music education

Jun 10 2026

🎸 Local Musicians You Should Know: Powell’s Rising Stars (Round 1)

At Music Royale, we’re more than just a music store — we’re people who play music.

We’re proud of our community. We believe in local live music. And we’ve seen firsthand how music can shape lives — building confidence, discipline, creativity, and connection.

Local live music doesn’t just entertain — it strengthens a community’s mental health, fuels creativity, and creates real opportunities for the next generation of musicians.

Our teachers don’t just teach — they live it. They’re on stage, in studios, writing songs, and showing students what’s possible. Our students take those lessons and turn them into something real — original songs, performances, even careers.

And behind so many of these musicians? Parents who get it. Many of them are musicians too. They know what it means to have someone believe in you — a teacher, a mentor, someone saying keep going.

This is Round 1 of the incredible musicians in our extended Music Royale family. These are the people keeping music alive in Powell and beyond.

🎤 Emily Graham

A Music Royale student writing and performing original songs, Emily is already carving out her own sound. She’s putting in the work, creating, recording, and sharing her voice — exactly what it’s all about. Visit her website!

🎸 Dan Thompson

A Music Royale parent, customer, and deeply active musician, Dan Thompson is the definition of someone who never stepped away from the music. While supporting the next generation, he’s still out there playing, collaborating, and contributing to the local scene in a big way.

Dan plays bass with Donna Mogavero and is connected with a wide range of local talent, performing alongside and collaborating with artists like The Castros, Mark Gonzalez, Shawn Brooker Dammit Band, Holly Moretti, and Molly Winters.

From high-energy bands to singer-songwriter projects, Dan’s involvement spans multiple styles and stages — helping keep the local music scene alive and thriving. He represents what Music Royale is all about: community, consistency, and a lifelong love of playing music.

🎶 The Castros

A local band bringing their own energy and style to the scene, The Castros are part of the heartbeat of local live music — writing, recording, and performing original material.

🎵 Mark Gonzalez

A dedicated musician contributing to the local scene with his own performances and musical projects.

🎤 Shawn Brooker

A true personality in the scene — writing, performing, and building a presence that blends music with raw, authentic expression.

🎶 Holly Moretti

A vocalist and performer sharing her talent through live performance and video, bringing emotion and artistry to everything she does.

🎵 Molly Winters

A singer-songwriter keeping the tradition of storytelling alive through music, connecting with audiences through original work and performance.

🎸 Todd Clemmer

A Music Royale parent writing original songs, proving it’s never too late to create and share your voice.

🎤 Hollywood Shine

Featuring Eryn Reynolds, one of our very own vocal teachers, this group brings professional-level performance and experience straight into our community.

🎻 Paul Baker

A seasoned jazz bassist who has written six original jazz albums, Paul brings depth, experience, and serious musicianship to Music Royale.

🎸 Scott Gorsuch

An original artist with multiple albums, a project called Bloodthirsty Virgins, and even his own custom-built guitar design — Scott embodies true musical innovation.

🎶 Lightning Express (Everly Brothers Tribute)

Featuring Music Royale’s own Jesse and Ron, this band keeps the spirit of classic rock ‘n roll alive with a tribute to the Everly Brothers.

🌙 The Moonbats

Another project from Jesse alongside Rob Cave, The Moonbats bring a fresh, energetic sound to the local scene.

🎸 Rob Cave / The Pretty Filth

Rob continues to make waves with The Pretty Filth, delivering gritty, high-energy rock that keeps the underground scene alive.

🥁 Step Back 3

Featuring our drum teacher Brent Badger, this group shows what happens when skill meets groove — tight, experienced musicianship in action.

🎶 The Digs

With Greg Sharp and Troy Kunkler involved, The Digs are another example of Music Royale talent extending into the real world of live performance.

🎸 Lex Bauman

A standout Music Royale student writing original music, filming music videos, and recording in places like Nashville and LA — already turning dreams into reality.

🎤 E & D Acoustic

An acoustic duo featuring Music Royale teachers Deanna Sweeney and Eryn Reynolds — blending experience, harmony, and live performance excellence.

