It was originally intended as a side business, but became something more.

When they started Meyer Music, Ted and Betty Meyer were just two young teachers looking for a way to make some extra money.

“They were deciding between a Dairy Queen and a music store,” son Mike Meyer said. “Luckily, they chose the music store.”

Fifty years later, Meyer Music has earned a reputation as one of the most trusted names in its line of work. The stores rent and sell music instruments, and they offer music lessons—more than any other company here in the Kansas City metro.

“We service roughly 60 school districts in a 100-mile area around Kansas City,” Mike Meyer said.

Ted, Betty and their son Tom operate the Blue Springs location, the first and largest store. Daughter Mitzi runs Meyer Music in the Northland, while Mike is in charge of the Overland Park store.

One of their keys to longevity: Always take a long-term view, especially when it comes to client relationships. If you’re going to develop a reputation for reliability, Mike Meyer said, you have to be careful about overpromising.

Meyer Music really is a family business, not just for the Meyers, but for their customers. It’s not uncommon for former students to bring their own kids and grandkids in for lessons.

“We just really wanted to make sure the place was a family place,” Mike Meyer said.