I took my violin to KC Strings after not playing for six years. The staff were super helpful with…read moregetting it back in playable condition, and they had a great selection of instruments to look at.

I don't know jack about stringed instruments, except guitar. But it didn't take long to begin…read moreappreciating KC Strings over in Shawnee. The shop specializes in stringed instruments. With no shortage of services, KC Strings is also the only American maker of professional grade violas, violins, cellos and bases. It's really a one stop string shop. Say that three times. They'll sell, repair, rent and even give you private lessons. The staff knows their strings. I quickly overheard one of the assistants is a student at Julliard. Everyone in the shop is eager to assist or simply enjoying their job by playing the instruments. They also emphasize their ability to work out financing options. Thankfully I had a sidekick who knew the difference between a viola and violin and that brought about some great conversations with the staff. I grabbed a brochure as we headed out and it says "Together We Create." I couldn't agree more.

I have been taking bass lessons from Larry for several years. His patience with me has been…read moresuperior. Every lesson I learn and improve. Can't recommend him enough!

Larry is the first instructor that has gotten me to stick with the guitar. I have learned so much…read morefrom him. He is always encouraging and delivers little insights that I have never gotten in the past.

I wish I took my guitar to Jon a year earlier. If you are in the KC area and looking for a…read moreprofessional setup on your acoustic guitar, stop waiting. Very competitively priced and does amazing work. Can't believe how much better my guitar played and sounded after some adjustments and adding a custom bone saddle.

I sort of randomly went here in 2019 when I was in town for Thanksgiving, to buy a violin for my…read moreniece. Jon had a delightful old German thing he'd fixed up, a century old if it's a day, and it was fantastic. He showed me a bunch of the other work he's done, and I would have no hesitation bringing him my nicest gear to work on.

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.

Neil and the Backline Now team are really great, and very professional - highly recommend teaming…read moreup with them for your next local show! It's tough to find decent backline and technicians in the area (especially last-minute), but this company really came through with the best for our artist and show - high quality gear, very responsive and excellent backline techs. Everyone was very friendly, and the whole process, even though it was my first time working with them, was super smooth!

From the owner: DJ Gear Rental Musical Instrument Rental Kansas City…read more We Are Ready For Your Show Call- As a leading name in backline the industry, we take pride in being your premier destination for backline rentals, audio solutions, and production support. With a legacy of excellence dating back to our inception in 2005, we've been the driving force behind countless unforgettable musical moments since our establishment. Our commitment to innovation and artist satisfaction has fueled our journey, solidifying our position as a trusted partner for artists, bands, and production teams alike. Whether you're hitting the stage for a world tour, recording in a top-tier studio, or gearing up for a local gig, Backline Now is here to ensure your musical vision is fully realized. With strategically located branches across major entertainment hubs, we boast a large inventory of top-quality instruments, audio equipment, and backline gear. Our meticulously maintained and expertly curated collection is a testament to our dedication to providing you with the very best tools to elevate your sound. But we're more than just gear; we're a vital part of the music community. Our team is deeply embedded in the scenes that shape the industry, and our local roots give us a unique perspective. We understand the pulse of your music because we live it every day.

Stopped in on a whim because I thought I wanted to learn to play violin. Or maybe clarinet. The…read morelady who greeted us didn't bat an eyelash - merely donned her helpful hat and said basically said 'Ok! Where would you like to start?' (boy I wish I could remember her name). She brought down every instrument I wanted to try. Explained the pros and cons of everything in detail, etc. Who knew I'd end up leaving after renting a cello (I mean, I guess it's like a giant violin, so maybe I didn't stray too far) and signing up for lessons as soon as they have an instructor available. Lol!! They also have a location maybe 2 miles from us which is a plus as well. Very helpful, highly recommended even if you have zero clue where to start.

The Kansas City Jazz All Stars HS and MS jazz groups have been rehearsing at REW Music for the past…read morecouple of years. Bob and his team have exceeded our expectations in all aspects. Their attention to detail is impressive!

I am a retired individual whose only piano experience was over 30 years ago. I wanted to start over…read moreand looked for a teacher who had experience with older students like myself. I interviewed Angela and Kevin Traynor and was impressed by their approach, enthusiasm, and flexible payment plan. I have been taking lessons now for 6 months and I have found the lesson format meaningful and the teacher (Kevin) patient with me. Angela and Kevin wrote their own lesson materials which I find helpful to a beginner.. I chose a prepaid lesion card and find this payment plan flexible for my schedule which includes travel during the year. I highly recommend Angela and Kevin Traynor for any adult wishing to take piano lessons. I would also expect that any school age children would also benefit from their expertise and experience.

From the owner: Traynor Piano offers a unique piano learning experience that is tailored to meet each student's…read moreindividual needs and goals. Teachers Kevin and Angela Traynor have a combined 50 years of music teaching experience as two of the teachers in the Kansas City area who teach piano full time, rather than part time. They devote their non-teaching hours to developing their own unique learning method & student curriculum and composing new music. Lessons are offered in the student's home within 10 miles and last either 30, 45 or 60 minutes once a week, year-round. They also offer live music performances for your celebrations and parties, performing a wide variety of musical styles. Call today to get started! Email us to start receiving special offers!

Hands-down, some of the best technicians out there in the industry. A bunch of wicked smart :-)…read moreintelligent guys having fun doing what they love to do.

Ted worked on 3 guitars for me recently. I'd never used him before. I'd read a review from a very…read moreunhappy customer so I took him an easy job first thing: re-attach electronics inside my acoustic that had come unglued. Easy-peasy, quick turnaround. Then I took him an electric gibson that was fretting out and needed a fresh setup. Also dropped of a martin acoustic the same day for a fishman upgrade. gibson---beautiful job. A piece of the fishman setup came unglued inside the martin but Ted stood behind his work and super-glued that mofo. There were a coupla times when I wished he were more responsive to texts, but he didn't flake on me. Keith George (local Martin tech) would never even return my phonecalls.