🎶 Bourbon Legend

Featuring Megan Wetzel, this band brings a full, rich sound rooted in live performance and strong musical chemistry.

🎵 9 Castle Close

An established band, featuring Megan Wetzel creating original music and continuing to build their presence with recordings and live shows.

🚀 Move Your Music Forward

A platform dedicated to helping musicians grow, develop, and take the next step — aligning perfectly with what we believe at Music Royale.

🎻 Columbus Cultural Orchestra

A hip-hop youth orchestra featuring our own Megan Wetzel and Aaron Pearson — pushing boundaries and redefining what orchestral music can be.

🎷 Sydney McSweeney

A talented musician connected with the Jazz Arts Group, representing the next generation of serious, skilled performers.

🎸 Thane Leshner / Why Omen / RK Maroon

A Music Royale teacher actively creating and performing across multiple projects — from teaching to recording to releasing original music.

🎨 Tim Perdue

A multi-disciplinary artist blending music with visual creativity — showing that artistry doesn’t stop at one medium.

🎭 Jack Walbridge

Connected with Shadowbox Live, Jack is part of a professional performance world that blends music, theater, and live entertainment.

🎤 Nancy Hughes

A vocalist sharing her music and performances, contributing to the richness of the local scene.

🤘 Why This Matters

This is what a real music community looks like.

It’s not just lessons.
It’s not just gear.
It’s people creating, performing, supporting, and growing together.

From first-time students…
to working musicians…
to parents who never stopped playing…

This is the ecosystem that keeps music alive.

And it all starts somewhere.

Sometimes… it starts in a friendly neighborhood music store.

May 27 2026

Discover Your Child’s Musical Journey with the Instrument Petting Zoo

Choosing your child’s first instrument is an exciting moment and at Music Royale, we believe it should also be easy, affordable, and fun.

That’s why we’re proud to partner with Sweetwater Sound to bring the Instrument Petting Zoo to festivals, schools, and community events across Central Ohio this summer. Students and families can get hands-on experience with real band and orchestra instruments in a relaxed, welcoming environment designed to spark curiosity and confidence.

These are not toys or low-quality starter instruments. Students will have the opportunity to try brand-new instruments from trusted brands like Yamaha, Eastman, E.S. Shires, and more. These are the same quality instruments recommended by music educators and school programs nationwide.

Flexible Rental Options Designed for Families

Starting music lessons shouldn’t feel overwhelming or expensive. Our rental program is designed to make trying an instrument simple and stress-free.

With a small initial deposit, your student can bring home an instrument for a two-month trial period. This gives families time to discover whether the instrument is the right fit before making a long-term commitment.

If your child decides to continue playing, every rental payment applies toward ownership of the instrument. Need a larger size or want to switch instruments later? No problem. Your accrued equity carries over when exchanging instruments through Music Royale.

We also strongly recommend adding the damage waiver for extra peace of mind because accidents happen, especially with young musicians.

Instruments can be conveniently shipped directly to your home or delivered to Music Royale for in-store pickup.

Try Instruments for Free This Summer

The Instrument Petting Zoo will be available at the following community events:

Asian Festival — May 23
Columbus Folk Festival — June 6 & 7
GCAC Arts Festival — June 13 & 14

Families are encouraged to stop by, ask questions, and let students explore instruments at their own pace, completely free of charge.

Bring the Instrument Petting Zoo to Your School or Program

The Instrument Petting Zoo is also available for free bookings at schools, after-school programs, summer camps, and community organizations.

If you’re an educator or program director interested in scheduling a visit, contact Music Royale to learn more.

Parents and guardians are also welcome to schedule a free in-store instrument exploration experience for their students.

Start Learning Before School Begins

Students do not need to wait until the school year starts to begin their musical journey.

Private lessons provide individualized instruction that helps students build strong fundamentals from the very beginning. Early guidance can prevent bad habits, improve confidence, and help students progress faster, which often leads to more enjoyment and long-term success with music.

At Music Royale, we believe music education should feel encouraging, accessible, and community-centered from day one. Whether your child dreams of joining their school band, performing on stage, or simply learning something new, we’re here to help them get started.

