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...

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...

The Advantages of Private Music Lessons for Band and Orchestra Families

Summer can be a great time for children to focus on their musical talents. Without the demands of a full school schedule, kids have more time to dedicate to their passions, including music. Whether your child is just starting out in band or orchestra or has been playing for years, summer offers the perfect opportunity to take their skills to the next level. This is an ideal time to consider enrolling them in private music lessons. These lessons provide individualized attention and tailored instruction, which can noticeably enhance their progress and enjoyment of playing an instrument. For parents, it’s a...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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....

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...