Noteworthy

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

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...

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Piano Rentals in Kansas City Made Easy

Your child has asked you for a piano. Not the keyboard they’ve been playing with for the past few months—but a real piano. While your head may be spinning, the fact your child is interested in learning the piano is a marvelous thing. There are so many benefits to learning how to play the piano such as higher self-esteem, better focus and concentration, heightened memory and dexterity—even an increase in test scores. Pianos vs. a Keyboard While a keyboard may seem financially prudent, there’s truth in the need for a budding pianist to get a feel for the real thing....

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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...

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Reasons to Consider Playing the Flute

Are you new to music? A seasoned veteran? Looking for guidance on what instrument you should play? Whether you are a seasoned veteran or a beginner, choosing the right instrument for you is important. You should consider sound, the type of music you like to listen to as well as how the instrument can fit into your practice habits. If you are looking for a small, versatile instrument that is easy to take anywhere, the flute may be a good choice for you! The flute is one of the most versatile instruments The flute is small and easy to carry....

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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...

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4 Tips Every New Band and Orchestra Parent Should Know

In households across Kansas City, it’s back-to-school time. For many families, that means their first foray into band or orchestra… An exciting new prospect! More than a hobby, music education provides a foundation for life. If you played in your school band or orchestra as a kid, you know how fun and beneficial it can be… and even if you did not, you can imagine the benefits. A spot in the school band or orchestra provides your child a fantastic opportunity to meet classmates and build friendships. And playing an instrument could lead to a life-long passion, provide a fun...

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The Best Rent-to-Own Band and Orchestra Package in the Kansas City Metro Area

Your child comes home from school and announces, “I want to take band and play an instrument!”  Where do you go? Do you rent? Do you purchase? How does this work? It’s time to do some research. Meyer Music works directly with many Kansas City area school district band directors so that we are sure to have exactly everything your musician needs for band or orchestra. Even better, we can deliver the instrument and any accessories or music books directly to your child’s classroom. Renting an instrument means you won’t have one you bought collecting dust if your child decides...

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Private Music Lessons: Frequently Asked Questions

  If your child has expressed an interest in learning to play a musical instrument or if your child is already enrolled in a school music program and needs more one-on-one instruction, enrolling them in private lessons is the best thing to do to help them excel. Below are frequently asked questions about enrolling in private music lessons. When should I enroll my child in private music lessons? There is no “right” age to begin taking music lessons. Children mature at their own speed. But, there are signs that indicate they might be ready, including showing an interest in learning...

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How to Find the Best “Instrument Rental Near Me”

Are you raising a professional musician or an adult with a life-long passion playing music? Will your budding violinist end up playing lead saxophone? Will they stick with it throughout their school years or trade music class for art class in senior year? You just never know, and kids will surprise you at every turn. But, right now, your kid wants to explore band or orchestra, and you’re searching “instrument rental near me.” Where you rent an instrument matters, and finding a music store in Kansas City that offers the right rental program, makes it convenient for parents and works...

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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...

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