Music Royale

May 07 2026

Give Your Child a Summer They’ll Never Forget 🎸☀️

There’s something magical about watching a child discover music for the first time.

The moment they hit a drum and feel the rhythm.
The second they recognize a melody they can sing back.
The spark in their eyes when they realize… “I can do this.”

This summer, Music Royale is opening the doors for young musicians ages 5–8 to jump into a week of creativity, confidence, movement, and music at our Children’s Music Exploration Summer Camp — and spots are officially open.

A Week Full of Noise, Creativity & Discovery 🎶

This isn’t a “sit quietly and take notes” kind of camp.

This is hands-on, high-energy, music-making fun designed specifically for curious kids who love to move, explore, and create.

Throughout the week, students will:

Learn rhythms through games and movement
Sing (or use hand signs for quieter students) while learning the C Major scale
Play music together using Boomwhackers
Explore life-sized board games and outdoor music activities
Try EVERY band and orchestra instrument at our Instrument Petting Zoo
Enjoy indoor and outdoor play time next door at Recreations Outlet

And at the end of the week?
Parents are invited to a Friday concert where students will perform the songs they learned together.

That confidence boost alone is worth it. 🔥

Why Parents Love Music Camps for Young Children 🧠🎵

Music is more than a hobby. Especially at this age.

Studies consistently connect early childhood music education with:

Improved memory retention
Increased cognitive development
Better language processing
Enhanced creativity
Stronger confidence and social skills

But honestly?
The biggest benefit is simpler than all of that.

Music gives kids a place to express themselves.

And sometimes all it takes is one week… one instrument… one song… to start a lifelong love of music.

Meet the Teacher: Megan Wetzel 🎻

The camp is led by Music Royale instructor Megan Wetzel, who teaches violin/fiddle, viola, beginner piano, and intro to music.

Beyond earning a Bachelor of Arts degree, Megan has dedicated her life to music education through teaching, performing, and community leadership. She serves as Executive Director of the Columbus Cultural Orchestra, performs in multiple bands, and brings years of experience working with children through both music and youth programs.

Most importantly?
She knows how to make learning music FUN.

A Team Built for Young Musicians 🤘

Campers will also work with an amazing support staff who genuinely love helping kids explore music:

Megan P., a multi-instrumentalist Music Royale intern who assists behind the counter, Rock School and Instrument Petting Zoos
Myah, an 8-year Music Royale student heading to Ohio University for Music Production, who brings creativity, energy, and experience working with children

This camp is designed to feel welcoming, encouraging, and exciting for every student — whether they’re outgoing rockstars or shy first-timers.

Camp Details 📅

Children’s Music Exploration Camp

Ages: 5–8
Dates: June 8–12
Drop Off: 8:30–9:00 AM
Pickup: 3:00 PM
Aftercare Available
Bring: Lunch & snacks

Spots are limited, and camps like this tend to fill quickly once summer schedules lock in.

Because once parents hear about a week where their child can:

play instruments,
make friends,
run around,
create music,
and perform in a concert…

…it doesn’t stay a secret for long. 🎸☀️

Registration is officially open now:

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.

Explore lessons

Student Spotlight: Lex Bauman — Turning Volume Up on the Dream

Some students take lessons. Lex Bauman is building a career. Watch his full video interview

From the moment he picked up a guitar at nine years old, Lex knew exactly what he was looking at: something awesome. A year later, he added vocals. Now? He’s not just playing music, he’s writing it, recording it, releasing it, and chasing it full force.

This is what it looks like when passion gets serious.

Lex currently balances his schedule through Whitmore’s asynchronous online program, giving him the flexibility to focus on what matters most: making music. And he’s using that time well. He already has multiple original songs available on streaming platforms, along with music videos that bring his sound to life.

👉 Listen to Lex Bauman on streaming platforms: Search “Lex Bauman”
👉 Follow him on Instagram: @lexbaumanguitar
👉 TikTok: @lexbaumanofficial

Start with his top tracks:

Evangeline
My Girlfriend’s Best Friend
Taylor Swift

This isn’t a “someday” artist. This is happening right now.

Like every real musician, the journey didn’t start easy. Early on, it was the physical grind—sore fingers, building calluses, pushing through the uncomfortable stage where most people quit. But Lex didn’t.

And that’s where the difference shows.

“Just don’t give up on what you really care about,” he says. “If you really love it, don’t get discouraged.”

That mindset carried him from beginner to recording artist—and it’s exactly what we see in students who go the distance.

Lex is also quick to point out something a lot of young musicians miss: YouTube can only take you so far. Real growth happens when you’re in the room, learning from experienced teachers, picking up the details—the “secret skills”—that shape you into a real musician.

👉 Meet our teachers & Learn about Lessons: https://musicroyale.com/lessons

At Music Royale, Lex found more than lessons. He found a community.

From Open Mic Nights to Rock School, he’s been in the mix—performing, collaborating, and figuring out what it really means to be in a band. Rock School, especially, was a turning point. It gave him his first real band experience and helped lock in his direction.

“That’s when it clicked—this is what I want to do.”

And he means it.

Lex’s long-term plan? Go all in. Music first. No hesitation.

One of his biggest accomplishments so far has been working on his own record—stepping back and realizing, I made this. That moment hits different. It’s not practice anymore. It’s real.

Behind the scenes, he’s also diving into music videos—long days, hard work, but something he genuinely enjoys. Because when you love it, the grind becomes part of the reward.

His influences? Legends and lifers. Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band. Butch Walker. Tuck Smith. Artists who built careers on authenticity, energy, and staying power.

And that’s exactly the lane Lex is stepping into.

At the core of it all, he credits the people who helped him get there—especially his teachers, Scott Gorsuch and Phil Smith. That mentorship, that connection, that guidance—it matters.

👉 Start your own journey: https://musicroyale.com
👉 Contact us today: https://musicroyale.com/contact

Because every rockstar starts somewhere.

Some start later.
Some start casually.
And some—like Lex—start early, lock in, and don’t look back.

If you’ve been thinking about lessons, joining Rock School, or stepping on stage for the first time, take this as your sign.

Start now. Stay with it. Turn it up. 🎸

Read our other blogs!