Live! Music – Where Your Music Journey Begins!

Kids. Teens. No matter your age or style, Live! Music is the music accelerator that helps you jump-start your music career. It’s where you connect, grow, and bring your music passion to life in the real world.  We take what you’ve learned in your school music class and turn it up about 100 decibels — helping you take those next steps to find your voice, showcase your talent, and experience Live! Music in the real world.

At Live! Music, you’ll gain:

💡 Support & lessons from experienced musicians
🎸 Opportunities to join bands or form your own group
🤝 Mentorship from industry professionals
🎤 Performances in front of live audiences - birthday parties, neighborhood cook-outs, graduation parties, restaurant jam nights, and so many other cool jam opportunities. 100% of performance donations goes directly back to the kids.
🌐 Networking to grow your music connections in the real world.
🚀 Accelerator access to unlock your future music possibilities

Build your confidence. Sharpen your skills. Bring your vision—whether as a rapper, rocker, or violinist—to life.

“Your music. Your stage. Your Live! Music.

 

Why Live! Music?

We’re the bridge that helps kids turn their musical dreams into reality. Performing their music in the real world can be full of friction—finding the right opportunities, connecting with audiences, navigating logistics. We remove all of that friction. We put kids in front of audiences and let their talent grow from there.

Live Music! expands access to music by creating opportunities for youth that would otherwise be restricted by the barriers of the music industry.

Barriers in the Music Industry

For young and emerging artists, building a sustainable career in the music industry is often hindered by systemic barriers:

  • Financial Constraints: The costs of instruments, lessons, studio time, promotion, and touring create significant obstacles for youth without substantial financial resources.

  • Industry Gatekeeping: Access to decision-makers, representation, and media exposure is frequently limited to those with existing networks or major-label backing.

  • Oversaturation and Visibility Challenges: With millions of tracks released annually, breaking through requires extensive marketing budgets and platform algorithms that often favor already established artists.

  • Inequity and Access Gaps: Socioeconomic disparities, geographic limitations, and persistent biases (racial, gender, and genre-related) reduce opportunities for many talented young people.

  • Sustainability Issues: Even those who gain traction often struggle with low streaming payouts, lack of mentorship, and the instability of touring-based income.

Together, these barriers mean that countless young people with talent and passion are excluded from meaningful musical opportunities. Live! Music bridges this gap by providing access, mentorship, and resources that allow youth to engage with music on a professional level—opportunities that would otherwise be out of reach.

 

Music Director

Taygun Ozakinci, M.Ed (“Mr. 0”)

Since 2013, Taygun Ozakinci (“Mr. O”) has established himself as one of Kansas City’s leading jazz bassists, recognized for his warm tone, expressive phrasing, and deep musical sensitivity. A fixture in the region’s vibrant jazz community, he has held residencies at some of the city’s premier venues, including Green Lady Lounge, The Phoenix Jazz Club, Black Dolphin, Chaz on the Plaza, Sullivan’s Steakhouse, and Eddie V’s Prime Seafood.

In addition to his professional performance career, Taygun has earned his bachelor's and master’s in music education and currently holds the title of director of orchestras in USD230. He is in charge of the orchestra programs K-12 the district and actively teaches all orchestra classes and other music classes at the high school level. His ensembles continue to receive numerous recognitions at regional and state level contests during his tenures. 

Taygun’s performance experience extends well beyond the club scene. He is a versatile and in-demand artist for weddings, corporate events, galas, and private celebrations, where his artistry and professionalism elevate every occasion. His work has also included featured performances for the Cities of Lenexa, Olathe, and Spring Hill, reflecting his strong connection to community and cultural programming throughout the Midwest.

With over a decade of professional experience, Taygun Ozakinci continues to bring a refined, soulful presence to every ensemble he joins. His dedication to the tradition of jazz—combined with a forward-looking musical vision—has made him a respected voice among audiences and fellow musicians alike.

 

FRONTMAN

Zane is a 17-year-old aspiring musician with a passion for guitar, drums, keyboard, and saxophone. He’s also the very first Frontman of Live! Music — a title he proudly created himself. As Frontman, Zane leads with energy and enthusiasm, ensuring youth bands are prepared for auditions and performances. He sets the tone, inspires his peers, and keeps the spirit of music alive among the Live! Music young musicians.

Live! Music was born out of Zane’s personal journey — one marked by loss, resilience, and an unshakable love for music. After losing his father at a young age, Zane struggled to find his purpose, but one thing always remained clear: his dream to build a life centered around music.

Despite his talent and determination, Zane has faced numerous challenges — from the high cost of instruments to limited opportunities for exposure, and the question so many young artists ask: “Why is it important to be in the classroom if I just want to play music?”

Out of these challenges, Live! Music was created — a movement dedicated to empowering young musicians to overcome obstacles, discover their voice, and share their energy with the world.

Along the way, many musical artists and teachers have inspired Zane to keep playing and making the most out of life. He gives special thanks to Steve Thomas (drum teacher and Shooting Star band member), Luke Hoffman (guitar teacher and Burn the Jukebox band member), and many others who have supported him throughout his journey.

Zane’s musical style and talents are influenced by the Foo Fighters, Red Hot Chili Peppers, John Mayer, Dominic Fike, and The Strokes.

 

KID BANDS

We’re currently bringing together our young musicians (ages 7–10) into new bands across all genres and styles. Once they’ve been given the green light by our Music Director, they’ll be ready to perform for you!

Our goal is to nurture talented kids with great energy, strong chemistry, and a sound that truly connects with our audience. From rock and funk to jazz, pop, and beyond, we’re listening for that special blend of talent and teamwork that will represent our venue’s vibe and elevate our live music experience.

Teen Bands

We’re currently bringing together our teen musicians (ages 11–18) into new bands across all genres and styles. Once they’ve been given the green light by our Music Director, they’ll be ready to perform for you!

Our goal is to nurture talented young musicians with great energy, strong chemistry, and a sound that truly connects with our audience. From rock and funk to jazz, pop, and beyond, we’re listening for that special blend of talent and teamwork that will represent our venue’s vibe and elevate our live music experience.

house bands

Our House Bands are your bright-light, big-stage performers. Whether you’re planning a corporate event, wedding, or special celebration, they bring the musical expertise and energy needed to deliver a truly professional performance.

Oz Entertainment

Oz Entertainment LLC, led my Music Director Taygun Ozakinci, is a boutique live entertainment company specializing in providing elegant, small-scale ensembles—jazz trios/quartets and classical string quartets—for weddings, corporate parties, and private celebrations. Our mission is to elevate special occasions by delivering high-quality, memorable musical experiences tailored to each client’s needs. By focusing on niche event markets that demand sophistication and artistry, we aim to establish ourselves as a premier entertainment provider in the greater Kansas City region.

Oz Entertainment LLC is positioned to meet the growing demand for live, elegant entertainment at weddings, corporate gatherings, and private events. With a curated roster of professional musicians, strong branding, and partnerships in the wedding and events industry, we will establish a sustainable, profitable business while providing unforgettable experiences for clients.

 

Join Live! Music

Are you a musician wanting to join us at Live! Music? It’s completely free to join—and even better, 100% of every performance donation goes straight back to the kids. Complete the information below and we’ll be in contact.

 

Hire a Live! Music Band

Want to hire a Live! Music band for your birthday party, bbq, family get together, corporate event, or special celebration? Complete the information below and we’ll be in contact.