TESTIMONIALS
One of the most valuable aspects of Caruth Piano Studio is the way Mrs. Caruth instills not only musical ability, but also discipline, focus, and respect—qualities that extend far beyond the piano. From the start, our child has been encouraged to take responsibility for their practice, arrive prepared, and treat their time at the studio with intention and care
We deeply appreciate her thoughtful approach to teaching not only piano technique, but also the importance of proper etiquette and presentation.
Before each recital, there is clear guidance on professional attire, with an emphasis on dressing modestly and appropriately for the occasion. Our child has learned the importance of grooming—keeping hair neatly styled and away from the face, understanding how personal appearance reflects respect for both the music and the audience.
Equally meaningful is the attention given to stage presence: from walking on and off the stage with poise, to bowing respectfully after a performance. These lessons in discipline, self-awareness, and respect have had a lasting impact on our child’s confidence and character. We are truly grateful to be part of a studio that upholds such high standards in such a warm and encouraging environment.
-Ganesh and Brinda N.
I have known Cyndie Caruth for the past 30-plus years not just as a piano teacher, but as a mentor and a friend. As a teacher, she pushed and encouraged me to be the best I could possibly be. I knew at an early age my life would be centered around the piano. Cyndie knew how to cultivate my talent and desire for a music career, and she always went above and beyond what most teachers would consider the duty of a piano teacher. I have always admired Cyndie's dedication and enthusiasm as a piano teacher. I remember one of my first lessons with Cyndie when I was 6 years old. She was teaching me how to use dynamics to make the music come to life. I tried again and again to get that crescendo right, and finally, on my 4th or 5th try, I must have done what she wanted because she got so excited and screamed “That's it!” so loud that I got startled right off the bench.
Many students considering a major in music might think they need to move on to a different teacher by junior high or high school to better prepare them for college. I spent all 12 of my years with Cyndie, up until going to Cincinnati to study at the College-Conservatory of Music. I have never once regretted her being my one and only piano teacher while growing up. I have since gone on to earn my BM and MM in piano performance from CCM.
I now have a family of my own and maintain a piano studio of 20 students in my home. Cyndie has taught me not only how to be a good pianist, but in that 12-year process, she taught me how to be a teacher. My greatest hope as a piano instructor now is that my students learn from me as much as I learned from her.
Beavercreek, Ohio
Mike Leeds and Andy Anderson
I was a student of Cyndie's from 1994-1997 during my high school years. She has a remarkable ability to both motivate and encourage her students to use their talents to excel at the piano. Many years have passed since my time in Cyndie's studio, and the lessons she taught me on technique, theory, and commitment will stay with me forever. See them at Grand Piano Bistro and other venues in the Des Moines and Iowa City areas.
I feel privileged to have had the opportunity to study under one of the best instructors in the Midwest!
Moreover, I never realized that all those hours of practice would pay off. I am now part of a dueling piano act that performs at various functions throughout the state.
Thanks, Cyndie, for your dedication!
Mike Leeds, Huxley IA
*Mike's son just graduated from high school after years of successful lessons at Caruth Piano Studio.
I graduated from high school at Bondurant-Farrar and moved from Des Moines, Iowa to Tulsa, Oklahoma for college to major in Piano Performance and pre-med. By far, being part of Cyndie’s studio is one of the things I miss most about Iowa. It was such a great environment to learn to love music.
I give credit to Cyndie for cultivating my love of music. Not only did she teach me about how music works and the basics, but she kept me going when I would throw tantrums and threaten to quit. She was incredibly patient with me, for which I am eternally grateful. I would not be where I am now if it wasn’t for her unfailing patience, along with her constant ability to push me to make myself better. I’ve always struggled with being motivated, but Cyndie knew exactly how to get me to kick things into gear. I’ve never been pushed as much as when I was in Cyndie’s studio, and I look back now and wish all my teachers had pushed me to be better just as hard as Cyndie had.
ll the other members support each other and are willing to listen to a performance or give a heartening word. I made several good friends in the studio, which made learning music so much more fun because Cyndie made it an active and engaging process by allowing and encouraging us to collaborate with others in the studio.
One thing that I feel also needs to be mentioned is how much Cyndie genuinely cares for her students. My senior year, I suffered an injury to my left shoulder that greatly diminished my ability to play for about eight months. In that time, I struggled with coming to terms that my secret dream of playing professionally was over, and that in November of my senior year I was restarting my college search. Needless to say, it was a very stressful time for me. I can distinctly remember the one person who would not let me quit was Cyndie. I wanted to walk away and feel miserable, but she would not let me. She knew I was better than that and I would find a way to deal with my injury. She was right. At a time when I needed a hug the most, she gave me the hug, told me things would get better, and to not give up, then forced me to practice with my right hand. She would not let me quit, because she cared.
Cyndie is not only a very talented musician herself, but she has an uncanny ability to bring out the best in her students. I will always cherish the memories I have of being part of Cyndie’s studio. I learned more than just how to read and interpret music; I learn a whole new form of communication, feeling, and love of something. Music is one of the greatest pleasures I have in my life, and I attribute Cyndie to bringing me that joy. She is a phenomenal lady, and one I count myself very lucky to have studied with.
Thank you Cyndie for everything.
-Kylie Crawford