Noteworthy

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

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...

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....