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megan

Jun 27 2025

Music Royale Student Spotlight: Nathan L.

We’re thrilled to shine a light on one of our graduating seniors in this edition of our Student Spotlight Series. This musician has grown with us from the very beginning. Meet Nathan, a dedicated and talented saxophonist and pianist who has been a part of the Music Royale family for over six years.

🎓 Nathan is a 2025 graduate of Olentangy Liberty High School and is headed to Case Western Reserve University this fall, where he plans to major in Biochemistry on the pre-med track. But his journey with music won’t stop there! He’s taking his saxophone with him and is already looking ahead to joining jazz and classical ensembles on campus.

🎷🎹 In his own words, Nathan shares how music has shaped his life and how it gave him a reason to keep practicing, helped him stay ahead in school band, and connected him with the legacy of his great-grandfather and great-uncle, both jazz saxophonists.

We are so proud of Nathan, not just for his musical accomplishments like earning a “one” on his solo at Ensemble, but for his passion, commitment, and humility. His words are an inspiration to students of all ages, and we encourage you to watch the full video to hear Nathan’s story in his own voice.

🎥 Click here to watch: https://youtu.be/li7Vjx-U9_c?si=2Tf0XBbS_OVOJcDM

He reflects on:

  • The challenge of learning piano as a complete beginner

  • The coordination needed to master saxophone technique

  • The value of having multiple teachers and learning different styles

  • His favorite recital moment performing Schumann’s Fantasy Piece

  • And his personal advice for young or struggling musicians

It all starts with a single lesson.

🎶 Whether you’re a total beginner or looking to sharpen your skills, our experienced and diverse team of instructors can help guide your musical path.

📚 Learn more about our Private Music Lessons

👩‍🏫 Meet the Music Royale Teaching Staff

📩 Have questions? Contact Us to get started today!

And don’t forget to stay connected with us online for more student features, music tips, and local music news.

📱 Follow Music Royale on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

Congratulations, Nathan. We’re so excited to see where your music—and your dreams—take you next!

Written by megan · Categorized: Student Spotlight

Jun 06 2025

The Benefits of Private Music Lessons vs. Group Classes

Music Royale Music Teacher

When starting music, one of the first decisions you’ll make is whether to enroll your student in private lessons or not. At Music Royale, Powell’s friendly neighborhood music store, we offer private lessons designed to give students personalized attention while complementing group ensemble experiences. Here’s a closer look at the pros and cons of both to help you make the best choice for your budding musician.


The Advantages of Private Music Lessons

Private lessons provide one-on-one instruction tailored specifically to the student.

• Pace of Learning: Students progress at their own speed, allowing them to spend extra time on challenging pieces or accelerate through material they master quickly.

• Focused Skill Development: Teachers can help students tackle difficult music from school or personal projects, hone individual technique, and work on solos.

• Exploration and Appreciation: One-on-one instruction encourages personal exploration of musical interests and fosters a deeper appreciation for music.

While private lessons focus on individual growth, they are also an excellent supplement for students who participate in group ensembles. Explore our offerings: Learn About Private Lessons.

The Benefits of School Ensembles & Community Ensembles

Group music classes emphasize collaboration and teamwork, building essential ensemble skills.

• Playing Together: Students learn how to blend and match pitch, tone, and dynamics with others while performing in sync.

• Large Works and Classics: Group settings often tackle iconic works, providing exposure to a wide repertoire of recognizable favorites.

• Recovering from Mistakes: Ensemble playing teaches students how to jump back in after mistakes, an invaluable skill for live performance.

• Community and Inspiration: Group classes foster friendships, build a sense of belonging, and allow students to draw inspiration from their peers.

Music Royale offers private lessons that complement the skills gained in ensemble settings. Pairing the two can enhance your child’s musical growth: Contact Us for More Information.

Interested in joining Music Royale Chamber Ensemble? Fill out this interest form!

Which Option Is Right for Your Child?

The choice to enroll in private lessons depends on your child’s needs and goals:

• For Personalized Growth: Private lessons are ideal for students seeking to build foundational skills or refine their technique with undivided attention from an instructor.

• For Collaborative Experiences: Group classes work well for students who enjoy playing in teams, want to learn ensemble pieces, or are looking for a social musical environment.

Students benefit from combining both options, using private lessons to strengthen individual skills and group classes to build ensemble proficiency.

Start Your Musical Journey at Music Royale

At Music Royale, we’re committed to helping every student find their path in music. Whether you’re looking for private lessons, ensemble opportunities, or both, our experienced instructors can provide guidance tailored to your needs.

Discover why we’ve been Powell’s trusted destination for music education for over 20 years. Ready to begin? Reach Out Today to explore our private lesson offerings and see how we can help your child reach their musical potential.