May 23 2026

Teacher Feature Troy Kunkler

Rhythm, Grit, and a Whole Lot of Groove

Turn up the volume—this one’s got a backbeat.

At Music Royale, we don’t just teach music. We live it. And if you’ve ever wandered past a lesson room and felt the pulse of something unmistakably alive, there’s a good chance you’ve heard Troy Kunkler laying it down.

Troy is one of those musicians who makes rhythm feel less like a skill and more like a force of nature. A drummer first, a pianist when needed, and a lifelong student of sound, his journey started back in middle school—sticks in hand, curiosity turned all the way up. That early spark carried him through his percussion studies at Ohio University and straight into the heart of Columbus’s vibrant music scene, where he’s been a constant presence ever since.

And when we say constant, we mean it. Last year alone? 193 gigs. Yeah, you read that right.

Watch his full video interview here

Read his teacher bio here

Built on Rhythm, Driven by Passion

There’s something undeniably magnetic about percussion. Maybe it’s the primal energy. Maybe it’s the sheer fun of it. Or maybe—just maybe—it’s because, deep down, everyone wants to play the drums.

Troy gets that.

But he also understands that behind every killer groove is patience, discipline, and a willingness to sit in the struggle a little while longer than most. His advice to beginners is refreshingly real: take your time. Progress doesn’t always come in lightning bolts. Sometimes it creeps in quietly, showing up one day when you realize something that felt impossible last week suddenly clicks.

That moment? That’s the magic.

Teaching That Hits Different

Troy’s approach to teaching isn’t about cranking out cookie-cutter drummers. It’s about building musicians who can think, adapt, and grow.

Sure, you’ll learn the essentials—rudiments, timing, feel. The stuff every drummer needs in their toolkit. But beyond that, Troy opens the door wide. Into jazz. Into rock. Into whatever sound gets you fired up enough to keep going.

Because at the end of the day, that’s what matters.

His philosophy is simple: give students the tools to solve their own musical problems. Not just today—but for the long haul.

When the Going Gets Tough…

Every musician hits that wall. The frustration. The doubt. The temptation to pack it up and walk away.

Troy’s been there—and he’s got one message: don’t quit.

Instead, rewind. Think about the moments music meant something. The times it made you feel alive, or helped someone else feel something real. That’s your anchor. That’s what pulls you through.

And sometimes, having the right teacher in your corner makes all the difference.

More Than Just a Drummer

Here’s where things get even more interesting: Troy isn’t just locked behind a drum kit. He’s got serious chops on mallet percussion too—bringing a whole different texture and color to his playing.

And when he’s not teaching? He’s out there, everywhere.

From jazz ensembles to indie bands, pit orchestras to one-off university gigs, Troy’s calendar stays packed. You might catch him performing with October Ember, The San Francisco Threesome, the Doug Hare Trio, The Lightsey Jazz Five, or Continuo. He even switches gears and plays bass with Marvin the Robot. Throw in vibraphone sets and a steady stream of live performances, and yeah—it’s safe to say he stays busy.

But that’s the beauty of it. He’s not just teaching music—he’s actively living it, night after night.

Why Learn with Troy?

Because he meets you where you are—and then helps you go somewhere new.

Because he knows the grind and the payoff.

Because whether you’re picking up sticks for the first time or looking to break out of a plateau, he’s got the experience, the versatility, and the mindset to help you level up.

Ready to Find Your Rhythm?

If you’re curious about working with Troy, dive deeper into our Teacher Bios, explore everything we offer on our Website, or reach out through our Contact Us page to get started. And if you want to hear Troy in action, keep an eye out for his bands around Columbus—you never know where that next groove might hit.

At Music Royale, the beat never stops.

And with teachers like Troy Kunkler, it never gets boring either.

May 06 2026

Why Summer Is a Great Time to Start Music Lessons 🎸☀️

There’s never a bad time to learn music. Picking up an instrument builds confidence. It teaches discipline. It brings joy that sticks with you long after the last note rings out.

But summer?

Summer hits different.

