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Feb 13 2026

Music Royale Goes to NAMM

Music Royale had the incredible opportunity to travel to Los Angeles and experience something that every music store dreams about: NAMM — the heartbeat of the music industry.

From legendary landmarks to unforgettable moments with fellow music educators and retailers, the trip was a reminder of why we do what we do… and who we do it for.

A Little Hollywood, A Lot of Music History

Of course, being in LA means soaking up some iconic sights. Taking in the view from the Griffith Observatory, capturing the classic Hollywood sign moment, and exploring the energy of the city felt like stepping into a place where art and culture never stop moving.

And no music-centered trip would be complete without a stop at one of the most famous music destinations out there:

🎸 The main Guitar Center on Sunset Boulevard.

Walking through that space is like walking through decades of rock n’ roll history. It’s loud, inspiring, and filled with the kind of creative buzz that makes you want to go home and practice immediately.

(And yes… LA traffic is absolutely real.)

The Music Community Is Alive and Thriving

One of the most meaningful moments of the experience was attending the NAMM Retail Awards.

It was an honor to see Music Royale recognized among so many outstanding independent music stores across the country. Being included in that space was a powerful reminder that neighborhood music shops still matter — and that music education is being championed everywhere by passionate communities.

The nominees and winners in every category were inspiring. The heart behind what they do matched exactly what we believe in:

Music changes lives, and local music stores help make that possible.

The NAMM Show: Ideas, Gear, and Big Energy

The NAMM Show itself is a world of sound, innovation, and connection.

Time was spent learning at the NAMM Idea Center, exploring what’s next in music education, and gathering ideas that can make Music Royale even better for our students and families back home.

The convention floor was packed with new gear, new voices, and that unmistakable feeling of being surrounded by people who live and breathe music.

It’s exciting. It’s overwhelming in the best way. And it’s deeply motivating.

Bringing It Back to Powell and Columbus

As incredible as LA is, the most important part of the experience is what comes next:

Bringing that inspiration back to Powell and Columbus, Ohio.

Music education is strong in our community, and Music Royale is here to keep it growing.

We’re here to help students:

take their playing to the next level
prepare for auditions
succeed in Solo & Ensemble
stay confident in school band and orchestra
discover what they truly love about music

Because music isn’t just an extracurricular.

It’s a lifelong skill, a creative outlet, and a source of confidence.

We’re proud to represent our community with a friendly attitude, neighborhood support, and a whole lot of rock n’ roll spirit.

Thanks for being part of the Music Royale family.

🎸 Rock on.

— The Music Royale Crew

Feb 05 2026

🎶 How to Create the Perfect Practice Space at Home

Practicing an instrument doesn’t have to feel like a chore, especially when your space sets the tone for success. Whether you’re just starting lessons or leveling up your skills, the right setup can turn daily practice into something students actually look forward to.

At Music Royale, we’ve seen firsthand how the environment can make or break a student’s momentum. So we’re sharing our top tips to help you create a comfortable, inspiring, and practical space to make the most of every note.

🎯 1. Dedicate a Space (No Matter the Size)

The #1 tip? Create a space where your student only practices. Even if it’s just a corner of a room, having a consistent spot helps students mentally shift into “practice mode.”

If possible, keep your instrument out and on a stand (and behind a closed door if you’ve got curious pets). When the instrument is visible and ready to go, practice becomes something students do, not something they have to start. Bonus: it cuts down on setup time.

💡 2. Let There Be Light

Good lighting helps more than just eyesight, it boosts focus, improves posture, and makes your music easier to read. Use overhead lighting, a clip-on stand light, or even a desk lamp angled at your music.

Going digital? Load your method book or sheet music onto an iPad or tablet to reduce clutter and make page turns a breeze. Check out our blog library for more gear recommendations!

🎵 3. Think About Movement and Space

Different instruments need different amounts of room. String players, for example, need bow space on both sides. Some students sway or walk while playing, especially with larger instruments, so leave room to groove!

Having a sturdy music stand is non-negotiable. If it can’t hold the music up, posture suffers and frustration builds. Want help picking the right one? Come in and chat with our team or read about us here.

🔁 4. Easy Setup = More Practice

No dedicated space? No problem. Focus on efficiency.

