Music Lessons Matter

Meagan Anwander is a piano teacher who holds a Masters Degree of Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Central Missouri and has been teaching at Meyer Music since 2007. Ms. Anwander builds positive relationships with each student, as she feels that is the first step in encouraging the student’s love of music. She makes an effort to keep the lessons enjoyable, and expects students to practice each day outside of their lesson to promote musical growth.

Anna Khalchansky is a piano teacher who holds a Bachelors Degree in Music from the Ukrainian Music College who began her career in private teaching at University of Arizona as an accompanist. She has been teaching privately since 1962 and has been teaching at Meyer Music since 1995. Anna holds a certification from the US National Honor Roll of Guild Teachers. Anna prefers conservatory style teaching, only instructing children.

Caroline Neal is a piano teacher who holds a Bachelors degree in Piano Performance from Stephens College, and a Masters in Music Education with an emphasis in organ. Caroline has taught privately since 1982 and has taught at Meyer Music since 2018. Caroline is one of our most popular teachers for children, but works great with all ages

Cathy DeKnight is a piano and voice teacher who holds a Bachelor of Music Education and Vocal Performance from UMKC. She has taught privately since 1985, and has been teaching at Meyer Music since 2000. Cathy belongs to several music teacher clubs that allow her students to attend music festivals and competitions. She encourages her students to perform in at least one performance based festival and a recital each year. She uses several varieties of traditional method book series, offered by publishers such as Alfred, Bastien, and Faber for basic reading of notation, theory concepts, and technique. Along with the method books, she encourages students to add special solos, fun books, pop, jazz etc., to use the tools learned in the method books on something that fits each student's personal musical tastes. Cathy loves to adjust her teaching style to best suit each individual's personality and musical goals. Overall, she is easy going and works to keep lessons as light and fun as possible.

Chris Minshall is a Guitar and Ukulele teacher who hold a Bachelors degree in Music Composition from UMKC Conservatory. He has been teaching privately since 1995 and started at Meyer Music in 1997. Chris helps students build a plan to learn and perform the music that they choose while simultaneously teaching them to read music and understand the theories of how music functions. Chris often uses the term "Guitar Kung Fu" with his students. His philosophy is that all musicians are unique and it is his job to help them figure out how to carve out their own style. Chris says that “Since I was 10 years old, I have found that the practice, study, performance, and creation of music has been the most fulfilling experience in my life. Teaching has been another level of this fulfillment because I get to help other have their own enjoyment in the studies of music.”

Dave Johnson is a Woodwind Teacher, who studied Clarinet Performance at the UMKC Conservatory. He has played since 1963, and has been teaching privately at Meyer Music since 2018. For 5th through 8th grade Dave uses whatever book is used at their school plus supplementing when possible with fun music for the students. For older students he has a variety of instructional books for individual study and duets that he plays along with the students. Dave likes to get the work done but have fun along the way.

David Paff is a brass teacher who has a Bachelors degree in Music Studies from William Paterson in New Jersey, and a Masters in Music Performance from University of Rhode Island. He is currently working on his Doctorate degree at KU. David started teaching privately in 1998 and has been teaching at Meyer Music since 2020. David joined the navy as a navy musician in August of 2003 until August of 2017. He was featured as a euphonium and trombone soloist with navy band Northeast, Naval Forces Europe Band in Naples, Italy and Navy Band Great Lakes, IL. David was stationed in Naples, Italy from March, 2008 to March, 2012. Toured 28 countries between Europe and Africa in various ensembles such as the Brass Quintet, Ceremonial and Marching Band, Wind Ensemble and Jazz Band. He was a featured trombone soloist at the Jazz Festival in Yekaterinburg, Russia.

Grace Baugher is a brass instructor who holds Bachelor degrees in Music Composition and French Horn Performance from Kansas State University and a Masters degree in Music Composition from the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. Additionally, she achieved Graduate Certifications in both Music Education and Music Theory Pedagogy. She has taught privately since 2015 and started teaching at Meyer Music in 2021. Grace’s teaching style puts an emphasis on music literacy and fluency, and her students receive instrument specific instruction in alignment with their individual goals. 

Linda Arnett is an experienced piano teacher and graduate of Emporia State University, who has taught privately since 1969 and started at Meyer Music in 2019. She uses basic well-rounded method books, plus some fun "pop" music and other supplementary pieces, based on individual interests. Some theory and small amounts of improvisation are included, as well as ear training. Her goal is for students to learn to appreciate having music in their lives, and especially to have the satisfaction of being able to make their own music. She gently encourages and supports them as they learn, making it as enjoyable as possible and individualizing instruction to help them progress.

Mike Harte is a Cello and String Bass teacher who has a bachelors degree from Kansas-State University and completed his graduated studies in 2007. Mike has taught privately at Meyer Music since 1998.

Peter Nisenkier is a guitar and ukulele teacher who studied classical guitar at UMKC Conservatory. He has been teaching privately since 1997, and has taught at Meyer Music since 1999. Peter is well versed in rock, country, blues and pretty much whatever his students would like to learn. He primarily works out of method books as well as teaching songs his students want to learn. He also focuses on proper technique, theory, and eat training. For Peter, having fun is the most important thing. He likes to keep it light and can be pretty silly with younger students.

Richard Bragg I a percussion teacher who holds a Bachelors in Music Performance from UMKC. He has been teaching privately since 1962, and started at Meyer Music in 1999. Richard teaches all of his students how to read and perform all of the different kinds of music that they will be play starting in the 5th grade up through 12th grade. They will learn not only how to play in the school bands but also how to pay with smaller groups as well as the many different styles of music from concert to jazz to rock and roll. Richard firmly believes the most important thing is to allow the student to have fun while they are learning to become a great musician.