Here at Evergreen, we love looking for all the best music learning tools, both free and paid, for our students.

Here are some of the apps, games, books, and other great materials we love to use in lessons with our students:

Apps (Android AND iOS compatible)
Piano Maestro (iPads only, GOLD access included in Evergreen pianists' tuition): Best for complete beginners - late intermediate playing levels.
Piano Maestro, ranked #1 Education App, is an in-depth educational tool for students that helps them practice and learn their sight reading, rhythm, technique, playing with both hands, and much more. Progress up in chapters, unlock new songs and raise difficulty level along the way.

Bees Keys (FREE): A beloved app by our PK-3rd graders!
Bees Keys makes learning the piano key names fun, easy, and simple. Guess the correct key on the piano before the bee holding the key name flies away. Correctly guess the full keyboard alphabet and you win.

NinGenius Music Ultimate ($$ one-time):
The NinGenius Music Ultimate app features 35 fast-paced music theory testing levels, each represented by a ninja star that starts white, but changes color based on accuracy and speed on that level's test.

Big Ear (free limited option, monthly subscription for full access):
Big Ear is an ear training and composition game, created to develop kids' understanding of music through puzzles that combine music and the exploration of new worlds. Each island has a path divided into levels. You'll need to listen carefully in order to solve each puzzle and advance to the following puzzle, which is always more difficult to solve.

Melody Cats Apps (free lite apps, full access apps for one-time cost):
Apps available: Rhythm Cat, Rhythm Cat 2, Treble Cat, Bass Cat, and Ear Cat

GarageBand (Apple only, FREE)
GarageBand for iOS makes it incredibly simple to play, record, and share your music, no matter where you are.

Flashnote Derby ($$ one-time)
In Flashnote Derby, students must identify the notes quickly and correctly to get their horse across the finish line first! This customizable note-learning app allows you to select which notes you’d like to practice. You can also customize this app for learning the treble, bass, alto, and tenor clefs.

Rhythm Swing ($$ one-time)
The Rhythm Swing game is set in a jungle where our little monkey friend tries to avoid getting eaten by the crocodile! Tapping rhythms correctly keeps the monkey safe. You get three tries to tap the rhythm correctly before the monkey becomes an appetizer and YOU become the main course!

Staff Wars ($$ one-time)
StaffWars is a space-themed game (think Star Wars) designed to help beginning to intermediate musicians learn the note names of the treble, alto, and bass clefs. The levels continue to speed up fairly quickly until those notes are flying through space at warp speed.

Hop To It! ($$ one-time)
“Hop To It!” allows students to first get acquainted with the music staff in a vertical orientation. When the staff is rotated to its normal horizontal configuration later on, those relationships remain the same even if we look at them differently. Lessons start out with the most basic of concepts- lines & spaces, steps, skips, and repeating notes, then concepts progress to larger intervals, up to an octave.

Note Rush ($$ one-time)
Note Rush is a game designed to help students learn notes on the music staff. The app utilizes your device’s microphone to detect that you have played the correct note on the piano in the correct octave shown on the screen.

Piano Adventures Player (free limited option, $$ for full access): Best for private students using these method books - a perfect practice companion at home!!!
The app offers a full MIDI player with interactive play-along accompaniments for Faber piano books. This app doesn’t just play fixed tracks; you can change the tempo, part, volume, and balance. Or, you can set loops for practicing tricky spots. A built-in metronome can be turned on to keep a steady beat.


Websites and YouTubers
Websites
8notes.com: lots of free sheet music for piano, guitar, other instruments (subscription option available) https://www.8notes.com/
Blanksheetmusic.net: print your own staff paper https://www.blanksheetmusic.net/
Chrome Music Lab: free music creation, manipulation, and experimentation tools and games for kids https://musiclab.chromeexperiments.com/
Classics for Kids: Cincinnati WGUC 90.9's interactive music education website for kids https://www.classicsforkids.com/
Making Music Fun: lots of free activity and coloring pages about music https://www.makingmusicfun.net/
PBS Kids Music Games: https://pbskids.org/games/music
Ultimate Guitar: free lead sheets for piano, guitars https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/
Worship Together: free praise and worship lead sheets for piano, guitars https://www.worshiptogether.com/

YouTubers
Andrew Foy: acoustic guitar pop covers for listening/sheet music purchase: https://www.youtube.com/@AWFguitar/featured
Atom Music School: Rockschool guitar curriculum tabs/playalongs https://www.youtube.com/@AtomMusicSchool
Betacustic: beginner/melody piano synesthesia tutorials https://www.youtube.com/@betacustic
Brandon Acker: guitar tips and tricks, online lessons, early music instruments & history https://www.youtube.com/@brandonacker
​LOCAL! - Carolyn Miller Piano Music: nationally recognized piano composer with music for purchase, retired Sycamore High School keyboard classes teacher! https://www.youtube.com/@carolynmillerpiano
Classical Guitar Shed: classical guitar tips and tricks https://www.youtube.com/@ClassicalGuitarShed
​Creative Piano Academy: piano tips and tricks for pop playing and accompanying https://www.youtube.com/@Creativepianoacademy/featured
LOCAL! - Elizabeth Swift: nationally recognized piano teacher and composer from Lebanon, OH with music for purchase https://www.youtube.com/@elizabethswiftpiano
Los Angeles Guitar Academy: guitar covers and sheet music for purchase https://www.youtube.com/@LAGuitarAcademy
Paul Barton: classical piano for listening/following scores https://www.youtube.com/@PaulBartonPiano
​Rousseau: classical and pop piano covers for listening https://www.youtube.com/@Rousseau
Scott's Bass Lessons: https://www.youtube.com/@devinebass
Simple Guitar Tabs: for listening/sheet music purchase https://www.youtube.com/@SimpleGuitarTabsYoutube
​TwoSet Violin (we recommend ages 13+ due to occasional swearing): music humor, "react" videos, game-show-style episodes, entertainment-focused videos, etc. They also have a really cool shirt line, TwoSet Apparel https://www.youtube.com/@twosetviolin

With the wide variety of piano lessons in Cincinnati, it can be overwhelming to decide where to begin! Here's our take on the top 15 FAQs about starting piano lessons in Cincinnati:

1. What is the best age to start piano lessons?
The ideal age to begin piano lessons varies depending on the child’s interest and developmental readiness. Typically, children as young as 5 years old can start piano lessons. At this age, they’ve developed enough fine motor skills and attention span to benefit from structured lessons. However, it’s never too late to start—teens and adults can enjoy and succeed in piano lessons, too.

