Monica Phillips

Materials Every Student Needs

Wednesday, August 31, 2016 by Monica Phillips | Uncategorized

Now that the school supply fiasco has settled somewhat, have you considered what your music student might need?  What supplies, materials, books, and tools are helpful?  Here is my Top Ten list (in no particular order):

  1. Steno notebook:  every student is required to have a notebook into which I record practice notes, assignments, parent notes, and other items.  I also stamp a practice chart each week for students to record their practice time and flashcard times.  A lesson will be less-than-successful if a student does not have their notebook.
  2. Technic/Exercises book: a book with finger exercises, warm-ups, and technical drills meant to train the hand toward certain piano techniques.  This book tend to be the student's least favorite resource because it's hard - it requires more technical practice and developing of habit than any other book.  I typically start beginners in the Michael Aaron Piano Course (primer level through 2nd level) unless it's an older student) and then move to the John Thompson Modern Course (Grade 1) when I see a student's technique develop beyond beginner.
  3. Lessons/Repertoire book: this is the book where all concepts come together in cohesive selections of music.  The books contain original songs and arrangements of well-known pieces appropriately leveled for the concepts currently being practiced.  You'll see basic technique put into application within this resource.
  4. Theory Book:  writing/understanding written music is just as important as playing music.  The theory book applies concepts learned at the keyboard by putting them to practice on paper.  Students learn the mechanics, math, and science of written music as well as rhythm, counting, notated relationships, and composition.  Beginner students use the theory book which coordinates with their other books.  Later, I move the student to "Practical Theory: Complete" by Sandy Feldstein, which is an excellent and comprehensive overview of written music.  
  5. Flashcards: beginning students are required to have "Complete Color Coded Flashcards" by Alfred Music.  This set of cards reinforces note names, symbols, and vocabulary used most frequently in piano.  Students work through their flashcards and record their times each day/week.  The goal is to complete the entire set for me within 3 minutes, and when that goal is reached the student earns a reward and no longer has to practice the flashcards each week.  But be careful: if I determine they've forgotten their symbols, I'm happy to assign the flashcards again.
  6. Pencil: students need to write on their music!  They need to write reminders, directions, arrows, circle mistakes, mark changes, denote helps or just a star meaning "pay attention here."  Additionally, students should never - I repeat, NEVER - complete their theory work in pen.  Mistakes are common and pencils erase!
  7. Highlighter: I advise students to use a highlighter in their music to bring attention to specific notes, accidentals, or sections which require extra attention or focus.  Something about that bright color....it works every time!
  8. Metronome: No student should ever be without a metronome.  A metronome is a device which keeps a steady tempo, providing clicks at specified intervals to guide the student's rhythm and timing.  The old-fashioned, gravity-driven ones are awesome, but there are also some great free metronome apps out there.  Other options include small electronic devices found at your local music store or Amazon.  Students need to begin working with their metronome around the time they begin learning eighth notes.
  9. Patient and prompting parents: students are developing a new habit that may stick for life!  When music students are supported by patient parents, coaching and guiding but encouraging, they learn positive self-talk and confidence in their craft.  Nagging, haranguing, critiquing, yelling, insulting, or ignoring don't work well.  Prompting, reminding, helping, guiding, encouraging, uplifting, supporting, and discussing work very well!
  10. Positive attitude: whether your student thinks he can or thinks he can't....he's right!  When a student comes for a lesson prepared with all assignments finished but with a negative or self-doubting attitude, the lesson is difficult for student and teacher, not to mention less-than-fun.  Finished assignments paired with a positive attitude makes for a fun and joyful learning environment.  I love to laugh, joke, play, and have fun with my students!

There you have it:  Piano lessons supply list!  As always, never hesitate to contact me with questions or concerns!  Now......go practice!