Noteworthy

The latest news from Meyer Music and interesting stories from around the Kansas City band and orchestra scene.

Music Lessons Foster Self-Esteem in Children and Adolescents

When the giggles and carefree joys of early childhood give way to the stress and peer pressures of the preteen and adolescent years, it’s important to encourage young people to believe in themselves and keep trying new things. Children and adolescents face various challenges to their self-esteem, and learning to play a musical instrument can be an avenue to positive self-awareness. The journey of mastering an instrument not only cultivates a love for music but also instills a sense of accomplishment, resilience and confidence in a young person. Learning to play a musical instrument requires dedication, practice and perseverance. A...

Your Child’s Success in Orchestra Starts with the Right Viola Rental at Meyer Music

Viola rental and learning to play the musical instrument are crucial phases in your child's life for scores of reasons. Playing music has numerous positive effects on the brain. Musicians use their brains more efficiently to process information by using almost every area of the brain. Playing an instrument also forces musicians to use both sides of their brains, the left (the logical side) and the right (the creative side). Between brain responses and the learning experiences, the result is your child’s enhanced cognitive capacities, decision making, motivation to learn and self-confidence. According to a study published in the Journal...

How Should You Care For Your Musical Instrument?

Ah, summer, the season of slack. There’s less stuff we have to do in the summer, and more time for things we want to do. Summer is also a time to get things squared away: weed the garden, wash the car, clean the garage, organize the closet. So, while you’re in your summer square-away mode, don’t forget to take care of your musical instruments. When is the last time your band or orchestra student had their instrument professionally cleaned, tuned, adjusted, lubricated and repaired? Chances are that instrument has been played a lot, cased and carried, and taken in and...

What’s the Best Age for Kids to Learn Piano?

What’s the Best Age for Kids to Learn Piano? Parents often ask, “When should my child start taking piano lessons?” The answer varies, but many children are ready around age six. Some may start as early as four or five, while others might need to wait a bit longer. To help determine if your child is ready, consider the following questions: Is My Child Ready for Piano Lessons? 1. Does My Child Have Basic Fine Motor Skills and Finger Strength? If your child can manipulate small objects or use a computer keyboard, they likely have the dexterity and strength needed...

Choosing the Right Musical Instrument for Your Child

Children benefit in many ways from learning to play a musical instrument. But which instrument is the right one for your child? The choices range from piccolo to piano, trumpet to tuba, and baritone saxophone to bass guitar. Children are unique, and the right choice for your child may not be the instrument their best friend plays. This is an important decision you don’t want to make more than once. Get it right the first time, so your child doesn’t ask to stop learning one instrument and start over with another. If your kid shows interest in learning to play...

The Missouri American String Teachers Association Honors Meyer Music with the Distinguished Service Award

The Missouri American String Teachers Association (MoASTA) awarded Meyer Music the Distinguished Service Award on January 26, 2023 at the 85th Annual Missouri Music Educator Association (MMEA) Conference at the Tan-Tar-A Conference Center in Osage Beach. The Distinguished Service Award ¬is presented to those who have made outstanding contributions to the cause of string education in Missouri. This award may include retail music dealers, instrument repair persons, school administrators or supervisors, state music administrators, public school and college officials, composers, orchestra conductors, active or inactive music educators and others whose support of string education has been exemplary. Tom Meyer and...

Tips for Balancing Schoolwork and Music Lessons for Busy Families

As a parent, you want your child to have a well-rounded education and opportunities to pursue their interests and passions. For many students, participating in the band or orchestra plays an important role in their lives. That means, in addition to school performances and practicing at home, they also take private music lessons. For busy families, this can be a challenge. Here are some tips to help you manage schoolwork and music lessons effectively. Make a Schedule That Includes Time for Both Schoolwork and Music Lessons It’s important to consider your child’s passion for music and see it as a...

Piano Rentals: No One Makes It Easier or More Affordable Than Meyer Music

When your child feels ready to move from a keyboard to a real piano, it's a moment of pride, followed shortly by panic mode. The transition to a piano shows a commitment to music, which has numerous benefits such as improved self-esteem, enhanced focus, better memory and even higher test scores. However, the process of finding the right piano can seem overwhelming. It doesn’t have to be that way—piano rentals in Kansas City through Meyer Music can make this transition smooth and hassle-free. The Piano vs. Keyboard Debate While keyboards are convenient and often more affordable, there's just no substitute...

The Benefits of Piano Lessons Make Them the Perfect Fit for Just About Any Child

Maybe it was the touch of the keys on the baby grand piano in a hotel lobby, stumbling upon Jacob’s Melodies on YouTube, or your budding musician has started to air play the keys to Elton John’s “Tiny Dancer.” Whatever the moment was, you’ve realized piano lessons might be a great fit for your child. Not only will your child satisfy a natural curiosity for playing the piano, but also the experience of learning to play has many other benefits. Improved Coordination Playing piano teaches rhythm and increases hand-eye coordination and hand-foot coordination. It requires using of both hands and...

Why the Flute Might Be the Perfect Instrument for You

Choosing the right instrument makes all the difference in enjoying actually learning and playing an instrument. Parents, music teachers, friends and “idols,” can be influential when it comes to deciding what to play. And there are musicians who want a change from their usual or intend to broaden their horizons by picking up something new. The flute is a fantastic option to consider. Its versatility, portability and unique sound make it an excellent choice for musicians of all levels, beginner to advanced. The Flute: A Versatile and Portable Instrument Easy to Carry and Practice Anywhere The flute’s compact size makes...