Leave books open to the page you’re working on. Keep your tuner handy, especially one that reads vibration so you can tune faster and more quietly.

Our instructors say: “If it takes longer to set up than to practice… something needs to change.” 🤯

🪞 5. Add Inspiring Extras

A few finishing touches go a long way:

A full-length mirror to check posture and hand position
A chair and standing space, so students can practice how they’ll perform
A Bluetooth speaker or headphones for playing along with tracks
Access to YouTube tutorials to hear others perform the same piece

The more inspiring and functional the space, the more often students return to it.

Ready to Practice Smarter?

Whether you’re outfitting a beginner’s nook or upgrading your music room, we’ve got everything you need to set the scene. Visit us in-store or explore Music Royale online to get started.

🎶 Visit Our Homepage

🎶 About Us

🎶 Shop Online

🎶 Read More Blogs

🎶 Watch Our Videos

Music Royale, Your Friendly Neighborhood Music Store

#MusicRoyale #PracticeTips #StudentMusicians #PracticeMakesProgress #HomeMusicStudio #PowellOhio #ShopLocalMusic #MusicLessonsThatRock #CentralOhioMusicScene

Jan 23 2026

Spotlight on Powell: Why We Love Being Your Neighborhood Music Store

Friendly Neighborhood Music Store — https://musicroyale.com

At Music Royale, we’ve always believed music should feel alive! Loud, fun, and full of heart. For the past 23 years, we’ve had the honor of calling Powell home, and let’s just say it: this community rocks.

Powell isn’t just where we’re located, it’s who we are. The town itself is a beautiful blend of family-friendly vibes and small-business grit. Local spots like Noctera’s live music nights, Powell on the Green, and the always-buzzing Local Roots create the perfect soundtrack for a community that loves to come together. Visit Powell has been an incredible partner, always championing local events and shining a spotlight on businesses like ours. And when we team up with other hometown legends like Big Mouth Egg Rolls and Mrs. Turbo’s Bakery, you know it’s going to be a good time.

23 Years of Music, Memories, and Community

For over two decades, Music Royale has been Powell’s friendly neighborhood music store, the place where you don’t just buy gear, but where you have a community. Whether you’re grabbing a new guitar, renting an instrument for band or orchestra, or stocking up on accessories like strings or straps, our shop has been the go-to spot for musicians of all levels.

But Music Royale is more than instruments and equipment, it’s about education, inspiration, and creating a space where music thrives. From private lessons and recitals to our Rock School program, open mic nights, and workshops, we’re here to keep music alive and loud in Powell.

What Our Community Is Saying

The real proof of what makes Music Royale special? The voices of our students and families:

Tara B.: “My kids have been taking music lessons at Music Royale for the past 5+ years and we absolutely love the program. The instructors are highly skilled, motivated and flexible. This school has really developed both their talent and their love of music!”
Macrina G.: “I’ve taken keyboard lessons from Music Royale for several years. I love that the lessons are personalized for my unique needs and the instructors are highly trained musicians with real-world experience.”
Riley L.: “I always enjoy learning more about how the creation of songs and chords works. Working with Sara is awesome, she always points out the details I would have missed when I play, and is patient and kind whenever I make a mistake. She knows what she is doing and is good at teaching.”

These aren’t just testimonials—they’re reminders of why we do what we do. Music Royale isn’t just a business, it’s a stage for future rockstars, composers, and lifelong music lovers.

Here’s to Powell (and the Next 23 Years)

From our first guitar string sold to our latest open mic night, every milestone has been powered by the support of this incredible community. Powell has given us a home, and in return, we’re committed to making music accessible, exciting, and a little bit loud for everyone.

So here’s to Powell: the small town with a big sound. Thanks for letting Music Royale be your friendly neighborhood music store. We wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.

Jan 01 2026

🎸 5 New Year’s Resolutions for Beginner Musicians

The start of a new year is a great time to reset, refocus, and reignite your passion for music. Whether you’ve been strumming for six months or just picked up your first instrument, setting musical resolutions can help you stay motivated and make measurable progress all year long.

At Music Royale — your Friendly Neighborhood Music Store in Powell, Ohio — our teachers see the same patterns every January: new students hungry to improve, returning players ready to break habits, and everyone looking for that spark to keep practicing.

