Student Spotlight

“Being musical just makes life more interesting.”

At Music Royale, your Friendly Neighborhood Music Store, we’re proud to support students who bring curiosity, talent, and heart to their musical journeys. This month, we’re turning the spotlight on Sophia P., a violinist whose story hits all the right notes from first lessons to personal breakthroughs to big dreams beyond the practice room.

Sophia’s full interview is live now—watch it here—and trust us, you’ll leave inspired.

🎻 Seven Years of Strings and Self-Discovery

Sophia started playing violin back in fifth grade. She’s been taking lessons at Music Royale for three years, but she’s been playing for over seven. Her first big hurdle? Getting that wrist under control and making her fingers cooperate with her brain. Classic violin struggles are real, but thanks to the guidance of her teacher, Megan Wetzel, Sophia powered through and found her groove.

And speaking of groove, her current favorite piece is “The Giver” by rising star Chappell Roan. “I feel like I really connect with it,” she says. But ask her about the piece she performed for her high school orchestra concert and her eyes light up: it was the “Howl’s Moving Castle” theme, a cinematic favorite that matched her vibe perfectly.

💡 Lessons That Go Beyond Technique

For Sophia, private lessons at Music Royale weren’t just about improving skills, they were about discovering her own voice.

“In orchestra, I blended in,” she explains. “But lessons gave me a sense of individuality in my playing. I started thinking more about how I want to sound, not just following the group.”

Through her time here, she mastered vibrato, improved her finger control, and gained a new confidence that comes through in every performance.

💥 Musical Taste with Edge

Sophia’s playlist? As cool and eclectic as she is. Top artists include Chappell Roan and Luna, but she’s quick to admit her musical taste is hard to pin down. From classical to jazz to fiddle tunes, she loves that the violin is not a one-sound-fits-all kind of instrument.

“You can do so much with it. It’s just a really cool instrument.”

If you’ve ever wondered what kind of sound you could make on the violin, it’s time to find out. Try your first lesson today.

🛠️ What’s Next: Theater Tech and Concert Dreams

This fall, Sophia heads to Bowling Green State University to major in Theater Technology and Design. She’s excited to work behind the scenes in concert venues, musical productions, and everything in between.

Her dream? To be the one making sure the show goes on.

Whether she’s tuning instruments, stage managing, or offering musical support backstage, Sophia’s learned that music is more than performance, it’s about connection, collaboration, and energy.

🌟 Advice from Sophia

To new musicians:

“Find what you want to play. That’s what makes it fun.”

To struggling musicians:

“It’s okay to step back. Look at the big picture before you focus on the details.”

To anyone thinking about trying music:

“Just do it. Even if it takes time, it’s so worth it.”

🧡 Why She Loves Music Royale

Sophia’s favorite part of lessons? “It never felt like a chore,” she says. “It was something I looked forward to. The people are kind, the vibe is great, and my teacher was the perfect fit.”

That’s the experience we work hard to create every day at Music Royale, a place where you can grow, explore, and feel right at home. From our convenient location to our warm, welcoming atmosphere, we’re here to make music feel good.

🎥 Catch the Full Interview

Ready to meet Sophia and hear her story in her own words?

👉 Watch the Student Spotlight video now

👉 Learn more about violin lessons

👉 Meet our teachers

👉 Sign up for your first lesson

👉 Check out upcoming recitals and events

👉 Shop gear and strings

👉 Explore all student stories on our blog

From blending into orchestra sections to stepping into her own spotlight, Sophia’s journey is a reminder of what happens when music becomes personal.

Here’s to the future of music and to the students who keep it alive.

Rock on, Sophia. 🎶🎭🔥

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!

Learning music is a journey filled with joy, creativity, and countless cognitive and emotional benefits. As your friendly neighborhood music store, Music Royale is dedicated to helping students of all ages find the right starting point for their musical adventures. Whether you’re a parent exploring options for your child or an adult ready to dive into private lessons, choosing the right instrument is the first step to success.

Ages 4-6: Early Exploration and Fun

Introducing young children to music is all about sparking their curiosity and keeping the experience lighthearted and engaging. At this stage, lessons often focus on games, exploration, and small rewards, like stickers, to encourage participation.

• Music Appreciation: The basics of rhythm, melody, and listening skills are explored through fun, hands-on activities. This stage lays the groundwork for a lifelong love of music.

• Piano: Perfect for young beginners, piano lessons teach foundational skills such as tempo and practice habits. Children can begin reading simple sheet music while building their technique.

• Ukulele: A beginner-friendly string instrument, the ukulele is lightweight, durable, and easy to handle. It introduces chord shapes and strumming techniques, serving as a perfect stepping stone for guitar.

