I could play like that!!! I'm going to try

I am stunned by you're story. This is really really galvanising. I look up to you. What you are doing is powerful , invigorating. If I ever be in your audience I'll be shouting, bursting, loud enough for you to hear. You have my love and respect. Ur like Alex the lion when he's dancing and roaring.

Thank your so much for your spirit, your courage, and your passion Stephen! You truly embody the soul of music and life itself! Having concocted Asperger’s syndrome, it can be very tempting sometimes to not wish I have it. Though I certainly would not be the same without it. I might not have the abilities of perfect pitch and synesthesia, but more importantly I may not embody the breath of curiosity, playfullyness, stubbornness, and passion necessary to truly use music as a vehicle for life’s hidden treasures. Thank you for being one of those treasures Stephen!

I am "half" deaf too. I know what you've been trough. I am glad I found your music here on youtube. You are amazing! Thank you for being so passionate about life. 🙂

You make me speechless... 💖I love your mindset, your vision of life! You are so so an incredible beautiful human being. I just can't even explain what you make me feel. You are the definition of Positivity 🙏 Thankyou so much for sharing this with the world

Thanks for the great story. thanks for the music! I'm crying .. from happiness

I want to say thank you, for sharing your story. It’s so inspiring and motivating. I feel so empowered. I will show it to my 9 y.o son for sure.

Finding out a bit more about you and your story is just a gift. Thank you.

Your story really touched hearts ♡♡♡ and minds! You are such a good person and a real hero! You are wonderful! Thank you very much! ♡

Now I understand. It’s impossible to not be touched by this. Thank you for sharing.

This is absolutely beautiful. So so inspiring. You are an example Stephen. Thank you

Wow! Wow! Wow! He has so much passion! I LOVE this! You are a role model, Stephen! Way to live your life to the fullest! ❤️

So inspiring....so wonderfull...so amazing Stephen !

You are great Mr. Stephen. Your music amazing. Your dedication is limitless which hold up our inner strength.

Wow!!! This video is amazing! I don’t have more words to say... just thank you so much to share this part of your life. I hope I can meet you

You have such a beautiful soul!! Thanks for share it!!

Thank you for sharing this. You are so right and your music is incredible and I love it LOUD!!!!

I'm so impressed! I love your music and your story is just a miracle and stunning :)

What an incredible video buddy, it just looks amazing and speaks so clear! There's so much intention, care and love! I remember you telling me this when we were in the studio back in kent 8 years ago. I remember being like damn even with this he still moves forward! Beautiful man, I hope it inspires others ! I had an injury a few years ago where I lost my hearing in my right ear for a month, I got vertigo, couldn't walk without getting dizzy. I was so low because of it! That got restimulated in November 2018 where it went again, I was completely terrified! When we started making the piano school my right ear was still problematic for me up until the new year, where fortunately it came back, although Im pretty sure I have tinnitus (I notice a ringing when it's silent sometimes) I remembered you had told me this years ago and thought if he doesn't complain about it or feels limited nore should I.

Can't agree more with him! Obstacles can be hard and stressful but it what makes you keep going and growing, make this life challenging and exciting at the same time! You feel more alive once you can come over those limits. One of the reason I chose the life out of my country, out of my comfort zone, out of my normality and I'm still enjoying the game! I've grown up so much more and beat fears that tried to occupy me in all these years.

You are not alone. I'm also a deaf musician/guitarist struggling with a similar journey. Keep your heads up 👍

You are my inspiration. What i aspire to become. I see myself in you. That's exactly what I always felt inside. You show what i can be. Thank you. You have no idea what it means. Truly grateful to have found you.

Snake Oil Salesman

Someone actually gave a thumbs down on this video - wow! I feel very very sorry for this person. They are NOT playing the game well. This is a FABULOUS video. Thank you!

How come i have not seen you're channel. You're amazing. I love you're voice and the positive thinking that you have. Subscribed and liked. Thank you.

Stephen your music inspire me, your personality and light it is just a gift that I discover you! Thank you. Your are a lot to give us with your music! Long life with the vibration of music, I will danse on your music too! Thanks! Namaste!

I see you really like to create beautiful music and share it with the world with love 💞 to the people making us happy 😊 with your wonderful music❣ I thank you very much for that and the amazing free concert you gave in Tashkent where I first saw you and became your fan 💖 Lots of thanks for the wonderful time and music❣❣❣

i am so happy that i found this video... i love this inspirational story. my family play instruments and i don't... i was just enjoying your music and i found your story... wway better!.... this is why i do what i do to. to find this kind of heroes.

Stephen, I love how Jesus made you ... and I pray you always know how much He loves you. Keep shining! You are an extraordinary human being and I am excited to see all the places you go. May you always know where your breath comes from and the purpose for which it is given. May His glory be your aim. God bless and keep you close!

Love you Man! You are just GREAT!!!! Wish you all the best and only the best!!!

You my man are the most inspiring of all. God Bless you.

MUSIC, it is a reminder of WHO WE ARE! Yes, a profound spiritual message, embodied by a humble and wise soul. Keep sharing the LOVE!

Amazing! Gave me chills listening to your story! Your music is incredible! Beautiful story!