music education

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.

Apr 03 2026

Why It’s Never Too Late to Start Learning Music: A Music Royale Guide for Adult Beginners

If you’ve ever thought, “I wish I had learned an instrument when I was younger,” you’re exactly who this blog is for. At Music Royale, we see adults walk through our doors every week with that same thought and we watch them transform it into something powerful.

One of our favorite examples is featured in our Student Spotlight: Ceena Baker, an adult learner who proves that passion, curiosity, and consistency matter far more than age. Her story is inspiring, motivating, and a reminder that music belongs to everyone at every stage of life. You can read her spotlight here:

🎻 Student Spotlight: Ceena Baker

Now let’s talk about you and why it’s absolutely not too late to start learning music.

🎸 The Hardest Part Is Starting And Finding the Time

For most adults, the biggest challenge isn’t talent or ability. It’s time. Between work, family, and responsibilities, it can feel impossible to carve out space for something new. That’s exactly why lessons are so valuable. When you sign up for lessons at Music Royale, you’re dedicating a specific time each week that belongs entirely to you. It becomes a protected space where life can’t interrupt your growth.

Even practicing once a week makes a difference. Music follows the “use it or lose it” rule. The more often you engage with it, the stronger your skills become. You don’t need hours a day. You just need consistency.

🧠 Learning Music Keeps Your Brain Sharp

Picking up an instrument as an adult isn’t just fun, it’s scientifically good for your brain. Learning something new strengthens memory, improves focus, and boosts cognitive health. Music is a full‑body workout for your mind, your coordination, and your creativity.

Just like any workout, warming up is essential. Gentle stretches, slow scales, or simple finger exercises prepare your body and help prevent strain. You’re never too old to learn, but you are old enough to warm up properly.

🎯 Small Goals Count And They Count a Lot

Adults often put pressure on themselves to progress quickly. But music isn’t a race. Small goals are just as meaningful as big ones. You don’t need to aim for gigging, performing, or mastering advanced repertoire. Playing for the love of music is more than enough.

If you dream of playing your favorite songs, start by listening to them more often. Consume the music you want to play. Let it inspire you, guide your practice, and shape your sound.

And please don’t set harsh deadlines. Huge goals with short timelines can leave you feeling defeated. Not everyone needs to reach Suzuki Book 10, and that’s perfectly okay. Progress is progress, no matter how slow or steady.

🎤 Don’t Let Nerves Hold You Back

Adults often feel more self‑conscious than kids when it comes to performing. But nerves are normal, and they shouldn’t stop you from experiencing the joy of sharing music.

Music Royale hosts an Open Mic Night once a month, designed specifically to give students a positive, low‑pressure space to get stage time and audience experience. It’s a room full of supportive musicians and listeners who understand exactly what you’re working toward.

If open mic isn’t your style, our recitals offer another encouraging environment. The audience is full of non‑musicians like family, friends, and community members who are simply excited to cheer you on.

Different performance spaces work for different people. What matters is that you try. Make mistakes. Learn from them. Grow from them. That’s how musicians are made.

🎶 You’re Not Too Old. You’re Right on Time

Music doesn’t have an expiration date. You don’t age out of creativity, curiosity, or joy. Whether you’re 30, 50, 70, or beyond, you can start learning an instrument today and experience all the benefits it brings.

If you’re ready to begin your own journey, just like Ceena Baker did, Music Royale is here to guide you every step of the way.

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🎵 5 Ways Parents Can Support Their Music Students

By Music Royale — Your Friendly Neighborhood Music Store in Powell, Ohio

As your young musician takes the stage of learning an instrument, you as a parent are a huge part of their success story. At Music Royale, we’ve seen firsthand how parental support turns practice time into progress time. Whether your child is just starting lessons or playing in an ensemble, here are five practical ways you can help them thrive.

1. Stick to a Routine

Consistency is everything in music education.

Make practice part of the homework or chore list: “10 minutes before dinner”, “20 minutes after homework”.
Track progress: whether it’s a sticker chart, journal, or a quick app log, visualizing progress keeps kids motivated.
Stay positive: celebrate the small wins—changing a chord, nailing a rhythm, getting through a scale. Those add up.

By making music practice a routine, you’ll help your student build the habits that turn beginners into confident players.

2. Start Music Lessons

Enrolling in private lessons is one of the best ways to reinforce good habits and provide structure.

Lessons help students work on school music programs and personal projects alike.
An instructor can tailor the lesson to your child’s goals and learning style—whether they’re preparing for band, orchestra, or just learning for fun.
Lessons at Music Royale include professional guidance at our shop-and-studio in Powell. Explore our Music Lessons page for more details.

Good habits start with good instruction—and we’re here to help.

3. Do a Recital or Open Mic Night

Performance matters.

At Music Royale, our positive environment welcomes beginners and seasoned players alike.
We host an open-mic night on the last Friday of every month, giving students a real stage to gain confidence.
Whether mistakes happen or the performance is flawless, the experience is valuable. A teacher’s assessment afterwards helps pinpoint what to improve.

Every time your child performs, they grow—not just musically, but personally, too.

4. Participate in Your State’s Music Educator Solo & Ensemble

Competitive and educational opportunities offer growth and exposure.

Programs like the Ohio Music Educators Association’s Solo & Ensemble assessment provide professional feedback and rankings.
These experiences can lead to all-star or regional orchestra opportunities.
They challenge students to play higher-level music and build preparation habits.

Parental support in getting to rehearsals, helping schedule time, and celebrating progress makes a big difference.

5. Sign Up for Youth Ensembles

Playing in an ensemble expands skills, networks, and fun.

It keeps students playing regularly and gives more to practice for.
Students connect with peers and form friendships rooted in creativity and music.
They gain experience working with professional musicians and mentors.

And in the Columbus area, there are several stellar youth ensembles within a ~25-mile radius of Powell:

Columbus Cultural Orchestra (ages 13-25) – ccomusic.org CCO Music
Columbus Symphony Youth Orchestras – columbussymphony.com/education/youth-orchestras Columbus Symphony
Urban Strings Columbus – urbanstringscolumbus.org Urban Strings Columbus
Youth Philharmonic of Central Ohio (YPCO) – ypcohio.org Google Sites

Signing up for an ensemble gives your child a goal beyond the lesson—something to work toward, rehearse for, and feel proud of when they perform.

✅ Final Thoughts

Your role as a parent matters more than you might think. You’re the one who helps turn intention into action. Whether it’s setting routines, encouraging lessons, celebrating performances, or helping sign your musician up for a youth ensemble—you’re an essential part of their music journey.

At Music Royale, we’re here to partner with you—for the long haul. As your local Powell music education hub, we offer supportive lessons, gear, and community. Visit our home page, check out our teacher bios, or contact us if you have questions about lessons, ensembles, or support for your musician.

Let’s keep the music going—together. 🎶

#MusicRoyale #PowellOhio #FriendlyNeighborhoodMusicStore #MusicEducation #MusicLessons #ParentSupport #YouthMusicians