Tarpley Music - Lubbock, TX

06/05/2026

In Max Ehrmann's "Desiderata," he encourages each of us to, "Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth." In this episode, Mike Lunney offers insight from his personal experience for aging well, whether it is professionally or personally. Aging happens to all of us, it is actually a privilege! Embrace the process, welcome the lessons, and be willing to gracefully share this with those who follow!

In Max Ehrmann's "Desiderata," he encourages each of us to, "Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth." In this episode, Mike Lunney offers insight from his personal experience for aging well, whether it is...

05/29/2026

Rick’s Minute - Paul Reed Smith SE NF3

👉 Shop Acoustic Guitars: https://tarpleymusic.com/collections/acous...

05/29/2026

A MUST WATCH! Good friends Brian Hecimovich and Stephen Cox join Mike Lunney for a friendly debate on the pros and cons of competition in music education. Both of our friends are passionate, successful music educators. But they view competition differently. Enjoy this debate/discussion and consider the extrinsic vs. intrinsic, the motivation of competition goals, and the fact that we all agree, the students should be the primary concern.

Good friends Brian Hecimovich and Stephen Cox join Mike Lunney for ...

05/29/2026

This one is a "DON'T MISS IT" episode! Good friends Brian Hecimovich and Stephen Cox join Mike Lunney for a friendly debate on the pros and cons of competition in music education. Both of our friends are passionate, successful music educators. But they view competition differently. Enjoy this debate/discussion and consider the extrinsic vs. intrinsic, the motivation of competition goals, and the fact that we all agree, the students should be the primary concern.

Good friends Brian Hecimovich and Stephen Cox join Mike Lunney for a friendly debate on the pros and cons of competition in music education. Both of our friends are passionate, successful music educators. But they view competition differently. Enj...

05/23/2026

Talking with guest Tim Edins about his retirement and subsequent rehire. Great visit with lots of insight from both Tim and Mike Lunney. Is retirement the best option right now? What if I decide to teach again, what does that do to my retirement? Are there penalties? Is it easy to navigate? Some things to think about!

Talking with guest Tim Edins about his retirement and subsequent re...

05/22/2026

Talking with guest Tim Edins about his retirement and subsequent rehire. Great visit with lots of insight from both Tim and Miike Lunney. Is retirement the best option right now? What if I decide to teach again, what does that do to my retirement? Are there penalties? Is it easy to navigate? Some things to think about!

Talking with guest Tim Edins about his retirement and subsequent rehire. Great visit with lots of insight from both Tim and Miike Lunney. Is retirement the best option right now? What if I decide to teach again, what does that do to my retirement?...

05/18/2026

Whether you are leaving for greener pastures, or you're leaving because it's just time to leave, there IS a right way to leave a job. Consider the next person in line, consider the program as a whole, consider your students. "Burn it to the ground!" might seem like it will make you feel better, but will it? And if you're leaving for what you consider a better job, don't you hope the person leaving that position sets you up for the best transition possible? The high road isn't always the easiest path, but it is worth it.

Whether you are leaving for greener pastures, or you're leaving because it's just time to leave, there IS a right way to leave a job. Consider the next perso...

05/16/2026

Help us congratulate Tristan on his new Jackson Dinky!!

05/09/2026

We’re a sponsor of the Film Series at the Paramount Theatre in Abilene. Tonight over 100 people heard about us!

05/08/2026

So you got the interview! When was the last time you had an interview? Mike Lunney walks us through the process of researching for an interview, rehearsing for an interview (yes, rehearsing!), and then communicating before, during, and after the interview.

So you got the interview! When was the last time you had an interview? Mike Lunney walks us through the process of researching for an interview, rehearsing f...

05/04/2026

Looks like Vader found the Rebel Bass!!
all today!!

04/25/2026

Congrats to Caleb on his new Acoustic guitar! We glad to have helped find the one.

04/24/2026

WHOA! What a surprise! Congrats to Matt Goldsmith on his new Gibson Hummingbird!! They drove all the way in from Midland to make a surprise purchase!

04/21/2026

Join James G as we dive into the raw power and surgical precision of the new MXR EVH Modern High Gain Pedal. Unleash the full force of your rig with a powerhouse designed in direct collaboration with Eddie Van Halen in 2015. This pedal delivers legendary high-gain tone in its most uncompromised and crushing form, searing, intense, and razor-sharp.

