About Caruth Piano Studio
Cyndie Caruth, NCTM
Cyndie Caruth, NCTM, of Ankeny, Iowa, has been an independent piano instructor since 1973 and was among the first ten teachers nationwide to achieve National Certification through the Music Teachers National Association (MTNA) examination program. Throughout her distinguished career, her students have consistently demonstrated artistry and achievement, earning recognition in district, state, regional, and international competitions, as well as appearing in symphony concerto performances and on televised programs.
An honors graduate of Iowa State University with a degree in music education, Cyndie began her career teaching in public schools and directing community and church choirs, where she also served as organist for many years. Her contributions to education were honored with the “Friend of Education” award for her volunteer work in developing an elementary school accompanist program.
Cyndie’s leadership has extended deeply into the professional community. She has served in multiple roles on both the West Central Division and Iowa Music Teachers Association (IMTA) boards, including two terms as IMTA President (2008–2009 and 2017–2019). She has mentored numerous teachers through IMTA’s programs and continues to influence the profession as editor of the quarterly publication of the Iowa Music Teachers magazine and as the MTNA West Central Division Director, while serving on the MTNA Board of Directors' Finance Committee.
Her dedication has been recognized with some of the profession’s most esteemed honors, including the IMTA “Certified Teacher of the Year” and “Distinguished Service Award” (both awarded concurrently in 2004), as well as the Steinway Top Teacher Award in 2019 and 2022—an honor presented to only 43 educators across the United States and Canada, recognized at Steinway Hall in New York City. In 2017, she was honored as an MTNA Foundation Fellow at the national MTNA conference in Baltimore, Maryland.
In addition to maintaining a thriving private studio, Cyndie frequently serves as an adjudicator for IMTA events, state festivals, and the National Guild of Piano Teachers Auditions. She is also a sought-after clinician, presenting on topics such as repertoire selection, innovative pedagogy, studio management, competition preparation, interpretation, and effective use of technology in teaching.
Beyond her professional commitments, Cyndie values family life with her husband Carroll, a respected piano tuner, their two sons and daughters-in-law, and four grandsons.
Cyndie was honored at the Music Teacher's National Association Conference as a Foundation Fellow in March 2017. (Pictured above: MTNA CEO, Gary Ingle, Cyndie Caruth, NCTM, Foundation Honoree; National Music Teacher Association President, Rebecca Harms.)