Here are five realistic, achievable New Year’s resolutions to help you grow as a musician in 2025 — and actually stick to them.

🎶 1. Break Bad Habits Before They Break You

Even the best players pick up a few bad habits. The new year is your chance to fix them — one at a time.

Focus on these key areas:

Body Position: Bad posture = bad tone. Check your shoulders, wrists, and back during every practice.
Tempo Steadiness: Use a metronome (we love Korg) to lock in consistent timing.
Clean Starts and Finishes: Don’t fade out or rush endings — record yourself to hear where you drift.
Repetition: If you think you’ve practiced enough… do one more rep.

➡️ Learn more about proper technique and performance posture with one of our music instructors.

🎯 2. Set Goals That Actually Work

“Get better at guitar” isn’t a goal — it’s a wish. Real progress comes from setting specific, trackable goals.

Try this structure:

1 Big Goal (e.g., perform a song at an open mic, Get to the next volume in your method book, break a bad habit)
2 Growth Goals (e.g., learn barre chords, practice 20 minutes a day)

Break it down by time:

Weekly: Focus on consistency.
Monthly: Add one new technique.
Quarterly: Record or perform your progress.
Yearly: Play for an audience or teacher.

Be honest about what you can handle. Allow breaks when needed — burnout kills motivation faster than bad tuning.

➡️ Need help setting realistic goals? Check out our Student Resources and talk to your instructor about a personalized practice plan.

📓 3. Journal, Track, and Reward Yourself

Accountability makes progress visible — and fun.

There’s no single right way to track growth, but here are three personality-based approaches:

The Reflective Type: Keep a music journal to record what you practiced, what clicked, and what you want to improve.
The Reward Seeker: Create a prize system (new strings, concert tickets, or your favorite drink after hitting milestones).
The Data Nerd: Use a spreadsheet or tracker app like Notion or Trello to visualize your practice habits.

No matter your type, seeing tangible progress keeps your motivation alive.

➡️ Join us on social media to find community performances to set as milestones.

🧘 4. Stretch, Breathe, and Warm Up

Musicians are athletes — your hands, arms, and shoulders are your instruments too. Taking care of your body helps you play longer, stronger, and with less pain.

Try this resolution: “Warm up before every session.”

Start with gentle stretches or yoga poses for wrists and shoulders.
Play a few scales to get your head in the game.
Add breathing or meditation to calm your focus before performing.

According to the American Physical Therapy Association, regular stretching reduces repetitive stress injuries common in musicians. A healthy body means a more consistent practice routine — and more years doing what you love.

➡️ Meet the Teachers!

🤘 5. Freestyle: Make Some Stuff Up

This might be the most fun resolution of all: experiment.

Once you’ve practiced your scales and nailed your set list, give yourself permission to just play.

Make your own version of a song you love.
Record a solo and improvise over it.
Jam with friends — even if it’s messy.
Post your creation and tag us on social media!

Freestyle sessions build creativity and confidence — and remind you why you started playing in the first place.

➡️ Share your progress and connect with other local musicians on our Facebook page or Instagram.

🥁 Final Thoughts: Small Steps, Big Sound

You don’t need to change everything at once. Pick one or two resolutions, stay consistent, and enjoy the ride. By this time next year, you’ll be amazed at how much progress you’ve made.

At Music Royale, we’re here to help every step of the way — whether you’re fine-tuning your technique, finding your sound, or just getting started.

👉 Start your new year strong:

Browse Music Lessons in Powell, Ohio
Visit our Store Info to stop by in person
Follow @MusicRoyale for daily tips and local music updates

Because every great musician starts somewhere — and this could be your year to play louder, smarter, and better than ever.

#MusicRoyale #PowellOhio #MusicEducation #MusicLessons #FriendlyNeighborhoodMusicStore #NewYearsResolutions #LearnMusic #MusiciansOfOhio

Dec 20 2025

Student Spotlight: Emily Graham — A Young Artist Turning Talent Into Triumph

At Music Royale, we are constantly inspired by students who chase their artistic goals with heart, hustle, and a whole lot of rock-n-roll energy. This month’s Student Spotlight features Emily Graham—a senior at Worthington Christian, multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, and performer whose journey shows exactly what happens when passion meets perseverance. Watch her full interview video here.

