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Community Music School

Music school · Buffalo, NY · reviewed since 2017

How the Experts Score is calculatedEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (standing in the category can only raise it), then weighted; problems flagged in review highlights or a recent slide in ratings are subtracted:Satisfaction 64%72+45.7Reliability 28%69+19.5Replies to reviews 8%48+4Momentum penalty96−0.4Experts Score= 69Not enough data for value; its weight is shared by the others.Grade B: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews.69SCORE
BGradeLetter from the Experts Score: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39, F = under 20.
#161 of 187 music lessonsPosition by Experts Score among all companies we track in this category. · better than 14%
4.7 ★★★★★ 30 Google reviews · 7 photos
90%five-star reviews
4.67★last 12 monthsAverage stars on reviews from the last 12 months only.
5%1–2★, last 20 reviewsShare of 1–2★ reviews in the last 24 months — or the 20 newest reviews when the company had fewer than 20 in that time.
73%reviews answered by the owner
Nov 2026latest review

Community Music School at a glance

Reviewers of Community Music School in Buffalo, NY, frequently highlight friendly staff, knowledgeable teachers, and a welcoming atmosphere for students of all ages. Services include piano and voice lessons, as well as camp programs, with many customers noting positive long-term experiences. One recurring criticism involves unprofessional communication and a lack of inclusivity for minority students, although the owner responded to a majority of reviews to address such concerns.

  • Google rating: 4.7 out of 5 from 30 reviews (90% five-star).
  • Reviews on this page: 30 Google reviews (18 with written comments, 1 with photos).
  • Owner responses: the business replied to 73% of reviews.
  • Most recent review: November 4, 2026.
  • Service: Music Lesson serving Buffalo, New York.

Data from Google, last updated November 13, 2026.

Score profile vs other music lessons

Score per factor (100 = best)Each factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (star average, share of 1–2★ reviews, price verdicts…); standing within the category can only raise it, never lower it.. Strongest: momentum and satisfaction; weakest: replies to reviews.

Satisfaction72Reliability69Craft & service–Value–Momentum96Replies to reviews48Satisfaction: 72 (median 92)Reliability: 69 (median 92)Momentum: 96 (median 100)Replies to reviews: 48 (median 46)
Community Music SchoolMusic Lessons median0 = centre, 100 = best
SatisfactionSatisfaction · 54% of the scoreRecency-weighted star average (2-year half-life), shrunk toward the category mean by review volume; the company’s own lifetime average as the prior; absolute: 4.0★ = 0, 5★ = 100.Community Music School: 72/100 on this factor. Category median: 92.B
72
ReliabilityReliability · 24% of the scoreHow rarely jobs go badly: share of 1–2★ reviews — 60% the last 24 months (or the 20 newest if fewer), 40% all-time; 0% = 100, 15%+ = 0; the category percentile can only raise it.Community Music School: 69/100 on this factor. Category median: 92.B
69
Craft & serviceCraft & service · penalty only, up to −10 pointsGoogle review highlights: Quality, Professionalism, Responsiveness, Punctuality — how rarely reviewers flag them as a negative, per review since highlights began; 0% = 100, 5%+ = 0. Subtracted from the score (up to −10), never averaged in — clean highlights are the norm, not a bonus.Not enough reviews for this factor yet. Category median: 100.–
–
ValueValue · 14% of the scoreCustomers’ own price verdicts (Great / Reasonable vs Overpriced) and Value highlights; 65% absolute (all “reasonable” ≈ 80, “great” = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.Not enough reviews for this factor yet. Category median: 92.–
–
MomentumMomentum · penalty only, up to −10 pointsPenalises only a real slide: last-12-month average below lifetime (−0.5★ = 0). Still 4.8★+ over the last year, or steady/improving = 100. Subtracted from the score (up to −10), never averaged in.Community Music School: 96/100 on this factor. Category median: 100.A
96
Replies to reviewsReplies to reviews · 7% of the scoreHow often the owner publicly replies to reviews under 5★ (1–4★). Needs 3+ such reviews, otherwise not counted; 65% absolute (80%+ replied = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.Community Music School: 48/100 on this factor. Category median: 46.C
48

Bar = this company · dark tick = category median.

Star ratings

30 Google reviews we collected

  • 5 stars2790%
  • 4 stars13%
  • 3 stars00%
  • 2 stars00%
  • 1 star27%

Praise vs complaints

Phrases our text analysis found in 18 written reviews

  • Praise1083%
  • Complaints217%

Topic share

How often each topic comes up in the written reviews

  • Staff & attitude867%
  • Would recommend217%
  • Quality & results18%
  • Price & value18%

What customers talk about

We read 18 written reviews and marked every phrase about these topics. The same colors are highlighted in the reviews.

