megan

Dec 06 2025

⚡ 5 Reasons Why the Yamaha GigMaker Electric Guitar Pack Is Perfect for Beginners

Getting into guitar can feel like picking a path through a forest. Which model? Which accessories? How much money do you invest, and what will last? That’s where the Yamaha GigMaker starter kit shines. It’s an all-in-one package that gives beginners everything they need to start playing immediately—and with gear that won’t feel like a toy after a few months.

At Music Royale, we recommend the GigMaker because it strikes the sweet spot between practicality, tone, and longevity. Let’s break down why it’s a go-to choice for new guitarists.

🎸 1. Everything You Need to Rock — Right Out of the Box

No more guessing what cables, amps, or accessories you need. The Yamaha GigMaker Electric Guitar Pack comes fully loaded:

Yamaha Pacifica 012 Electric Guitar — lightweight, comfortable body with killer tone versatility.
15-watt Yamaha GA15 amp — perfect for bedrooms, garages, and small jams.
Gig bag — easy portability.
Electronic tuner — keeps you pitch-perfect.
Guitar strap & picks — because details matter.
Cable — plug in and go.
Instructional materials — online lessons and resources to get you playing songs fast.

It’s literally plug and play. No missing pieces. No upsells. No “oh, I forgot to buy a cable.”

🎨 2. Choose Your Vibe: Multiple Colors, Same Great Feel

Why settle for a boring beginner guitar when you can pick one that fits your style? The Yamaha GigMaker Electric Pack is available in several sleek finishes — including Black, Metallic Red, and Old Violin Sunburst — so your first guitar actually feels like your guitar.

Each finish is paired with a white pickguard and signature Pacifica body contour that feels as smooth as it looks. Whether you’re a blues lover, bedroom rocker, or future stage shredder, there’s a color that’ll fit your vibe.

⚙️ 3. Built Like a Real Guitar — Because It Is

Some beginner guitars are built like toys. The GigMaker? Built like a player’s instrument.

The Yamaha Pacifica 012 features:

A solid agathis or alder body for balance and durability.
Maple neck with rosewood fingerboard for a smooth, comfortable feel.
HSS pickup configuration — one humbucker and two single coils — giving you a wide tonal range from crunchy rock to clean funk.
Vintage-style tremolo bridge for expressive bends and vibrato.

These are the same core specs found on guitars used by gigging musicians — just tuned for beginner comfort and affordability.

🎧 4. Learn Faster, Sound Better

You can feel the difference when you start with good gear. The GigMaker Pack’s high-quality components help new players learn faster by:

Staying in tune longer (thanks to Yamaha’s precision tuners).
Offering lower string action for easier fretting and less finger fatigue.
Giving you a clear tone, even on a budget amp.

Plus, with the included GA15 amp, you can practice quietly or crank it up without losing clarity. It’s the perfect combo for home practice or jamming with friends.

🤘 5. A Trusted Brand Used by Legends

Yamaha isn’t a new name in the music world — it’s a legacy brand trusted by pros and beginners alike. Artists like Mike Stern (jazz legend), Nathan East (bassist for Eric Clapton and Daft Punk), and Jeff Schroeder (Smashing Pumpkins) have all relied on Yamaha instruments for their tone and reliability.

Many players started on Yamaha guitars before stepping onto bigger stages — because they’re built to grow with you, not against you.

🎶 Bonus: The Acoustic GigMaker Option

If you’re more into unplugged sessions, campfire jams, or singer-songwriter vibes, the Yamaha GigMaker Acoustic Pack offers the same all-in-one convenience — just acoustic. It includes:

A Yamaha F-310 acoustic guitar (spruce top, nato body, rosewood fingerboard).
Gig bag, tuner, strap, picks, strings, and instructional resources.

Perfect for students, travelers, or anyone wanting to start with the fundamentals before going electric.

⚡ Final Thoughts

The Yamaha GigMaker Electric Guitar Pack isn’t just another beginner bundle — it’s a launchpad. Real tone, real feel, and real gear designed to make your first year of playing fun, not frustrating.

Whether you’re starting lessons at Music Royale or teaching yourself from YouTube, this pack gives you a professional edge right from day one.