Emily has been a familiar face around Music Royale for years, studying under instructor Deanna Sweeney and sharpening her skills through lessons, open mic nights, recitals, and countless hours of practice. If her story resonates with you, you can explore our full range of music lessons.

From Drums to Guitar: A Musician in Motion

Emily started her musical journey early—really early.

“I’ve played drums since I was five and guitar since I was seven,” she says with a smile. “Piano too… not very well,” she laughs, “but well enough to accompany myself.”

Singing, however, has always been at her core. But after realizing it was difficult to sing her favorite songs while playing drums (“there are no chords on drums!”), guitar became the natural next step. She wanted to accompany herself the way her favorite artists did—and she never looked back.

If you’re curious how students like Emily discover their next instrument, you can learn more About Music Royale.

Overcoming the First Big Hurdle

Emily is honest about the toughest part of learning guitar.

“The biggest challenge was definitely fingering the chords,” she explains. “Your fingers hurt when you’re first learning, and you can’t always apply full pressure. So it sounds like you’re muting even when you’re not.”

Every guitarist knows this stage—and Emily pushed straight through it. Today?

“My fingers are so calloused I don’t even feel it anymore. That’s how much I’ve played.”

Students facing similar challenges can always reach out for guidance. If you’re struggling with technique or want expert help, contact us here.

Influences: A Wide, Colorful Palette

Emily isn’t afraid to blend genres or study a diverse range of artists. Her playlist includes:

Billie Eilish
The Cranberries
Fleetwood Mac
“A lot of everything,” she adds.

She’s intentional about absorbing different sounds to shape her own artistic voice. You can explore her world and upcoming releases at her official website.

And stream her debut single “Roses” and follow-up single “Unfazed” on Spotify.

How Music Lessons Changed Everything

Before coming to Music Royale, Emily tried learning guitar through YouTube tutorials—but something wasn’t clicking.

“There’s nothing like having a person who is a master at what they’re doing teaching you,” she says. “It completely changed the game for me.”

Her proudest achievements on guitar reflect that dedication:

Learning intricate fingerpicking pieces, especially Autumn Leaves by Eva Cassidy
Mastering bar chords after months of determination

Emily’s growth shows what can happen when students work with expert instructors and receive truly personalized guidance.

The Magic Behind the Struggle

Emily’s advice for beginners is wise beyond her years:

“Don’t compare yourself to expert musicians. They should inspire you, not discourage you. You won’t sound like them right away—but you will someday.”

For musicians facing a plateau, she offers her most powerful encouragement yet:

“When you’re struggling and you want to quit, that’s when the magic happens.”

She knows this firsthand. Emily has been a songwriter for years, and pushing through frustration led to some of her biggest breakthroughs—including recording trips to Los Angeles.

Recording in LA: A Dream Turned Reality

For three years, Emily has worked with The Songwriting School in LA, meeting weekly on Zoom with other teen songwriters from across the country. Eventually, her mentor told her:

“We’ve got to get you out here to record.”

Last March, she flew out and recorded four songs in three days. Two of those tracks—“Roses” and “Unfazed”—are now available on Spotify. She returned in August and recorded six more songs in just three days.

“It was go, go, go—but amazing,” she says.

Finding Community at Music Royale

Emily’s favorite part of being a Music Royale student is the people.

“The community here is incredible. The open mics are so encouraging and welcoming. I’ve been to a lot of open mics where it isn’t like that—but here, everyone is excited for you.”

If your instrument ever needs attention before an open mic or gig, our Fretted Instrument repair shop has your back.

And for more inspiring student stories like Emily’s, follow the Music Royale Blog.

What’s Next for Emily?

Emily plans to major in commercial music in college. Her top schools include:

Berklee College of Music (Boston)
University of Miami (Florida)
Belmont University (Nashville)

There’s no doubt she’s on track to thrive—on stage, in the studio, and everywhere music takes her.

Where to Hear More from Emily

Emily is actively releasing new music and growing her catalog.

🖤 Stream her tracks by searching “Emily Graham” on Spotify
🖤 Follow her journey at https://emilygrahamofficial.com/home

She’s the real deal—talented, driven, and full of the spark we love to see in young musicians.And if you’re ready to start your musical journey, or support a student who’s ready to rock, explore everything Music Royale has to offer.