  • “Ed Kramer was my Piano Teacher and he was so nice, I did enjoy my time there.”
  • “Just go there totally recommended.”
  • “Not a phone call, pamphlet nor a receipt for my registration fee.”

praise complaint · found by our text analysis, Google review wording unchanged.

Recent reviews

JordanLocal Guide · 459 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · Edited 2 months ago★★★★★

I love this place. Everyone is SO nice and so knowledgeable. Great place to learn/hone a skill musically

MyronLocal Guide · 41 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 6 months ago★★★★★

Excellent learning facility, great teachers that go the extra mile. Wonderful warm atmosphere

Customer photo from Myron's review
RidvanLocal Guide · 20 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 6 months ago★★★★★

A magical place for every age. Just go there totally recommended. We go as family and learn different Instruments…

Jason4 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 6 months ago★

Worst and most unprofessional experience of my life. Do not deal with these people. And don’t be fooled this is not an inclusive or welcoming space for minority students.

eileenLocal Guide · 14 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 10 months ago★★★★★

My grandson who is 6 absolutely loves coming here more than anyplace else. Everyone is kind and smart. He loves his teacher, Miss Mia. And, he now loves music and the piano. I highly recommend The Community Music School !

Stacy16 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 10 months ago★★★★★

I went to Community Music School when it was on Elmwood back in the 1980's. Ed Kramer was my Piano Teacher and he was so nice, I did enjoy my time there.

Photos

Customer reviews

4.7 ★★★★★ 30 reviews on Google · rating breakdown

Reviews from Google, shown as published (original wording, unedited).

Team members customers mention
Filter by topic — each topic is highlighted in the reviews in the same color
KM MLocal Guide · 37 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews KM has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

Great music classes

Response from the owner · a week ago

Thank you so much for your review! <3

JordanLocal Guide · 459 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Jordan has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

I love this place. Everyone is SO nice and so knowledgeable. Great place to learn/hone a skill musically

Response from the owner · 9 months ago

Thank you, Jordan!

Myron HodgesLocal Guide · 41 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Myron has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

Excellent learning facility, great teachers that go the extra mile. Wonderful warm atmosphere

Response from the owner · a week ago

Thanks so much, Myron!

Ridvan YavuzLocal Guide · 20 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Ridvan has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

A magical place for every age. Just go there totally recommended. We go as family and learn different Instruments…

Jason4 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Jason has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

Worst and most unprofessional experience of my life. Do not deal with these people. And don’t be fooled this is not an inclusive or welcoming space for minority students.

Kirk LaubensteinLocal Guide · 12 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Kirk has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

This place is amazing! My kids love camp create so much!

Response from the owner · 6 months ago

Thank you, Kirk! We love having them!

eileen SellersLocal Guide · 14 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews eileen has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

My grandson who is 6 absolutely loves coming here more than anyplace else. Everyone is kind and smart. He loves his teacher, Miss Mia. And, he now loves music and the piano. I highly recommend The Community Music School !

Response from the owner · 9 months ago

Thank you for your kind words, Eileen! 💚

Stacy Smith16 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Stacy has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

I went to Community Music School when it was on Elmwood back in the 1980's. Ed Kramer was my Piano Teacher and he was so nice, I did enjoy my time there.

Response from the owner · 10 months ago

Thanks for your review, Stacy! Please come visit us at our new home on East Delavan! Ed Kramer is in his 53rd year with CMS and is still teaching!! ❤️

Jacob RodriguezLocal Guide · 17 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Jacob has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

“My experience with Buffalo’s Community School has been consistently positive for nearly five years. From the moment I first enrolled, I felt welcomed, supported, and encouraged to grow. The staff is dedicated, knowledgeable, and truly invested in every student’s success, creating an environment where learning feels both engaging and meaningful. Over the years, I’ve watched the school continue to evolve, always striving to offer valuable programs, resources, and opportunities for the community. The sense of connection, care, and commitment they foster is rare and deeply appreciated. I’m grateful for everything this school has provided and look forward to many more great years.

Response from the owner · 11 months ago

Thank you for your kind and thoughtful words, Jacob! We're happy to have you as a student and friend of CMS!

Anna Pacifico3 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Anna has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

My experience with Buffalo’s Community School has been nothing but positive for going on 5 years!

Response from the owner · a year ago

Thank you, Anna! We love having you in our Community Chorus! 😊

Community Music School on Google Maps →

Business details