Noteworthy

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

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...

Young Musicians Need Extra Support

Playing an instrument is an art form. And in art, there is a common misconception that for young musicians it will just… come naturally. But like anything else in life, mastering an instrument comes only after hours and hours of work and dedication. Which is good news. It means anyone can become a musician, so long as they put in the time and effort. As the parent of a band or orchestra student, there are simple ways you can encourage your young musician. Early on, most parents will have to take the lead to develop good habits. But as your...

Wondering How You Can Support Your Band and Orchestra Student?

Here’s Some Advice from Parents Who’ve Been There If you have an older child who has been through band or orchestra classes, then you probably already know the drill; you know what helps with success and what doesn’t. However, if learning an instrument is brand new, you might be wondering what you can do to help your student enjoy the journey and gain some lifelong skills in the process. Meyer Music opened in 1966 and has since been supporting music education with band and orchestra instrument rental and sales, music lessons, back-to-school nights, and regional wide support for district and...

A Parent’s Guide to Band or Orchestra Instrument Rentals with Meyer Music

Your child comes home from school, wide-eyed with excitement and announces, “I want to join the band or orchestra and play an instrument!” While this news is thrilling, it also brings up a host of questions. Where do you start? Should you rent or buy an instrument? How does the whole process of renting an instrument work? It’s time to do some research, and Meyer Music is here to guide you. Meyer Music partners directly with Kansas City Metro and Overland Park area school district music directors, ensuring we have exactly what your young musician needs for band or orchestra....

Everything You Need to Know About Enrolling Your Child in Private Music Lessons

If your child has expressed an interest in learning to play a musical instrument or is already taking band or orchestra in school and needs more one-on-one instruction, enrolling them in private lessons is the best way to help them hone their talent. Our team at Meyer Music answers many questions about music lessons, ranging from benefits to differentiation between private and school instructors and more. Below are some of the most frequently asked questions about lessons. At What Age Should I Enroll My Child in Private Music Lessons? There is no definitive “right” age to begin taking music lessons....

Why Renting an Instrument from the Right Music Store Matters

Whether your child dreams of becoming a professional musician or simply wants to enjoy a lifelong passion for playing music, joining band or orchestra is more often than not the first step. As a parent, your first step might be searching for “instrument rental near me” to find an instrument. In Kansas City, choosing the right music store for instrument rental makes the difference between enjoying convenience, quality and support throughout your child’s musical education or not. When choosing a Kansas City music store, here are the most important features and services to look for in an instrument rental program...

Music Lessons: The Perfect Summer Activity That Can Lead to Much, Much More

After 54 years of giving music lessons, Virginia Kernes, Blue Springs piano teacher, knows a thing (or four) Virginia Kernes earned her degree in piano pedagogy (the study of the teaching piano playing) from University of Missouri—Kansas City. She began teaching piano lessons in 1968. Today, she gives music lessons to 60 students, give or take, every week at Meyer Music’s Blue Springs location. When it comes to signing up students for music lessons this summer, Virginia knows not only will they have a great summer, but also gain skills and traits they’ll carry with them their entire lives. If...

Kansas City Summer Activities for Kids: Private Music Lessons

Summer is here, and while it's a time for kids to take a break from school, it's also a time to keep their minds active and engaged. For parents of band and orchestra students, summer is the perfect time to consider private music lessons. Whether your child is just starting out or is already an experienced musician, taking lessons during the summer is fun, especially with summer free time to practice. Music Lessons Keep the Momentum Going Just like academic skills, musical skills can slip if they aren't practiced regularly. Think of summer music lessons as a way to avoid...

Professional Musician Jessy J Proves the Importance of Music Lessons

As parents, we strive to support our children’s dreams, providing the experiences and confidence they need to achieve their career goals. For children aspiring to a career in music, talent alone isn't enough. Jessy J, a renowned saxophonist, exemplifies how music lessons and education play a vital role in building a successful music career. Jessy J participated as a guest artist in the 2021 virtual Midwestern Music Camp and performed at the 2022 Heartstrings Gala, a fundraiser for Band of Angels. Jessy J’s Musical Journey Jessy earned her jazz studies degree from the University of Southern California (USC). Initially aiming...