Nate helped me today and was amazing! I was buying a guitar for my son and he helped fill in my…read moreknowledge gaps and gave great food for thought in my decision process. He also tested the guitar for me and I was impressed by his playing too! Thank you Shining Light... you've got a good one there! The deal was incredible too!

I am so pleased with the great piano teacher match through Shining Light Music. When I called to…read moreinquire about teachers, I communicated that our requirements are stringent: my son is 6 yrs old, and while he likes piano, he doesn't looove piano, so the lessons have to be fun and engaging to encourage his progress. He's had 1.5 years piano instruction, and he doesn't respond well to some of the "too basic" piano book courses we had temporarily explored with a couple past teachers, so it's a challenge to level him up with material and technique that is age appropriate and fun enough but not too basic, nor too complex. And we had limited time availabilty as our schedules are maxed... It's such a blessing that the receptionist recommended Ms. Emily Shelp! Ms. Emily is well qualified; she possesses a Bachelor of Music in Piano Pedagogy from Bob Jones University and has been playing since she was 7 yrs old. Her bio is coming soon to the Shining Light Music teacher page. Best of all, she strikes the right notes - I couldn't resist the pun! - in working on my son's technique and making it fun. She motivates him with weekly fun point-competitions (to earn country stickers in his passport, medals, trophy, etc.) which has resulted in him reminding me that he has to memorize a song for the next lesson..cuz he wants the points! (whoo hoo, he's no longer resistant to practicing!!!!) I feel that she is the right piano teacher for his current level and needs; she employs a cheerful and focused Kindergarten/First Grade encouraging teaching style to keep all the lessons fun and on track, she's able to motivate and consistently award with positive reinforcement, able to redirect him when he gets silly (after all he's been in school all day, then straight to his lesson!) and I appreciate how she is able to teach finer technique in a way that he understands. She would be great for both beginner and advanced students.

Guitar Center isn't just a store you buy musical instruments at. I have purchased an instrument at…read moreGuitar Center recently, but I also go there to listen to talented musicians and it's healing therapy to try out my drimmk

Good people are hard to find. Good guitars, sometimes more difficult. It is so refreshing to see…read morethe kind and courteous staff at guitar center guiding customers to the right purchase. Chris is a kind and very knowledgeable manager. His genuine smile is infectious. He doesn't just want to sell you something; he is there to make your musical experience a little sweeter. Nick was there finish my perfect experience with honesty and integrity with a touch of class. Emily was very helpful and deserves to be recognized for her expertise. If you are looking to make a purchase, do yourself a favor and see our friends at Guitar Center in Independence. I speak from my heart and have recieved no compensation for this honest review. Wade Richardson

Meyer Music is the store that donates used ornaments to Band of Angels to that children who can't…read moreafford to buy musical instruments in school, can be provided one at no cost. Besides that, it's a kick ass store. I had an old, dilapidated guitar with the fret board way too high for anyone, unless you wanted blisters on your fingers, that I've had since 6th grade. It gave me blisters then too. Had I not persevered, that thing would've made me quit. At this point in my life, it had to go, and I chose to donate it to Band of Angels. Oh, I've upgraded tremendously with a nice, Yamaha classic guitar with soft strings that I've had for more than a few years. Meyer Music is the only independent store like it around the Independence/Blue Springs area. Guitar Center specializes in guitars and drums, and are everywhere. Luybens is the closest independent music store, and that's on Main in Kansas City. Meyer Music specializes in pianos, and have an entire grand piano room, separate from the store itself. To my joy, I found the musical score for Super Mario Brothers, on piano. That was among everything else in this compacted store. They have most instruments, sheet music, instruction books, and cool gifts...like the violin lapel pin, or a Beethoven bust statue. Bizarre items like that are cool to me. Beethoven and Mozart are musical gods. So, this store appeals to me in more ways than one. Locally owned (by Ted and Betty Meyer,) has been around for ions, and they do an excellent job maintaining the shop.

Not a fan, I'd always recommend going somewhere else... I have four children and 6 different…read moreinstruments that they play and almost every time I have to deal with Meyer it is an unpleasent experience. Their lessons are overpriced, the scheduling is done through the teachers yet Meyer charges you for lessons missed even when you communicate that you need to miss or reschedule a lesson with the teacher which is REALLY frustrating and feels greedy. They dominate as the company to use by the band and orchestra teachers so much in Liberty and NKC schools that you are basically forced through LPS district to rent here which is REALLY a conflict of interest since as the Meyer Family have kids and relatives in the bands/orchestra at LPS and NKC schools so..... I'll let you come to your own conclusion there. Also, be very careful when you go to upgrade your instrument , they tend to "talk up' what they have as trade ins to get rid of their extra not necessarily because they are the best "fit".

I am a tone junky. For those of you who are not musicians, what this means is that I crave good…read moretone like Joi B. craves good wine : It's gotta be rich, full of body, and indicative of the craft that went into making it. In my craving for this Aural Elixir that is once elusive and abundant in the right places, I decided to check out the local pedal-smiths JHS. I've been into the JHS shop in Grandview a few times, and they're always very, very helpful, and will gladly indulge you in talk about what their custom pedals do, what boutique amps they're featuring, what rare guitars they're consigning, or what way they can help you find that fine tone you're looking for. I was lucky enough to be able to snatch up one of their last Mr. Magic pedals, which to me, even on paper sounds like beautiful music, but in application is just amazing to the ears. I won't go into the technicality of it being a Buffer, an Enhancer, and a Boost, but I will say it rockets my tone into the stratosphere when I stomp on it to hit a lead. Plus, the case is hand painted; something they have a lot of quirky fun with at their shop. Not only do these folks build their own brand of pedals, but they will modify pedals you already have! Well, I'm all about modifying; just look at my pin-striped Gretsch Baritones, or my custom-crafted guitar straps, or my special order amp cover, or my....yeah, I like things being changed, enhanced, tweaked. Whatever it takes to make it "mine"; in this case I had a Tremolo Pedal and an Overdrive Pedal modded. Both in ways that enhanced their inherent tones, but took them up a notch to become much more versatile than originally designed. Perfect. I'm incredibly satisfied by this company, and love their product. They're also doing lots of good things for their community as a business, and really know what good service is all about. If you're looking for a new box to stomp or have an old one that could use some souping-up, check out JHS before you hit a Guitar Center...you'll be glad you did!

Great pedals, great price for professional equipment! Friendly customer service, road worthy!read more

My son has been taking electric guitar at Rock U America for over two months now. He loves it!…read more Jim has wonderful teaching methods and keeps the musicians engaged and constantly learning.

From the owner: At "Rock U America" we focus on not only teaching the basics of guitar, bass and drums but we also…read moreteach kids, teens and adults how to play fun songs right from the beginning. We offer group lessons and students will participate in 4 lessons per month. Every two to three months students will have the opportunity to show off their talents in front of their family and friends at one of our "Rock U America" Gig Nights. Contact us today to set up a visit to our Rock U America location in Raymore, MO.