Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Trusted Music School in Cincinnati for All Ages
Founded in 1974 by Melissa and John K. Toedtman, our school has dedicated over five decades to nurturing musical talent across all ages. We offer comprehensive instruction in piano, guitar, drums, voice, and over 20 other instruments, serving more than 500 students weekly. Our faculty comprises internationally recognized performers and educators committed to fostering technical mastery and artistic growth. With a student base representing over 30 countries, we cultivate cultural diversity through music education while maintaining rigorous academic standards.Our graduates include professional musicians, educators, and award-winning performers who credit their foundational training here. We combine traditional pedagogy with modern teaching methods to create personalized learning experiences that develop both technical proficiency and creative expression.
Services
Piano Lessons
Guitar Lessons
Drum Lessons
Voice Lessons
Violin Lessons
Group Music Classes
Acting Lessons
Drawing & Painting
Music Theory
Performance Coaching
Details
- Year established: 1974
Highlights and features
- We offer free introductory lessons to experience our teaching quality
- Our faculty includes Cincinnati Symphony musicians and conservatory-trained educators
- We serve students from 6 months to 80 years old with personalized instruction
- Our alumni include international concert pianists and professional musicians
- We provide cultural enrichment through music from 30+ countries
What people say
Masterful teaching techniques
Patient and knowledgeable instructors
Cultural enrichment through music
Proven track record of success
Supportive learning environment
Services
Piano Lessons
Our piano program develops technical proficiency and musical expression for all ages. Students learn classical repertoire, jazz improvisation, and contemporary styles while building sight-reading and ear-training skills. Our graduates have pursued careers in music performance and education worldwide.
Guitar Lessons
We offer comprehensive guitar instruction covering electric, acoustic, and classical styles. Our curriculum includes music theory, chord progressions, and performance techniques. Students gain practical experience through recitals and ensemble playing opportunities in various musical genres.
Drum Lessons
Our drum program focuses on limb independence, rhythm development, and musical timing. Students learn various styles from rock and jazz to orchestral percussion. The curriculum includes reading drum charts and developing stage performance techniques for ensemble playing.
Voice Lessons
Our voice program develops proper vocal technique across multiple genres including classical, jazz, and contemporary styles. Students receive training in breath control, vocal range expansion, and performance artistry while learning to protect their vocal health through proper technique.
Violin Lessons
We provide violin instruction for beginners through advanced students, covering classical repertoire and fiddle styles. Our program emphasizes proper bow technique, finger placement, and musical interpretation while preparing students for solo performances and orchestral participation.
People
John K. Toedtman
Piano Instructor
Internationally recognized piano educator with over 40 years of teaching experience. Trained at CCM and Johns Hopkins University, he has developed numerous award-winning musicians and maintains an active performance schedule.
Melissa Toedtman
Co-Founder
Co-founder with extensive experience in music education administration. She has shaped the school's curriculum and maintains oversight of faculty development and student progress standards.
Alan Topolski
Drum Instructor
Professional drummer with 30+ years of performance experience across multiple genres. He specializes in teaching rhythm development and stage performance techniques to aspiring musicians.
Peter Gorak
Violin Instructor
Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra member with formal training from prestigious conservatories. He brings professional orchestral experience to his violin instruction while maintaining high technical standards.
Karen Mail
Voice Instructor
Experienced vocal coach with expertise in classical and contemporary singing techniques. She has prepared students for professional auditions and performance opportunities across multiple musical genres.
Questions
What instruments do you teach at Toedtman School of Music?
We offer instruction in piano, guitar, drums, voice, violin, viola, cello, double bass, trumpet, saxophone, clarinet, flute, and over 20 other instruments including drawing and painting.
Do you offer lessons for adults with no prior experience?
Yes, we welcome students of all ages and experience levels. Our instructors customize lessons for adult beginners while maintaining professional teaching standards and musical development.
Are there performance opportunities for students?
We provide regular recitals, ensemble playing opportunities, and community performances. Students can participate in group classes and showcase their progress through structured performance events.
What makes your music school different from others in Cincinnati?
As Cincinnati's oldest private music school, we combine decades of experience with personalized instruction. Our faculty includes professional musicians and conservatory-trained educators dedicated to musical excellence.
Do you offer group music classes for children?
Yes, our Joy of Music program provides group instruction for children aged 6 months to 5 years, focusing on early childhood music development through interactive and engaging activities.
