Rookwood Piano Studio

5/5 stars July 2, 2014

Two years ago we were looking for a piano teacher for our nine-year-old son in Cincinnati. The College Conservatory of Music (CCM) at the University of Cincinnati, where I was doing my PhD, recommended Dr. Jessica Madsen. A year or so later, she started teaching our 4-year-old daughter Lara, too.
I can frankly say that Jessica has been one of the best things that ever happened to us in this city. Our son Ian is into computer and video games, plays sports, has a relatively short attention span and is not known for his discipline and follow-through. I thought that piano would be just a transitory pastime for him. However, we have been impressed by the passion he has developed for the instrument and classical music in general. Without much reminding, he will sit at the piano and play not only his homework but also any piece he has heard and liked. Playing from memory and improvising are now part of his daily practice.
Dr. Madsen is, in my opinion, an outstanding musical pedagogue. Her students adore her, and her house is always full of pupils, parents, and siblings. Over the past couple of years, I got to know her socially as well. She is worldly, well-read, open-minded and good-humored. I have attended quite of few of her concerts, many of which were fundraisers for noble causes. Thus I met a lot of interesting people among her audience, and her inner circle of colleagues and friends. From a parent’s perspective, Jessica is patient, but persistent, and possesses the rare talent of bringing the best out of her students. She really succeeded in motivating our kids and helping them stay focused.
Most of all, Dr. Madsen opened a whole new world of competing, winning and achieving to them. Ian did very well at the Royal Conservatory of Music exam, won a gold medal at the Ohio Music Teachers Association (MTA) Auditions Festival at CCM, and a second place and a Complete Concerto Award at the 2014 Tri-State Piano Concerto Competition (TSPCC), which qualified him to play with a professional string quartet at the Winners Concert and Awards Ceremony. It is worth noting that Jessica’s students occupied the top places at the TSPCC.
We are moving to England this summer and, during our look-and-see trip, Ian had the opportunity to show off his piano skills at four independent (private) schools, where he received a tremendous ovation from the pupils and earned high praise from the music teachers. Jessica graciously offered her help in finding a piano teacher for our children in London through her professional network.
In sum, I would recommend Dr. Madsen wholeheartedly and without any reservation.

Mario I.

5/5 stars May 5, 2014

My son has studied with Jessica for six years. Despite the fact that he had studied under various other teachers, we "didn't know what he didn't know" until we came to Jessica . She offered a structured but flexible program which has allowed my son to thrive. She is a consummate professional, challenging her students and offering them special opportunities to perform and compete if they desire. I would highly recommend Jessica for students of all ages.

Shelly K.

5/5 stars April 10, 2014

Very knowledgeable, better teacher

Steven A.

5/5 stars January 11, 2014

Good communication, considerate set-up lesson hours. Background and professional attitude, and the way of teaching for different level of students are impressive. Would recommend with thumbs up.

Luxin L.

5/5 stars September 23, 2012

I am an adult student of Jessica for 17 years. She is extremely knowledgeable about all aspects of music and piano performance, but more importantly to me, she makes it really fun. She has taught me that I don't have to play perfectly to enhance my life with piano!

Peggy R.