Ages 7-18: Building Skills and Confidence

As children grow, their physical abilities, coordination, and attention span develop, allowing them to tackle more challenging instruments and set concrete goals. At Music Royale, we also offer performance opportunities like Rock School, Open Mic Nights and recitals to inspire growth and confidence.

• Band/Orchestra Instruments: With options for rent-to-own, this is a great time to explore instruments like flute, trumpet, or violin, often through school programs. Ensemble playing helps develop teamwork and listening skills.

• Piano: Older students can progress at a faster pace, diving into more complex repertoire without a preschool curriculum.

• Guitar and Bass: These instruments are popular for students interested in playing their favorite radio hits. Electric and acoustic options cater to different musical styles.

• Vocals: Vocal lessons focus on breath support, pitch recognition, and reading sheet music, accommodating voice changes during adolescence.

Adults: It’s Never Too Late

Starting music as an adult may feel intimidating, but it’s never too late to embrace your passion. Private lessons at Music Royale are designed to help adults progress at their own pace with intentional practice and plenty of patience.

• Piano: Often recommended for complete beginners, the piano requires no additional equipment and is perfect for learning basic music theory and technique.

• Guitar and Bass: For adults who want to jump right in, these instruments offer flexibility. Whether you prefer learning with tabs, sheet music, or by ear, there’s a method for everyone.

• Band/Orchestra Instruments: While more challenging, learning a band or orchestra instrument can be rewarding, especially if you already know how to read sheet music.

• Vocals: No equipment is required, making vocal lessons a convenient and empowering option. They also help boost confidence and improve breath control.

Start Your Musical Journey

Whether your child is just beginning or you’re ready to pick up an instrument for the first time, Music Royale is here to guide you every step of the way. Our experienced instructors offer personalized private lessons for all skill levels and ages, ensuring that each student receives the attention and support they need to thrive.

Contact us today to learn more about our lessons and find the perfect instrument for you or your family. Explore why we’ve been Powell’s trusted music education destination for over 20 years!

Meet Megan: A Multi-Instrumentalist Shaped by Music Royale

At Music Royale, we love seeing students grow into passionate, well-rounded musicians, and Megan is a perfect example of what makes our friendly neighborhood music store so special. A dedicated student who first picked up an upright bass in fifth grade, Megan now plays six instruments—guitar, alto sax, bass guitar, upright bass, cello, and violin. She’s a member of her school’s orchestra and band, as well as the Columbus Symphony Youth Orchestra and Columbus Cultural Orchestra. With all that experience under her belt, she’s already thinking about a future in music education.

The Power of Private Lessons

For Megan, private lessons with her Music Royale teachers, Megan and Paul, have been instrumental (pun intended) in helping her advance beyond the traditional school music curriculum. “Some things in school move too slow,” she explains, “but with lessons, we can just push through them.” Whether it’s refining technique, tackling challenging pieces, or exploring new styles, private lessons have allowed her to move at her own pace and stay motivated.

That’s what sets Music Royale apart—our teachers help students grow beyond the basics, tailoring lessons to their needs and goals. Megan’s approach to practicing is a great example: she focuses first on what’s most pressing for upcoming performances, then shifts to other instruments just for fun. This balance keeps her motivated while allowing her to continuously improve.

The Joy of Playing with Others

While Megan loves music for its own sake, what really drives her is playing with others. “It’s fun playing by yourself, but it’s a whole different experience bonding with other people through music—even if you don’t know them very well.” That’s exactly why local ensembles, like the Columbus Cultural Orchestra, are so important. (And if you play an orchestra instrument, Megan has a message for you: Join CCO! It’s really, really fun!).

Advice for Beginners (and Those Thinking of Quitting)

Megan’s biggest challenge? Like many students, sometimes she waits until the last minute to practice before a lesson—something she’s working on! Her advice to new musicians is simple: keep practicing, have fun, and play things you like. And if you’re thinking about quitting? “Stick with it a little longer and think about why. If you don’t like the instrument, maybe you just need to switch.”

Why Music Royale?

Students like Megan thrive because of the supportive, personalized instruction they receive at Music Royale. Our experienced teachers don’t just follow a one-size-fits-all curriculum—they help students build confidence, explore their musical interests, and develop the skills they need to succeed.

If you’re ready to start (or continue) your musical journey, we’d love to help. Sign up for lessons today and become part of our growing community of passionate musicians!

Click here to get started.

And if you haven’t yet, check out our video interview with Megan—it’s proof that music education can be fun, challenging, and life-changing!