Business Details
Your Trusted Music Lessons Provider in Cincinnati, OH
Founded by Anna and Joe Backer, Cincinnati School of Music has evolved from a small studio into five thriving locations across Cincinnati. Our mission centers on delivering exceptional music education through a team of 70+ university-trained instructors, each bringing professional expertise and a passion for teaching. We pride ourselves on our flexible scheduling, including 11AM-9PM availability Monday-Thursday and weekend options, alongside a month-to-month enrollment structure that eliminates long-term commitments. With state-of-the-art facilities, spacious waiting areas featuring free WiFi, and an award-winning curriculum recognized by Cincy Magazine for eight consecutive years, we prioritize creating a welcoming environment where students of all ages can develop technical proficiency and creative confidence. Our proven teaching methodology, combined with transparent communication channels and dedicated office staff available seven days a week, ensures families receive personalized support throughout their musical journey. From initial trial lessons to annual recitals and student picture days, we offer comprehensive resources to measure progress and celebrate achievements within our vibrant musical community.
Services
Piano Lessons
Guitar Lessons
Voice Training
Drum Instruction
Violin Lessons
Woodwinds Instruction
Music Production
Group Lessons
Online Lessons
Recital Preparation
Served areas
- Cincinnati
Highlights and features
- Award-winning faculty recognized by Cincy Magazine for eight consecutive years
- 70 university-trained instructors with expertise in 15+ musical instruments
- Five conveniently located schools with evening and weekend scheduling options
- Family-friendly environment featuring lesson packages for multiple instruments
- Proven methodology combining technical mastery with creative self-expression
What people say
Patient instructors
Customized lessons
Flexible hours
Family packages
Proven results
Services
Piano Lessons
Our piano lessons utilize modern digital keyboards and acoustic pianos across 30-60 minute sessions. Students learn classical technique alongside popular music arrangements in soundproof studios equipped with observation windows. Instructors focus on reading sheet music, finger positioning, and performance confidence for both recitals and personal enjoyment.
Guitar Lessons
Offering acoustic, electric, and bass guitar instruction through age-appropriate curriculum. Beginners start with fundamental chords and progress to advanced techniques like fingerpicking and improvisation. Classes accommodate all genres from rock to classical, with instructors emphasizing proper posture and practice routines.
Voice Training
Comprehensive vocal training for children, teens, and adults combines breathing techniques with pitch control and lyric interpretation. Lessons occur in acoustically treated rooms with accompaniment tracks and live piano support. Students prepare for performances while building confidence in their natural vocal range.
Drum Instruction
We provide professional-grade drum kits for learning rhythm patterns, stick techniques, and music theory fundamentals. Instructors use play-along tracks and backing bands recordings to teach various styles including rock, jazz, and hip-hop while developing students' timing and coordination skills.
Violin Lessons
Classical violin instruction follows progressive method books with Suzuki and traditional approaches available. Students learn proper bowing technique, finger placement, and reading music notation. Recital preparation includes ensemble playing opportunities and solo performance coaching using professional-quality instruments.
Questions
What instruments can I learn at Cincinnati School of Music?
We offer instruction for piano, guitar, voice, drums, strings (violin/strings), woodwinds (flute/clarinet), and more than 15 additional instruments through specialized instructors.
Do you offer online music lessons?
Yes, we provide virtual lessons via Zoom with the same qualified instructors and curriculum used in our physical locations, maintaining interactive and engaging experiences.
Are trial lessons available before committing?
Yes, we offer single trial lessons for all instruments to help students experience our teaching approach before enrolling in regular weekly sessions.
How do cancellation policies work?
We allow flexible rescheduling with 24-hour notice. Our policy accommodates unexpected schedule conflicts while ensuring maximum utilization of lesson time.
Can family members take lessons together?
We encourage family participation through parent observation during lessons and offer coordinated scheduling for multiple family members learning different instruments.
What performance opportunities exist for students?
CSM hosts multiple recitals annually, student picture days, and ensemble playing opportunities. Our facilities include professional performance spaces with observation areas for family members.
Reviews (22)
Becky Heber Welzel
Dec 28, 2020
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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
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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 cant recommend this school enough regardless of age or skill level!!
Priya Krishna
Sep 13, 2020
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Our daughter started piano when she was 5 and the teachers at CSM helped her develop interest in music and the instrument. We are blessed to be part of this family and highly recommend it for anyone looking to get their kids started with an instrument.
Mary Anne Walser
Mar 22, 2020
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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
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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
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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
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My daughter is learning to play violin here at Mason location, I have already seen so much improvement in her skills. I highly recommend them. All the staff is really nice and they make rescheduling so much easy. If you are looking for a music teacher, please look no further.
April Higdon Cielica
Aug 12, 2018
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It's clear the owners have a passion for teaching children music - and every interaction with the staff is very pleasant. They are flexible when you have to miss classes and have a lot of options for make up. We ended up using many of the teachers - all very good with kids.
Nicole Whiting
Jul 23, 2018
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Our girls ages 8 and 10 are taking piano at the Anderson location and have grown musically and emotionally. They have taken responsibility and pride in their practice. Its amazing to watch!
Janine Zheng
Jun 28, 2018
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Cincinnati school of music is indeed a fantastic place. The teachers are wonderful, they are experienced and patient. My son (6 years old) is always excited to come to his lesson. And the staff are wonderful on helping managing scheduling as well as all other things. We love this school!
Lisa Vaughn
Oct 25, 2017
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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
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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
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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
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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.
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
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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
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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
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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
I love it hear, staff are extremely nice, schedules are accommodating. The most important piece is my 8yr old loves the drums and is doing an AMAZING job reading music
Jodi Federico Jenkins
We love Cincinnati School of music! The entire staff is wonderful! They are also flexible and make it easy to adjust lessons if you have a conflict. My 8 and 10 year old look forward to their weekly lessons even more than sport practices! Thank you Mi-Na, Nancy, and Allie!
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.
Soniya Soni
Much recommend the place for kids! Great teachers , highly recommend Mr. Andrew Wygant for Guitar , Very friendly and patient to kids !!!!! CSM is great place and appreciate the timely responses for any questions and informing schedule changes.