At Music Royale, we’ve watched it happen since 2002. Students walk in with a little extra time, a little extra energy, and before they know it, they’re walking out with new skills, new confidence, and a new soundtrack for their life.

If you’ve been thinking about starting lessons, this is your sign.

You can explore everything we offer right on our Home Page. But let us tell you why summer is the season to do it.

More Daylight. More Energy. More Music.

There’s something about longer days that makes everything feel possible. More sunlight means better moods. More energy. More time to actually sit down and play without racing the clock.

Practice doesn’t have to feel like homework. In the summer, it can feel like freedom.

Take your guitar onto the porch. Play violin in the backyard. Let the neighbors hear progress in real time. If you practice enough, they might even request an encore.

And when you’re not playing, you can go hear live music. Columbus and Powell are packed with summer shows. Breweries. Restaurants. Community series. Music in the park. Showing up to live music keeps your inspiration high and reminds you why you started in the first place.

Music is meant to be lived out loud.

No School Music? Good. Let’s Build!

During the school year, lessons often revolve around concerts, chair tests, and keeping up with assignments. That’s important. We’re here to help with that.

But summer gives us something powerful: space.

Space to work on solo repertoire that doesn’t normally fit into a busy school schedule. Space to strengthen technique. Space to fix that habit that’s been quietly holding you back.

If you struggled last year, summer is your reset button. Instead of just surviving the music, you can master it. Instead of rushing to learn notes, you can slow down and refine tone, posture, rhythm, and control.

If auditions are in your future, now is the time to prepare. Not two weeks before. Not when the pressure is on. Now. First chair, next-level ensembles, musical leads—those spots don’t go to the student who crammed. They go to the student who prepared early.

And if your student is starting band, orchestra, or choir in the fall, why not give them a head start? School directors are managing large classes. Private lessons give your child individualized attention and a foundation that sets them apart from day one. You can learn more about our lesson structure right here: Lesson Information.

Summer is where momentum begins.

And if you already take lessons? Don’t stop. Growth doesn’t pause just because the school calendar does.

More Time. Better Routine.

We all say it: “There’s just not enough time.”

Summer gives some of that time back.

Less homework. Fewer evening obligations. More room in the schedule to establish a strong routine that carries into the fall. It’s not just about practicing more. It’s about practicing better.

When you can increase both quality and consistency, the results speak for themselves.

Music isn’t about doing the minimum. It’s about leaning in.

Stay Cool. Stay Inspired.

Let’s be honest. Ohio summers can get hot.

That’s why we’ve got cooled lesson rooms, cool teachers, and a cool community that makes learning feel exciting instead of overwhelming.

Music Royale isn’t just a place to take lessons. It’s a place to belong.

Our instructors are working musicians and experienced educators who know how to challenge students while keeping the process inspiring. You can meet them here: Teacher Bios.

And if your student needs an instrument to get started, we make that simple too. Our rental program is designed to be affordable and stress-free so families can jump in with confidence. Take a look at our options here: Instrument Rentals.

Start Now. Keep Going.

Anytime is a good time to learn music.

But summer gives you daylight, breathing room, and momentum.

Start your summer with music. See where it takes you. And if you love it—and you probably will—keep going when the school year returns.

We’re here to help students grow, level up, and discover what they love about music. Whether you’re brand new or ready to push to the next level, Music Royale is ready for you.Have questions? Want to talk it through? Reach out to us here: Contact Us.

Apr 19 2026

🎶 How to Stay Motivated When Learning an Instrument

Let’s face it, learning an instrument is one of the most rewarding things you can do… but it’s also one of the most frustrating. There are days when your fingers won’t cooperate, your timing is off, and that one riff just refuses to click.

At Music Royale — your Friendly Neighborhood Music Store in Powell, Ohio — we see this all the time. Students hit a wall, lose motivation, and start to wonder if they’re really “cut out” for it. The truth? Everyone feels that way sometimes — even professional musicians.

So, before you hang up your instrument, here are five practical, science-backed ways to stay motivated and keep making progress, no matter what instrument you play.