Written by megan · Categorized: Education

May 28 2025

Where to Find Music Royale’s Instrument Petting Zoo This Summer

Discover the Joy of Music with Music Royale’s Instrument Petting Zoo at Summer Festivals!

This summer, Music Royale is hitting the road and bringing the magic of music to Central Ohio’s biggest festivals with our Instrument Petting Zoo. Whether your child dreams of playing the violin, flute, trumpet, or drums, this interactive experience offers families a chance to explore the world of music in a fun, no-pressure environment.

Our Instrument Petting Zoo is designed with curious young minds in mind. Students are invited to try out a variety of high-quality band and orchestra instruments, helping them discover what inspires them most. From squeaky first notes to confident smiles, this hands-on opportunity is a fantastic way to ignite a lifelong love for music.

Where We’ve Been—and Where We’re Going

We kicked off our summer at the Columbus Folk Festival, where dozens of kids got their first taste of real instruments, and parents got a first look at what musical education can offer their children.

But we’re just getting started. Here’s where you can find the Music Royale Instrument Petting Zoo next:

🎨 Greater Columbus Arts Council Arts Festival

📍 Downtown Columbus

🗓️ June 6 & 7, 2025

🎶 ResiFest at Delaware Boardman Arts Park

📍 Delaware, Ohio

🗓️ June 22, 2025

These events are free, family-friendly, and perfect for a summer outing. Stop by our booth, pick up a violin, or try your hand at a trumpet—we’ll be there to guide you and answer all your questions.

Quality Instruments, Simple Rentals

All instruments in the Music Royale Petting Zoo are professional-quality and maintained by our expert staff. And when your child finds the right fit, we make it easy for families to take the next step.

Music Royale is a proud affiliate of Sweetwater, offering an affordable and accessible rent-to-own instrument program for both band and orchestra students. Our rental process is designed to give parents peace of mind with:

  • Top-quality instruments
  • Accruing monthly plans
  • Repair and maintenance
  • Easy online rental setup

You can explore our rental options anytime at:

👉 musicroyale.com/rentals

Why It Matters

Learning a musical instrument doesn’t just teach notes and rhythms, it helps build confidence, discipline, creativity, and a sense of community. By offering kids a chance to explore instruments freely and without pressure, we hope to create memorable first encounters that could spark a lifetime of music-making.

Whether you’re just starting to think about music lessons or your child is already begging to play an instrument, Music Royale’s summer festival stops are the perfect place to begin.

🎵 Come find us this summer and let your child explore the world of music—one note at a time. For more information about our lesson programs, rentals, and events, visit musicroyale.com.

We can’t wait to meet you and share the joy of music!

Written by megan · Categorized: Community & Celebrations

May 05 2025

5 Ways to Make Practice Fun for Kids and Teens

Practicing music can sometimes feel like a chore, especially for kids and teens. However, making practice time enjoyable can help build a lifelong love for music. At Music Royale, your friendly neighborhood music store, we understand the importance of keeping practice engaging and productive. Here are five creative ways to make music practice fun for your young musicians.

1. Reward Charts: Motivation Through Positive Reinforcement

Reward systems can turn practice time into a fun and rewarding experience.

• Small Rewards First: Start with simple incentives like stickers or snacks. As practice becomes consistent, offer more substantial rewards like new sheet music or a special treat.

• Time-Based Rewards: Focus rewards on consistent practice time rather than achievements. This helps students build good habits without feeling pressure to perfect a piece.

Looking for sheet music to reward your child? Explore our selection in store!

2. Make Practice a Game

Games can transform practice sessions into fun challenges.

• Practice and Then Show Me: Your child practices a section and performs it for you.

• Teach Me Now!: Let your child teach you what they’ve learned—it’s a great way to reinforce skills.

• Simon Says: Incorporate musical commands like “Simon says, play this song slowly” or “Simon says, play the first line loud.”

Music lessons should be as fun as they are educational. Learn more about our personalized approach to teaching: Learn About Lessons.

3. Set Goals and Keep Motivation High

Goals can make practice feel purposeful, but it’s important to set achievable and motivating targets.

• Per-Session Goals: Instead of focusing on mastering a song by a deadline, set small, manageable goals for each practice session.

• Tackling Tough Songs: Encourage your child to work through songs they dislike. Completing them builds perseverance and discipline.

Our instructors can help your child set realistic goals and stay motivated. Meet Our Teachers.

4. Imitation: Set an Example

Your child looks up to you, so why not make practice a shared experience?

• Work Alongside Them: Pick a skill to develop for yourself, whether it’s learning an instrument or a completely unrelated skill.

• Set a Timer: Dedicate 20 minutes where you both focus on your individual tasks. Your child will see your dedication and feel motivated to mirror it.

Want to learn an instrument with your child? We offer lessons for all ages. Contact Us Today.

