Noteworthy

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

Universal Peace Foundation Names Mike Meyer an Ambassador for Peace for His Work with Band of Angels

There's a tradition that kicks off every Band of Angels board meeting. Someone, usually Mike Meyer, shares a "moment" about a student, an instrument donation, or a family, that reminds board members why this work matters. After more than fifteen years of these moments, you'd think Mike would have a go-to story that would bring you to tears. He doesn't. There are too many to choose just one. Mike was recently named an Ambassador for Peace by the Universal Peace Federation, a global honor held by more than 100,000 people across 160 countries, recognizing individuals whose work promotes peace and...

Tips for Spring Recitals and District Competitions: A Parent’s Guide to a Confident Performance Season

Spring performance season is one of the most meaningful times of the year for band and orchestra families. Across Missouri and Kansas, students are preparing for studio recitals, school concerts and district solo and ensemble festivals that represent months of practice and growth. For many students, these performances are major milestones. If your child is preparing for a spring recital or district competition, you may be wondering how to support them. What are judges really listening for? How do students manage nerves? What makes the biggest difference in practicing? After working alongside school music programs and private teachers throughout the...

Can I Take Piano Lessons with a Digital Piano?

If you’re a parent in the Kansas City area wondering, “Can piano lessons be taken with a digital piano?”, the answer is a resounding yes. Digital pianos have come a long way, offering realistic touch, tone and technology that make them perfect for learning. Whether you’re new to piano or looking to get your child started, you can absolutely begin piano lessons on a digital instrument and be quite successful. Why Digital Pianos Work for Piano Lessons Practical and convenient Digital pianos make learning accessible. They fit easily into homes, plug into standard outlets and don’t need tuning. You can...

A Guide to Keeping Your Band or Orchestra Instrument in Top Shape for Spring Performances

Spring is a crucial season for student musicians — concerts, festivals and district, city and state competitions are just around the corner. Whether you’re bound and determined to earn a coveted "1" rating at state or want to deliver your best concert performance (or solo) ever, taking care of your band or orchestra instrument is as important as putting in the time to practice your music. Even the most skilled musicians can struggle if their instrument isn’t in top shape. Meyer Music supports thousands of Kansas City students through every stage of their band and orchestra seasons and competitions. Along...

How to Choose the Best Music Teacher (and Help Your Child Succeed in Lessons)

If you’re like most, you can look back and pinpoint a teacher who made an impact on your life. Likewise, choosing the right teacher for your child’s music lessons will make a huge difference in musical success. A great teacher can inspire a lifelong love of music, while the wrong fit may lead to frustration or discouragement. Whether your child is just beginning or older and already active in the school band or orchestra program, the combination of finding the best music teacher for private lessons, classroom instruction and your encouragement at home can make all the difference in your...

What is the Right Age to Begin Music Lessons?

When to start music lessons is a natural decision for some, but it’s not as cut and dry for others. It doesn’t simplify matters that every child is unique, and no child follows an exact development timeline. Maybe your preschooler loves making music with pots and pans, or your older child dreams of joining the school band and earning a music scholarship for college. Maybe you’re looking forward to picking up an instrument once the kids are older and you have the time. Regardless, the right time to begin music lessons depends on natural curiosity, developmental and mental readiness, and...

Best Holiday Songs to Learn on Different Instruments

With the holiday season around the corner, what better way to spread joy than through music? Whether you’re a beginner picking up an instrument for the first time or a seasoned musician, learning holiday songs adds a warm festive touch to family gatherings and celebrations. Here are some of the best songs to try on different instruments to fill your home with holiday cheer. If you’ve been thinking about taking music lessons, it’s a great time to get started. You don’t even need to own an instrument. Meyer Music offers a rent-to-own program at its three Kansas City locations. Contact...

Mastering Piano Practice: Tips from Piano Teachers to Make the Most of Your Piano Lessons

We live in a world of instant gratification. We tend to want what we want, when we want it and have little patience. Not mastering a skill right off the bat quickly leads to frustration, which causes many people to simply give up. More than 2,000 students take music lessons from Meyer Music every week, so our music teachers see their fair share of frustration, but more importantly, success and personal satisfaction. Mastering piano practice and experiencing real improvement can make a world of difference in how quickly you improve and how much fun you have along the way. After...

Could Learning Piano Benefit Your Child’s Development? Let Us Count the Ways…

As parents, we want to involve our kids in activities they enjoy, can excel in and that benefit their long-term development. But we also wonder: who has the time or money to invest in activities that may not be the right fit? It’s a tough decision. The challenge is finding something that checks all those boxes. There are the usual options like school clubs, online games and sports, but even the most left-brained kids need a creative outlet as well. For some, piano lessons could be that perfect, unique activity that will support development during childhood and last long into...

Discover the Ease and Peace of Mind of Renting a Viola from Meyer Music

The decision has been made. Your child wants to play the viola. Much like all violas are not the same, not all viola rental stores and options are the same. Of course, renting a viola compared to buying one offers flexibility and financial ease, so a viola rental is an excellent option for parents and students just beginning in orchestra. Meyer Music, with our trusted reputation among Kansas City orchestra teachers and parents, stands out as the top choice for viola rentals in the Kansas City area. The Advantages of Renting a Viola When your child decides to play the...