We have over 18 teachers on staff with University training from some of the most prestigious colleges in the country, and years of professional teaching and performing experience. With multiple music teachers for guitar, piano, voice, ukulele, violin and viola, we are confident that we have the right teacher for you. Our music teachers have warm and friendly personalities and are dedicated to helping you achieve your musical goals.We offer a wide range of lessons to meet your busy schedule. Morning and lunchtime lessons are available for homeschoolers, retirees, and college students. We also stay open late for business professionals.
Our clients enjoy the most spacious and parent-friendly waiting area in Cincinnati. Instead of waiting in a music store showroom, our clients enjoy a professional waiting area with comfortable chairs, magazines, free WiFi, bottled water service, and a separate waiting area just for kids. Plus, all of our teaching studios have large observation windows, so you can watch your child's lesson while you wait. Or parents are always welcome to sit in on their child's lesson any time.
Served areas
- Cincinnati
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Services
Piano Lessons
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Piano instruction is offered as a weekly 30, 45, or 60 minute private lesson. Beginner, intermediate, and advanced lessons are available in a variety of different styles such as classical/traditional, rock, jazz, christian, and blues. Whatever style of piano you want to learn, our instructors are here to help you and customize a lesson plan for you.
People
Anna and Joe Backer
Owners
Anna and Joe Backer are a husband and wife team following their dreams of providing high quality music lessons in a fun and welcoming environment. They work with students of all ages, ranging from age 3 to 85+, and all abilities, from beginners to advanced musicians who are honing their craft. Anna and Joe Backer are grateful to do what they love and be in such a wonderful neighborhood.
Reviews (22)
Becky Heber Welzel
Dec 28, 2020
We were at the Cincinnati School of Music for several years. My son took drum lessons with Doug Sutton.
Doug was a wonderful instructor! He taught my son to play multiple varieties of music and made the lessons fun. Doug was even accommodating when my son has to learn a piece of music for school band. Doug helped him learn the music and understand the variations.
He actually helped my son win a silver medal at the State Solo and Ensemble competition! My son always looked forward to his lessons with Doug. The staff at CSM was also always very courteous and helpful, with email reminders about payments and even text reminders about classes. Overall our experience at CSM has been nothing but wonderful!
Doug was a wonderful instructor! He taught my son to play multiple varieties of music and made the lessons fun. Doug was even accommodating when my son has to learn a piece of music for school band. Doug helped him learn the music and understand the variations.
He actually helped my son win a silver medal at the State Solo and Ensemble competition! My son always looked forward to his lessons with Doug. The staff at CSM was also always very courteous and helpful, with email reminders about payments and even text reminders about classes. Overall our experience at CSM has been nothing but wonderful!
Nicki Crowe
Oct 02, 2020
Starting violin in my fifties was daunting to say the least. This school and my teacher, George Watkins, made it a seamless and stress-free experience. The communication with the school is gold standard especially through the pandemic. During that time, we conducted lessons via zoom and could continue via zoom for as long as needed. I can’t recommend this school enough regardless of age or skill level!!
Priya Krishna
Sep 13, 2020
Mary Anne Walser
Mar 22, 2020
My husband and I just started virtual lessons with Cincinnati School of Music (via the Zoom app) and we are blown away by how fun and engaging our piano lessons are. Our teachers are great at explaining and showing us things over the app, too, and are very patient, impressive and kind. CSM is doing a great job with this, and we HIGHLY RECOMMEND taking lessons as a way to stay engaged and sane during this very trying time!!
Amy M.
Mar 10, 2020
Our son had a wonderful experience learning piano at Cincinnati School of Music. The staff are very friendly, cheerful and helpful. If the lesson time needs to be changed, they will help you to find the best match. Make-up lessons are also offered with 24-hours notice in advance. The teachers are qualified professionals who are fun to have lesson with. CSM also hosts recitals. From CSM, my son has not only learned the technique of playing piano, but also developed interests for music that will last for life time.
Colleen Jay
Jun 03, 2019
My daughter really enjoyed her voice lessons at the Cincinnati School of Music. Her instructor, Colleen Beucher, is fantastic. She is a not only a great instructor, but really listened to my daughter's goals and made the lessons fun. And, the staff at the school are also terrific. They are friendly and helpful, work hard to ensure there is a good match between the student and teacher and are very accommodating with schedule changes and etc. We recommend them highly!
Jasmine Mann
Dec 13, 2018
April Higdon Cielica
Aug 12, 2018
Nicole Whiting
Jul 23, 2018
Janine Zheng
Jun 28, 2018
Lisa Vaughn
Oct 25, 2017
CSM is the best! At our highest usage, our family was taking 5 different lessons (guitar, voice, beginner piano, intermediate piano, and ukulele). Joe and Anna Backer have assembled a well-trained staff and set of instructors who are able to customize the lessons to match a student's level, interest, and temperament. I really like how instructors find the balance between formal learning of music and having fun.