🎯 Rock On With Music Royale

👉 Try the Yamaha GigMaker Pack in person at Music Royale in Powell, Ohio — or visit musicroyale.com to learn more.
📧 Questions? Email info@musicroyale.com — our team will match you with the perfect beginner setup.
🎸 Ready to start your journey? Book your first lesson today and bring your GigMaker — let’s make some noise.

Nov 21 2025

🎁 Best Gifts for Aspiring Musicians of Any Age

Let’s be real: musicians are not easy to shop for.

They’re passionate, they’re particular, and let’s face it, half the time, they’ve already bought themselves what they want! 😅

But whether you’re buying for a beginner just starting lessons or a seasoned student gearing up for a recital, there are a few gifts that are always a hit—and we’ve rounded them up right here at Music Royale.

🎼 1. Sheet Music That Inspires

Sheet music is always a great option, if you get the right level. That’s where your student’s teacher comes in. Reach out and ask what books they’ll be working on next, or whether they’d enjoy something just for fun.

From pop hits to movie soundtracks to classic rock collections, there’s sheet music for every personality. Just make sure you’re not buying a Level 5 book for a Level 2 player. 😬

👉 Check out our sheet music collection in-store and ask us for recommendations based on your student’s age and skill level!

🎸 2. New Strings = Fresh Sound

Here’s a secret every musician knows: you can always use an extra set of strings.

Whether they play guitar, violin, or bass, strings wear out over time and need replacing. A fresh set not only improves sound quality, but it also keeps the instrument in tip-top shape.

Don’t know which brand or size to get? No worries. Bring in the instrument (or give us a call), and we’ll help you find the perfect match.

🎁 Visit us online or in Powell to stock up on your student’s next set of strings!

🧼 3. Cleaning Kits & Maintenance Tools

Let’s talk about the elephant in the practice room: finger cheese. 🧀

(Oil + dirt + hours of playing = not cute.)

A great gift idea? A complete instrument cleaning kit.

It’s practical, affordable, and a subtle reminder to take care of that beautiful instrument you spent good money on.

Especially for brass and woodwind players, regular cleaning isn’t optional—it’s essential. Instruments you put your mouth on need extra TLC.

🛠️ We carry cleaning supplies for every instrument—from strings to saxophones. See what’s in stock now or ask us what your student’s setup needs most.

🌟 Bonus Ideas to Rock Their Practice Time

Still not sure what to get? Here are a few other gift ideas that always hit the right note:

A clip-on tuner
A sturdy music stand
A metronome (yes, they still make them—and they’re cooler than ever)
A Music Royale Gift Card for those very picky players 😉
Fun accessories like a colorful instrument strap, a music-themed notebook, or a lesson book upgrade

🎶 Want help picking the perfect gift? Learn more about our team and come chat with us in-store—we love playing musical Santa.

Give the Gift of Music This Year

Whether you’re shopping for a student, a teacher, or the musician who already “has everything,” there’s always something meaningful at Music Royale.

🎄 Visit Our Homepage

🎁 Shop Online

📚 Read More Blogs

🎥 Watch Our Videos

👋 Meet Our Team

Music Royale – Your Friendly Neighborhood Music Store

Nov 14 2025

🎻 Student Spotlight: Ceena Baker

At Music Royale, we believe it’s never too late to chase the music that moves you. And no one embodies that rock ‘n’ roll spirit better than Ceena Baker, one of our incredible violin students who proves that passion for music knows no age limit. Watch her full interview here.

🎶 From Piano to Strings — A Lifelong Dream

Ceena’s journey started with a lifelong love for music. She grew up in a home filled with Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Perry Como—music “lilting through the house 24/7,” as she describes it. Though she started on piano as a child, it was the haunting sound of strings that truly stole her heart.

“I remember hearing Gordon Lightfoot’s ‘If You Could Read My Mind’ in high school,” Ceena recalls. “It wasn’t the lyrics or melody that got me—it was the backup strings. The violins, cellos, and basses just pulled at my heart and took me somewhere else.”

That moment planted a musical seed that would eventually grow into her decision to take violin lessons at Music Royale—decades later.

