In December of 2010, I wanted to find the right piano teacher for my son so that he would remain engaged and enthusiastic about his lessons and his progress from day one. I could not have been more impressed with the process of enrollment. We met with their Assistant Director (Jeanine) for a mutual interview - so we could get to know the school and so they could get to know us and help identify the right teacher for our child and family. The fact that they have multiple teachers with varied styles was a great plus for us -- I heard too many stories from other parents where the child and the teacher didn't click and, therefore, the lessons, practices and interest in music dwindled. CMMS found the perfect teacher for our son (and for us) - Chris Goeing. Our son's progress in playing piano this past year has been absolutely amazing and his ability to read music has been astounding. More important to me - he likes piano, he loves learning about music, he respects, wants to please and (thoroughly) enjoys his teacher and he is very proud to be a CMMS student. And I am a proud Mom of a CMMS student! I am very thankful that this organization exists in our community.
As a student at the Central Minnesota Music School (CMMS), I had the opportunity to study with one of the finest piano teachers in the Midwest and arguably the country. I studied piano with Dr. Wirth for nine years and attended the Young Artist World Piano Festival, a summer intensive organized by CMMS, for six years in a row. I later returned as a counselor for the Festival for four years in a row. My experience has been both joyful and intense. As a CMMS student, I was held to a very high standard of artistry, and was constantly challenged to excel in my music. At the same time, I can honestly say that I never felt pressure to perform for the sake of my teacher's reputation or that of the school. Playing piano was never about being "the best". It was just about being the pianist I wanted to be. There is no requirement to win competitions, only to work hard and realize your own potential. The combination of humility and excellence is what makes CMMS one in a million.