Cyndie Caruth, NCTM of Ankeny, Iowa has been a certified independent piano instructor since 1973. She was among the first ten in the U.S. to be nationally certified through the MTNA examination program. Her students have received honors in district, state, regional and international competitions. They have also been featured in a variety of concerto and television performances. Cyndie Caruth graduated from Iowa State University with a degree in music education. She taught in the public school five years and has directed many community and church choirs. Cyndie has also served as a church musician/organist for many years.
Cyndie Caruth was bestowed the “Friend of Education” award for her community volunteer work to develop a school program for accompanists in grades K-4. She has served on the West Central Division board and the Iowa Music Teachers board in a variety of capacities. She has mentored many teachers in her area through IMTA's program. Cyndie was the sole recipient of the 2004 “Certified Teacher of the Year” and the “Distinguished Service Award” at their annual state conference and the first to ever receive both awards concurrently. Her studio and accomplishments were featured in the Des Moines Register in 2004. Cyndie is a past president of the Iowa Music Teachers Association, having served during the 2008-2009 term. Cyndie was the Iowa Foundation chair and in June 2017 was again elected to serve as IMTA President for the 2017-2019 term. She is currently positioned as the the Iowa Music Teachers Magazine Editor and Music Teachers National Association West Central Division Director-Elect.
Cyndie Caruth was bestowed the “Friend of Education” award for her community volunteer work to develop a school program for accompanists in grades K-4. She has served on the West Central Division board and the Iowa Music Teachers board in a variety of capacities. She has mentored many teachers in her area through IMTA's program. Cyndie was the sole recipient of the 2004 “Certified Teacher of the Year” and the “Distinguished Service Award” at their annual state conference and the first to ever receive both awards concurrently. Her studio and accomplishments were featured in the Des Moines Register in 2004. Cyndie is a past president of the Iowa Music Teachers Association, having served during the 2008-2009 term. Cyndie was the Iowa Foundation chair and in June 2017 was again elected to serve as IMTA President for the 2017-2019 term. She is currently positioned as the the Iowa Music Teachers Magazine Editor and Music Teachers National Association West Central Division Director-Elect.
Cyndie received the "Steinway Top Teacher Award" in 2019 and 2022, recognized at Steinway Hall, New York City and given to only 43 music educators across the United States and Canada.
Cyndie regularly adjudicates for Iowa Music Teacher competitions and festivals as well as the National Guild of Piano Teachers Auditions. She has presented lectures covering such topics as repertoire selection, studio makeover and policies, innovative teaching strategies, interpretation, competition etiquette, technology and master class sessions for teachers and student performances.
Cyndie's husband Carroll is a well-known piano technician in the area. They enjoy time with their two sons, daughter-in-laws 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 Ingall; Cyndie Caruth, NCTM Foundation Honoree; National Music Teacher Association President, Rebecca Harms.)