🎻 Finding Her Voice Through the Violin

For Ceena, the violin stands apart from other instruments because of its connection to the human voice:

“I think it emulates the soprano voice better than the others. There’s just something soulful and expressive about it.”

But learning as an adult came with its challenges. Between a shoulder injury, a busy schedule, and the physical technique that violin demands, Ceena admits it hasn’t been easy.

“I thought I could just pick it up and start playing—but it takes a lot of technical movement and patience. Still, with encouragement and support from my teacher, I’ve kept pushing through.”

Her advice for other adult beginners? Keep it simple and celebrate small wins.

“Don’t look too far into the future. Get excited about each little milestone, and just enjoy the journey.”

💪 Family, Music, and Never Giving Up

Music runs deep in Ceena’s family. Her son started guitar lessons at Music Royale years ago and is now a jazz bass performer and instructor—right here at the same studio where Ceena now takes lessons.

“That’s one of the reasons I chose Music Royale. My son learned here, and now he teaches here. The instructors are so kind, patient, and accommodating—it just feels like home.”

🎉 Jamming with the Music Royale Family

Ceena loves the community vibe at Music Royale, from the July Birthday Bash (complete with food trucks, live music, and staff performances) to student recitals and Rock School shows.

“It’s great seeing kids learn to play together—understanding timing, dynamics, and how one instrument complements another. It reminds me how powerful music can be when shared.”

And though she still admits to feeling a few nerves before a performance, she embraces every opportunity to play.

“My first recital piece was only 30 seconds long, but I was proud. I look forward to learning more and maybe tackling a Bennett song next!”

🎸 “It’s Never Too Late to Start Something New”

Ceena’s story is proof that music is for everyone—at any stage of life.

“It’s never too late. You can teach old dogs new tricks! If that’s where your heart wants to go, go with it. The only thing you’ll regret is not trying.”

We couldn’t agree more.

🎵 Ready to Start Your Own Musical Journey?

Whether you’re 8 or 80, Music Royale has a place for you. Join a community that celebrates progress, passion, and the pure joy of playing.

👉 Explore our teacher bios

👉 Read more student spotlights

👉 Sign up for music lessons

Visit the Music Royale homepage to learn more about our programs in guitar, piano, violin, voice, and more.

Because here at Music Royale—we don’t just teach music. We help you live it. 🎶🔥

#MusicRoyale #StudentSpotlight #ViolinLessons #ColumbusMusicLessons #LearnViolin #NeverTooLate #RockAndRollSpirit #MusicEducation #PowellOhio #StringsForLife

Nov 07 2025

🎵 Teacher Feature: Meet Brent Badger 🥁

At Music Royale — your Friendly Neighborhood Music Store in Powell, Ohio — we’re proud to have an incredible lineup of professional musicians shaping the next generation of performers. This month, we’re featuring one of our passionate instructors: Brent Badger, our resident drum teacher and lifelong groove-maker.

👉 Watch Brent’s full interview here

🥁 From Corporate Life to Cymbals and Creativity

Brent didn’t start out as a music educator. In fact, his first career was in the corporate world — but the beat never stopped. After over 40 years behind the drums, Brent found a way to turn his lifelong passion for rhythm into a second career teaching at Music Royale.

“I started piano when I was six and drums in the fifth grade. I played in marching band, jazz ensemble, and college groups. Music just stuck with me. Now I finally get to do something more with it — and I’m really excited about that.”

Brent brings that excitement into every lesson. His students learn that music isn’t just about hitting the right notes — it’s about building confidence, finding your groove, and unlocking creativity.

🎶 Teaching Philosophy: One Stone at a Time

Brent describes learning music as crossing a stream:

“You can see the other side, but you have to take one stone at a time. You might get your feet wet, but that’s how you move forward.”

His approach to teaching reflects his patient, problem-solving mindset — one honed both through decades of drumming and years of corporate leadership. For Brent, lessons have to be fun, but also focused.

He reminds students that even simple rhythms are worth celebrating:

“Enjoy the simple and don’t overthink it. Some of my favorite professional drummers are still students. Learning never stops.”

🧠 What Makes Brent Different

Brent isn’t your typical drum teacher — he brings a unique combination of professional performance experience, academic insight, and real-world perspective.