5. Use Videos for Inspiration

Watching others play the same instrument can inspire kids and teens to practice.

• Find Role Models: Look for videos of musicians playing your child’s favorite songs or using the same instrument.

• Show Progress: Recording your child’s performances can be a great way for them to see their growth over time.

Need help finding the right instrument to match your child’s musical inspirations? Visit Music Royale to explore our inventory and lessons.

Make Practice Time Memorable

At Music Royale, we’re passionate about helping kids and teens discover the joy of music. By incorporating these strategies into your child’s practice routine, you can help them stay motivated, engaged, and excited to learn.

Ready to start or enhance your child’s music education? Reach Out Today to connect with our expert instructors and find out why we’ve been Powell’s go-to music education destination for over 20 years.

Written by megan · Categorized: Education

Apr 25 2025

Teacher Feature: Meet Thane Leshner – Guitar & Voice Instructor at Your Friendly Neighborhood Music Store

At Music Royale, we pride ourselves on having a roster of passionate, experienced, and down-to-earth teachers who meet students right where they are—and one of those stellar instructors is Thane Leshner, our featured teacher this month! Watch his interview video!

Thane teaches guitar and voice lessons at Music Royale, bringing with him over two decades of performance experience and a true love for music in all its forms. Whether you’re into punk, jazz, ska, metal—or you’re not quite sure what your style is yet—Thane’s teaching philosophy is all about meeting you where you are.

From the Stage to the Lesson Studio

Thane’s journey into teaching music is one many musicians can relate to. “I was working a job I didn’t love,” he says, “and I’d been a musician all my life—playing in bands, taking tons of lessons—so I decided to give teaching a shot. And I really liked it.”

With over three years of teaching experience, Thane is committed to creating custom lesson plans for each student. Whether you’re a total beginner learning chords or you’re ready to shred on stage, he’s all about helping you find your unique path.

“If somebody wants to learn a specific style of music, we’re going to do that,” he says. “Whether it’s metal or punk or even ska or jazz, we’ll figure out how to make it work for you.”

Ready to start your own music journey? Sign up for lessons at Music Royale today and request Thane!

Why Students Love Lessons with Thane

Thane’s students appreciate that he’s not only a skilled musician but a relatable teacher who keeps things fun, real, and engaging. One of his favorite parts of teaching is witnessing those lightbulb moments when something finally clicks.

“It’s really cool to explain something and see somebody go, ‘Oh, I get it—I finally feel confident in playing this.’ That’s the best.”

With Thane, you’re not just learning how to play music—you’re also learning how to be a musician.

Columbus Music Scene Roots

If you’re local to Columbus, chances are you’ve heard Thane play. He’s been an active part of the Columbus music scene for over 10 years, performing in a wide range of projects from punk and metal to solo indie work.

Currently, he’s involved in:

  • Coffin Makers – playing bass
  • RK Maroon – also on bass
  • An unnamed metal project where he plays guitar
  • Compact Utility – his solo project

He’s no stranger to the DIY scene either, helping set up everything from house shows to field concerts powered by generators. And his involvement doesn’t stop with performing—Thane also gives back, helping organize the annual instrument drive for Our Music Columbus, supporting students in Columbus City Schools.

Pro Tips from Thane for New Guitar Players

If you’re picking up a guitar for the first time (or getting back into it), Thane has a few words of wisdom:

“Take your time, be patient. You get out what you put into it. Practice, practice, practice—even if that means jamming on the same thing over and over.”

And for students who want to get into playing in a band, Thane’s your guy. With 20 years of experience on the road, in venues big and small, and on stages across the country, he’s got insights that go way beyond scales and song charts.

Join the Music Royale Community

Thane is just one of the many talented and passionate instructors in our lesson studios at Music Royale. Whether you’re a beginner, a hobbyist, or an aspiring professional, we’ve got the right teacher for you.

Looking for guitar lessons, voice coaching, or even just a cool, supportive space to learn music?

Click here to sign up for lessons at your Friendly Neighborhood Music Store or stop by our Powell location to meet Thane and the rest of the team in person.

Want to know more about our teaching staff? Check out more Teacher Features on the blog, or browse our Music Royale YouTube Channel for interviews, performances, and lesson previews!

Music Royale – Your Friendly Neighborhood Music Store

Located in Powell, OH | Offering in-person and online music lessons for all ages and skill levels.

Want to support our mission? Follow us on Instagram and Facebook to keep up with student showcases, new events, and more teacher features!

Written by megan · Categorized: Teacher Feature

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Your
Neighborhood
Music Store

Music Royale
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Hours:

Monday - Thursday: 12pm - 8pm

Friday: 12pm- 6pm

Saturday: 10am - 5pm

Sunday: 12pm - 5pm

Address:

480 West Olentangy Street
Powell, OH 43065

Phone:

(614)793-2222