Noteworthy

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

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...

Read More

Looking for the Best Summer Activities for Kids? Sign Up for Summer Music Lessons with Meyer Music

If you’ve been considering enrolling your child in private music lessons, summer is a great time to sign up for several reasons. For students starting band or orchestra next school year, a few months of private lessons will only help get them started off on the right foot. For those who are continuing taking music class, summer is a time for making improvements in their skills, especially if they plan to audition for first chair or section leader. Not to mention that summer time is far less hectic for students who are involved in additional activities during the school year,...

Read More

Professional Musician, Jessy J, is Living Proof That Music Lessons Matter

As parents, we want to support our children’s ambitions, doing what we can to give them the experiences and confidence that will lead them to the career of their dreams. If your child aspires to a career in music, it’s going to take more than being a good performer. Jessy J, professional saxophonist, is living proof that music lessons and music education matter in the journey that leads to a successful music career. Jessy J was a special guest artist for the 2021 virtual Midwestern Music Camp, and she will be performing during the 2022 Heartstrings Gala, a benefit for...

Read More

Private Lessons Supplement

Why band and orchestra parents should consider private music lessons When your child plays in the school band or orchestra, back-to-school time is even more of a frenzy than usual. For beginning students, there are instruments to buy or rent, materials to purchase, music teachers to meet and a performance schedule to follow. Not to mention, encouraging your kid to practice and supporting a love for playing and being open to changing instruments until a great fit is found. For older students who’ve “settled in” with their instruments, there are performances to attend, competitions to prepare for and even opportunities...

Read More

Questions About Private Music Lessons?

Are you thinking about private music lessons for your child? It's good to do your research before making an investment. We've compiled the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about private music lessons below. What is the best age at which to start my child with private music lessons at Meyer Music? This is a question that gets asked quite frequently. The answer depends on several factors. Does your child show an interest and a desire to learn music? Does he or she have a good attention span? Is he or she physically large enough to comfortably...

Read More

2021 Free Midwestern Music Camp for All

Add Music Camp to Your “Summer Fun” List If you’re looking for activities for your kiddos this summer, check out the virtual Midwestern Music Camp. Thanks to generous financial support from Band of Angels and Meyer Music, all students attended free of cost. June 14 – 16 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. CST It’s an amazing opportunity for students to interact with KU faculty and music professionals. It’s held virtually again for 2021. It includes virtual sessions, Zoom private lessons and pre-recorded YouTube content. It’s fun, educational and FREE for participants. Register Now Unfamiliar with the Midwestern Music Camp? Here’s...

Read More

Your Guide to Renting a Trombone

The Best Rent-to-Own Packages for Trombone Players in Kansas City Area School Districts   Sing along now… “Seventy-six trombones led the big parade…” It’s one of the most popular song lyrics from “The Music Man” musical. If your child decides to take up the trombone, you’re in for a treat. Yes, trombones are loud, but they’re also a very popular instrument. We know, not just because of the famous song lyrics, but rather because we rent hundreds of trombones every year to Kansas City area middle and high school trombone players. If your child is wanting to play the trombone...

Read More

Meyer Music’s Clarinet Rental Guide

The Best Rent-to-Own Packages for Kansas City Area School District Clarinet Players Your child comes home from school and announces, “I want to take band and play clarinet!” You think, “Great! Now what?” It’s time to research clarinet rentals. Meyer Music works directly with many Kansas City area school district band directors so that we are sure to have exactly everything a clarinet player needs for band class. Even better, we can deliver the clarinet rental and any accessories or music books directly to your child’s classroom. Clarinet rentals are a smart choice for both middle school band students and...

Read More

Get Out the Tissues, Joel Goldberg Interviews Mike Meyers on “Round the Bases”

Joel Goldberg, host of “Round the Bases,” talked to Mike Meyer of Meyer Music about Band of Angels. Sure, Joel’s show is sports focused, but he and Mike have been friends for a few years. Joel is quick to point out that while he has no music background, he understands the connection between playing sports and playing an instrument. Both activities provide students a sense of purpose, joy, teamwork, structure, not to mention these qualities last into adulthood. Joel also is aware that the cost of sports and musical equipment can be a barrier for kids who want to participate....

Read More

Finding Ways to Let Them Play Their Band and Orchestra Instruments

Here we are at the “outro” of summer break, a three-month crescendo leading up to Kansas City metro school districts’ leaders deciding whether students would return to their classrooms in person, virtually or a hybrid version of both in person and online. With local schools now either in session or will be within days, decisions are set in stone, or as much as they can be. Many band and orchestra students playing it by ear as they wait to hear exactly how their directors will conduct classes this year. For marching band musicians, even playing at football games is a...

Read More