Stephanie Janssen
Jan 30, 2017
Our family was lucky enough to meet Anna and Joe Backer when they first opened Cincinnati School of Music in 2012, and we've so enjoyed being a part of the school. They provided an environment where my daughter and I could each take voice lessons with teachers who were great working with both children and adults. My daughter loves Autumn! The office staff is friendly and welcoming when students arrive and are always available to answer any questions that may arise. Thanks to everyone at CSM for such a fabulous experience!
Angela Mazzi
Dec 05, 2016
I've been so impressed with my children's progress on piano and with voice over the years they have been taking lessons. Jordan is a great piano teacher who can keep my son focused and learning and my daughter appropriately challenged. She is very willing to let them experiment musically as well and learn fun things like the theme songs for their favorite video games. Colleen has tapped my daughter's vocal talent and really stretched her abilities- it has also helped her be a more poised and confident performer. The staff is so nurturing and friendly- they make it so easy to take lessons!
Kami Hines
Apr 10, 2016
Both of my daughters ages 11 and 8 take lessons (voice and piano) at Cincinnati School of Music. We are so pleased with the quality of instruction, flexible scheduling, and warm friendly staff. Jordan (piano) is an excellent instructor. She is amazingly talented, extremely patient with the children, and very positive. Colleen (voice) is fun, hip, and upbeat.
She has strong technical skills and works with my daughter to improve these but does so in a fun, light, relevant manner. Anna and Joe Backer (the owners/directors) have been so great to work with. They have been extremely flexible with our ever changing schedules. They have created a positive, professional, music school for people of all ages and all ability levels. I highly recommend the Cincinnati School of Music.
She has strong technical skills and works with my daughter to improve these but does so in a fun, light, relevant manner. Anna and Joe Backer (the owners/directors) have been so great to work with. They have been extremely flexible with our ever changing schedules. They have created a positive, professional, music school for people of all ages and all ability levels. I highly recommend the Cincinnati School of Music.
Andy Puthoff
Jan 20, 2015
My daughter absolutely loves her piano lessons. Cincinnati School of Music has been a very positive experience for our family. The teachers have focused on my daughters learning style. They also allowed her to pick out several popular pieces to learn which has kept her interest! She recently just did a singing camp that allowed her to explore her singing talent and make new friends.
Tim Teague
Mar 29, 2014
My wife and I absolutely loved having our son attend the Cincinnati School of Music! Our son is 6 years old and decided to take on guitar lessons (first instrument ever). Anna and the Cincinnati School of Music were very accommodating, flexible, and easy to work with as far as scheduling his appointments and setting him up with James the guitar teacher. James was a great teacher and made learning fun and exciting for our son. We highly recommend the Cincinnati School of Music to any new or young beginners, as we have been very pleased with our experience!
El Coche
Nov 05, 2013
My daughter plays piano and Joe has done wonders to help her be a better musician! I like that he expects her to be prepared each week which, in turn, makes her want to do a good job. The lessons have been challenging but not overwhelming so its been a great experience. They have music lessons for adults as well and I think that is wonderful. Everyone at CSM is very professional and friendly - from the minute you walk in the door until the next time you come in.
I was able to have my younger daughter wait in the waiting room with me during lessons and it was never a problem and there were things to keep her busy. We are only stopping lessons due to moving out of state, otherwise, we would continue on indefinitely.
I was able to have my younger daughter wait in the waiting room with me during lessons and it was never a problem and there were things to keep her busy. We are only stopping lessons due to moving out of state, otherwise, we would continue on indefinitely.
Yolanda Robinson-Master
Jodi Federico Jenkins
Jennifer Price
We have taken piano lessons through the Cincinnati School for the past 2 years. It is a great family oriented environment and flexible to meet our schedule. My daughter started with the summer music discovery camp and immediately became hooked on music. We then began piano shortly after and she has excelled. She has had great teachers all of which have been talented, funny, encouraging and patient. We have had Alison, Joe, Mrs. Peg and Jordan. All of them are wonderful!
Lisa Kuhl
Our experience with the Cincinnati School of Music has been wonderful. Staff are extremely courteous and friendly, and communication regarding any updates/changes is very consistent and timely. My son's drum instructor, Doug, is superior: a very talented and skilled instructor with patience and a gift for meeting students exactly where they are in their skills and understanding.
My son is pursuing a different instrument in his school band so we must discontinue these lessons soon, but my son delayed this decision solely because he likes these lessons and this teacher so much. We highly recommend this music school and this instructor.
My son is pursuing a different instrument in his school band so we must discontinue these lessons soon, but my son delayed this decision solely because he likes these lessons and this teacher so much. We highly recommend this music school and this instructor.
Soniya Soni