Our story
Music that brings people together
At The Music Corner, we believe music brings people together and enriches lives at every age and stage.
About Us
A place for every musician
At The Music Corner, we believe music brings people together and enriches lives at every age and stage. Our shop was built to be a welcoming space where beginners, hobbyists, and lifelong musicians can learn, explore, and grow.
We're passionate about providing quality instruments, expert repairs, and inspiring lessons — all under one roof. Our friendly, knowledgeable team is here to support your musical journey every step of the way.
Whether you're picking up your first instrument or refining your craft, you'll always have a place here at The Music Corner.
History
From Whitey's Music Shop to The Music Corner
Whitey's Music Shop
Scot Q. Merry served the Kenai Peninsula music community through Whitey's Music Shop, building a legacy of trust, quality, and care that became the foundation for everything that followed.
The Music Corner opens
Keegan and Annika Hagedorn took ownership and reopened as The Music Corner, bringing fresh energy while honoring the shop's deep roots. The team, the values, and the commitment to the community carried forward.
Growing strong
Hundreds of students, a full instructor roster, a repair bench, and two spring and winter recitals a year. The Kenai Peninsula's music hub keeps growing.
"We are committed to supporting local musicians by providing quality instruments, expert repairs, and music education that inspires."
Our space
Stop by and say hello
Located at 44331 Sterling Hwy in Soldotna, our shop features a thoughtfully selected range of quality instruments, string sets, and essential gear — along with a dedicated repair bench where Keegan and our luthier team service instruments with absolute precision.
We're also home to multiple teaching rooms where our instructors host weekly private lessons for piano, guitar, drums, violin, voice, and more.
Mission
What we're here to do
Teach real skill
We don't hand out participation trophies. We teach music the right way — at every level, tailored to each student's goals and pace.
Build real confidence
Learning an instrument changes how a student feels about themselves. We foster and protect that growth every step of the way.
Be a real community
Recitals, showcases, and studio events bring us together. Music is better shared — that's the whole point of being here.
Teaching philosophy
How we teach
Every lesson is one-on-one. Group classes have their place, but real progress happens when a teacher can see exactly what one student needs in that exact moment — and respond to it.
We balance the fundamentals — technique, theory, reading — with what actually keeps students coming back: playing music they love, performing for people they love, and feeling like they're genuinely getting somewhere.
We're patient with beginners and demanding with advanced students. Both deserve to be taken seriously.
Community
Where you'll see us
Our students perform at local recitals, seasonal showcases, and community events across the Kenai Peninsula. We also offer instrument consignment — an easy way to buy or sell quality pre-owned instruments at real value.