He’s studied with legendary drummer Steve Smith (of Journey fame), played in countless bands and trios around town, and continues to perform regularly with local acts like Step Back 3.

“That practical gig experience helps me give my students real advice. I can talk about what actually happens on stage — not just in the practice room.”

And when students hit walls, Brent knows exactly how to help:

“We break things down to the simplest parts. Maybe it’s just the right foot. Maybe it’s that one fill. Don’t stress — figure out what’s frustrating you, and tackle it one piece at a time.”

🪘 The Groove That Keeps Him Going

If Brent were stranded on a desert island with a drum kit, he says he’d play ‘Rosanna’ by Toto on repeat.

“It’s just got that perfect shuffle — a little hard rock, a little swing, and a lot of groove.”

That same groove shows up in his lessons, where Brent teaches students to feel the music, not just count it. He encourages creativity, individuality, and fun in every session.

🎓 Why You’ll Love Taking Lessons With Brent

🥁 40+ years of drumming experience
🎵 Experienced performer in multiple genres — from jazz to pop to rock
👨‍🏫 Professional background in corporate training and music education
❤️ Focus on fun, creativity, and lifelong learning
🔊 Real gig experience — from local patios to full-stage performances

🧭 Join Brent’s Drum Studio at Music Royale

Whether you’re picking up drumsticks for the first time or looking to level up your groove, Brent will meet you where you are — and help you cross to the next “stone” on your musical journey.

Ready to book your first lesson?
👉 Visit our Lesson Page to get started.
📖 Read more about Brent on his Teacher Bio.
💬 Have questions? Contact Us today.
🎸 Explore all our programs on the Music Royale Home Page or see more stories on our Blog Page.

Hashtags:
#MusicRoyale #PowellOhio #FriendlyNeighborhoodMusicStore #DrumLessons #MusicEducation #RockAndRoll

Nov 04 2025

🎻 Music Royale Instructor Publishes New Holiday Book for Beginner Violinists

At Music Royale, we’re always excited to celebrate the creativity of our incredible instructors — and this season, one of our own has composed something truly special!

Our violin instructor, Aster, has written and released a brand-new holiday-themed book for beginner violinists, designed to make learning fun, festive, and accessible for new players.

A Holiday Book for True Beginners

Written especially for beginners, this book features:
🎵 Easy-to-read notes
🎵 Full songs perfect for short practice sessions
🎵 Fun, whimsical characters that guide students through their musical journey

Fingerings are simple and approachable — ideal for students who’ve been playing for as little as two months. Whether your student just joined your studio or is preparing for a first recital, this book is a perfect fit for the season.

Aster shared,

“I couldn’t find any holiday books for my beginner violin students, so I created my own! The goal is to expand with even more books, but starting with Christmas is fun because there’s something special about this time of year.”

Meet the Kanky Cats

In this book, students learn to read notes on the staff through the story of the Kanky Cats, featuring the playful line:

Learn to read the notes on the staff because Eddie’s Green Boots Don’t Fit!

It’s a lighthearted, engaging way to make note reading click for young players — while keeping the spirit of the holidays alive.

Perfect Timing for Holiday Recitals

This book isn’t just a learning tool — it’s also a performance-ready companion. With our Music Royale Recitals coming up on December 8, 9, and 10, it’s the perfect time for students to add a touch of holiday cheer to their pieces.

And the best part?
🎁 Music Royale has a special stock reserved for our students and community members. Stop by our studio to pick up your copy before recital season kicks off!

Bring the Joy of Music Home

We’re proud to support instructors like Aster who bring passion, creativity, and innovation to the Music Royale family. Books like this remind us why we love what we do — teaching, inspiring, and helping every student grow through the joy of music.

Stop in soon to grab your copy, or contact us for more info about violin lessons, music books, and private instruction at Music Royale in Powell, Ohio.

#MusicRoyale #PowellOhio #ViolinLessons #MusicLessons #BeginnerViolin #MusicEducation #HolidayMusic #KankyCats #MusicRoyaleFamily #LearnViolin #ViolinTeachers #MusicStudents #HolidayRecital