🎸 1. Go Slowly

Speed is the reward — not the starting point.

When you’re frustrated with a passage, ask yourself what’s actually causing the problem.

Is it the rhythm?
Are your notes unclear?
Is your hand position off?

You can’t play something fast until you can play it slowly — and correctly. Research in motor learning from the Journal of Neuroscience (Karni et al., 1998) shows that slow, deliberate repetition helps form stronger neural connections, leading to smoother and more accurate movement later on.

So slow down. Find where your mistake starts. Master it piece by piece — then speed up.

🎵 2. Break It Down

Every professional musician does this — and it works.

When a song or passage feels impossible:

Loop the hard parts. Play them over and over until they feel natural.
Add one note before and one note after to extend your control gradually.
Play it until you can’t get it wrong.

This “micro practice” approach not only reduces frustration but builds your brain’s ability to execute movements efficiently — what scientists call “chunking” in skill acquisition (Verwey & Wright, Acta Psychologica, 2014).

Want help breaking things down the smart way? Book a Music Lesson with one of our expert instructors. They’ll help you work smarter, not harder.

🧘 3. Breathe

Your body affects your sound more than you realize.

When you tense up — shoulders high, hands tight, shallow breathing — your muscles lose flexibility, and that tension can lead to both errors and injury. According to research from the International Journal of Applied Musicology (Ackermann & Driscoll, 2010), relaxed breathing and posture improve endurance and accuracy for musicians.

Here’s how to use it:

Before you play, take three slow, deep breaths.
Relax your shoulders, neck, and jaw.
Keep breathing while you play — don’t hold your breath!

Remember, you perform how you practice. Staying relaxed is how you’ll sound your best — and enjoy the process more.

🎶 4. Come Back to It

Sometimes, the best thing you can do is walk away.

Your brain needs time to process what you’ve been learning. Studies in the Journal of Cognitive Neuroscience (Walker & Stickgold, 2005) show that “offline learning” — what happens when you rest or sleep after practice — actually strengthens muscle memory and recall.

So if you’re frustrated:

Step away for a few minutes.
Come back tomorrow with a clear head.
Build your technique gradually, like training at the gym a few times a week.

Progress isn’t linear — but it is inevitable if you keep coming back.

🎧 5. Listen

Sometimes progress starts with your ears, not your hands.

If you’re stuck, take a break and listen to someone else play the same song or piece. Notice their tone, tempo, and expression. Then:

Sing along — this builds internal rhythm and pitch memory.
Air play your instrument to strengthen your muscle memory mentally.

According to research published in Frontiers in Human Neuroscience (Lahav et al., 2007), even imagining playing music activates the same brain regions used during real performance. That means listening and visualizing actually make you better.

🎤 Final Thoughts: Keep Going — You’re Doing Great

Learning an instrument isn’t about being perfect — it’s about showing up. Some days you’ll sound great. Some days you won’t. But every day you practice, your brain, your body, and your musical ear get stronger.

At Music Royale, we’re here to keep you motivated every step of the way. Whether you need personalized lessons, new gear, or a community that gets it — we’ve got you covered.

👉 Explore our:

Stay inspired, Powell. 🎶
Your Friendly Neighborhood Music Store is cheering you on — one note at a time.

#MusicRoyale #PowellOhio #FriendlyNeighborhoodMusicStore #MusicEducation #MusicLessons #RockAndRoll

References:

Karni, A. et al. (1998). “The acquisition of skilled motor performance: Fast and slow experience-driven changes in primary motor cortex.” Journal of Neuroscience.
Verwey, W. B., & Wright, D. L. (2014). “Learning and chunking in sequential keypressing tasks.” Acta Psychologica.
Ackermann, B., & Driscoll, T. (2010). “Physical and psychological issues for professional musicians.” International Journal of Applied Musicology.
Walker, M. P., & Stickgold, R. (2005). “Sleep-dependent learning and memory consolidation.” Neuron.
Lahav, A., Saltzman, E., & Schlaug, G. (2007). “Action representation of sound: Audiomotor recognition network while listening to newly acquired actions.” Frontiers in Human Neuroscience.