In this video, we explore how to take full command of your mix:
- Total Tonal Control: Use the Output and Gain k***s to balance heavy saturation with crystal-clear definition.
- Precision Shaping: Dial in your signature sound with dedicated Bass, Mid, and Treble controls.
- Next-Level Leads: Engaging the Boost switch kicks the gain into overdrive for fiery, harmonically rich solos.
- Low-End Versatility: Toggle the 55Hz/80Hz switch to swap between a fatter or punchier response to suit your specific setup.
- Integrated Noise Gate: Maintain maximum clarity even at cranked levels with the built-in Noise Gate control.

Whether you’re after crunchy syncopated rhythms or high-octane leads, the MXR EVH Modern High Gain Pedal provides the unmatchable coupling of raw power and articulation.

1 like. "MXR EVH Modern Hign Gain Pedal - Designed with Eddie Van Halen in 2015"

04/13/2026

How do you move beyond just appointing "Drum Majors" and actually cultivate a leadership culture that transforms your ensemble? In this episode of Ask Mike, Mike Lunney joins us to break down the intentional process of teaching leadership to music students.

We explore why leadership must be taught as a skill rather than assumed as a trait, and how band directors can provide the "why" behind every goal. Mike also introduces a powerful four-animal personality framework (Lions, Otters, Retrievers, and Owls) to help you communicate more effectively with different types of student leaders.

In this video, you’ll learn:
- Why the leadership process is more important than the end goal.
- How to facilitate goal setting for individuals, sections, and the full band.
- The "Animal Personality" system for better student communication.
- How to build a foundation of trust through vulnerability and feedback.

https://youtu.be/bvgDpA-7k0Y

In Part 1, Mike Lunney gave us tips for a great process to help create the leadership team. In Part 2, Mike gives great ideas for actually making them a team...

04/08/2026

Join James G as he takes a deep dive into the return of a total legend: the Dunlop Cry Baby BB535 1994 Reissue! 🎸🔥

The original BB535 is a "cult classic" for a reason. Known for its distinct, throatier growl and incredible versatility, this reissue brings back the exact specs of the 1994 original that defined a decade of tone.

In this video, we’re breaking down the features that made this pedal a staple on professional pedalboards:
✅ 6-Position Frequency Selector: Dial in the perfect sweep for your specific rig.
✅ Adjustable Boost: Kick in some extra gain to make those solos scream.
✅ High-Headroom Circuitry: Keep your tone crisp and clear, even with high-output pickups.

Whether you’re chasing that classic 90s rock wah tone or need a modern, high-headroom sweep that cuts through the mix, the BB535 Reissue offers a range that most standard wah pedals just can't touch.

Watch the full demo here: https://youtu.be/aebgu5mDNRU

Join James G. as he dives into the return of a legendary piece of gear: the Dunlop Cry Baby BB535 1994 Reissue. The original BB535 is a "cult classic" for a ...

04/03/2026

Music Educators, what is your goal for student leadership? Who should be on the leadership team, and what roles do they actually play? Too often, we expect students to lead without ever clearly defining the positions or responsibilities that make leadership effective.

If your goal is to build a cohesive team of students who create positive culture and move the group toward a shared vision, it won’t happen by accident. Strong student leadership requires intention, clarity, and a process—not just good ideas.

That’s exactly what we’re diving into on Ask Mike with hosts Mike Lunney and Derrick Killam. Welcome to Student Leadership, Part 1, where we start building leadership the right way.

What is your goal for student leadership? What positions will you have on your leadership team? What responsibilities will the positions hold? If your goal i...

04/02/2026

Congrats to Isaiah on his new guitar!

04/01/2026

Welcome to the Tarpley Music Family, N-Tune Music and Sound!

Starting today, April 1, N-Tune Music and Sound is officially merging with Tarpley Music. We are beyond thrilled to bring our passion for music and deep-rooted Texas heritage to the Abilene, Midland, and Odessa communities.

This isn’t just a name change, it’s a way to continue supporting and building musical excellence for every musician, student, and hobbyist in the region. Here is what you can look forward to:

New Inventory: Get ready to explore an incredible selection of world-class instruments. Whether you’re looking for the latest guitars, premium pianos, or high-performance band and orchestra gear, our showrooms are being transformed with fresh, top-tier gear.

The Same Friendly Faces: Your favorite local pros aren't going anywhere! All your "old friends" from N-Tune are still here, ready to provide the same trusted service you’ve relied on for years.

One Digital Hub: Over the next few days, the N-Tune online presence will be merging into tarpleymusic.com and other platforms. Head over there now to browse our full catalog to see everything the Tarpley family has to offer! And soon you will be able to manage your rentals online!

We are honored to continue the legacy of excellence in these stores and can’t wait to help you find your next sound. Come by and see the transformation for yourself, the future of local music starts today!

04/01/2026

Awesome looking Epiphone guitar, Wesley! 🎶😃