2. How do I choose the right piano teacher in Cincinnati?
Selecting the right piano teacher is crucial for a student’s success. Look for a teacher who is experienced, has good reviews, and is patient and engaging. Visit local studios, like Evergreen Music School, which focuses on creating a warm and student-centered environment, or consider referrals from friends or online reviews.

3. Do I need a piano at home to start lessons?
Yes, having a piano or keyboard at home is essential for practice between lessons. For beginners, a keyboard with weighted (or at least touch sensitive!) keys and at least 61 keys is a good starting point. This Yamaha Piaggero NP-12 is one of our students' favorites here at Evergreen Music School! If you’re investing in a piano, digital or acoustic options work well, depending on your space and budget. We use Yamaha P-71 digital pianos in our Foragers lesson program.

4. How much practice is required?
Beginner students typically need to practice 10-20 minutes a day, 5-6 days a week. Consistency is more important than long practice sessions. At Evergreen Music School, for example, beginners in Foragers have no required regular practice, and minimal short-term practice commitment if they want to play a song for a recital or festival. As skills improve, practice time can gradually increase.

5. What types of music will I learn?
This depends on the teaching philosophy of the studio or teacher. At Evergreen Music School, for example, students are encouraged to learn music they know and love, whether it’s pop songs, classical pieces, or movie soundtracks. A good teacher will balance personal interests with foundational skills.
piano lessons cincinnati
6. What should I expect during a beginner piano lesson?
Beginner lessons usually include a mix of activities such as:

• Learning to identify notes on the keyboard
• Reading sheet music and rhythm exercises
• Playing simple songs
• Fun games or activities to reinforce concepts Lessons are typically 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the student’s age and attention span.

7. How do group piano lessons differ from private lessons?
Group lessons often emphasize collaboration and social interaction with little to no practice requirements. Students learn through shared activities and sometimes play duets or ensemble pieces. Private lessons allow for more individualized attention and often require 15-30 minutes of daily practice at home. Lab lessons, like Foragers piano at Evergreen Music School, combine the best of both approaches by offering one-on-one attention from the teacher AND student collaboration in the beginner through elementary stages of their piano journey, with more thorough & quick progress and without practice requirement headaches. All these approaches have their advantages and can be tailored to the student’s needs.
piano lessons cincinnati
8. What if my child loses interest?
It’s natural for interest to ebb and flow. A good teacher will work to reignite enthusiasm by introducing new and engaging material, like fun apps, games, or favorite songs. Discuss concerns with your teacher, who may adjust the teaching style or curriculum to better suit your child’s needs.

9. What is the cost of beginner piano lessons in Cincinnati?
The cost of piano lessons varies by teacher and studio. In Cincinnati, lessons typically range from $25 to $60 per 30-minute session. Group lessons may be more affordable, while specialized programs and lessons may cost more. Evergreen Music School's private lessons are $35 per 30-minute lesson.

10. How long does it take to learn piano?
Learning piano is a lifelong journey, but beginners can typically play simple songs within a few weeks of consistent practice and lesson attendance. Mastery of more advanced pieces (like some of Beethoven's Sonatas and other big composers) can take years, depending on practice and dedication. The key is to focus on enjoying the process.
piano lessons cincinnati
11. Can parents sit in on lessons?
Many studios allow or encourage parents to observe lessons, especially for younger children. Parental involvement can reinforce practice habits at home and help children feel supported. Check with your specific teacher or studio for their policy.

12. What if I don’t know how to read music?
No prior knowledge of music is required to start piano lessons. Beginner lessons teach the basics of music theory, note reading, and rhythm step by step. Teachers ensure that even absolute beginners feel comfortable, successful, and confident as they progress.

13. Are there online piano lesson options in Cincinnati?
Yes, many teachers and studios offer online lessons, which can be a convenient option for busy families or those who prefer to learn from home. Online lessons often use platforms like Zoom or Skype and can be just as effective as in-person lessons with proper equipment.

14. How do I keep piano practice fun for kids?
To make practice enjoyable:

• Incorporate games or app subscriptions like Piano Maestro, included in all our piano lesson programs' tuition here at Evergreen Music School.
• Set small, achievable goals.
• Celebrate progress with stickers or rewards.
• Allow kids to choose songs they’re excited to learn. A teacher with a creative approach, like Montessori-inspired methods at Evergreen Music School, can also help keep lessons engaging.

piano lessons cincinnati
15. Where can I find beginner piano lessons in Cincinnati?
Cincinnati has a variety of options for beginner piano lessons. Consider local studios like Evergreen Music School, which offers a student-centered and innovative approach to learning piano. Other options include music academies, private teachers, or community centers offering piano programs.

Starting piano lessons is an exciting journey, whether you’re a young student or an adult beginner. By finding the right teacher and maintaining consistent practice, anyone can develop a lifelong love for music. Cincinnati offers a rich community of skilled teachers and studios, so take the first step and start your musical adventure today!