the following is a comprehensive list of everything you will need to begin lessons

piano

This may seem obvious, but it is crucial to have a real, acoustic piano at home. I will not take intermediate/advanced students who do not have access to a real piano. However, I do understand that when your young child begins piano lessons, it is a big commitment to buy a piano, especially if you are not sure that the child will maintain interest in the instrument. If this is the case, I say it's okay to start on a keyboard, but only one with WEIGHTED KEYS. Anything less will absolutely not work. In addition, I understand the complexities (and sometimes impossibilities) of getting a piano into small homes and/or the difficulty of affording a piano. Let me know if the latter is an issue, and I can point you toward resources for finding a (cheap!) used piano. (Many people just give pianos away because they are so hard to move, which means you have only to pay the cost of hiring a moving company.)

adjustable bench

Whether students are small or tall, they need to be able to sit properly at the piano and play with correct posture, position and technique. I recommend that all my students have an adjustable bench, or are supplied with firm cushions with which they can adjust the bench height (large foam puzzle pieces, like the ones in my studio, work great). It is amazing how good posture and correct bench height improve piano playing!  

footstool

This is necessary for small students. If a student is sitting properly on the bench (all the way up, not tilting on the edge of the bench) , and their feet don't reach the floor, then they must have something to support their feet. Dangling and swinging feet are not only distracting, but pull the entire body out of good alignment, foster bad habits, and can prevent a student from playing with correct technique. A simple wooden stool may work, but it’s best to get one that actually adjusts so you can fit it to the student’s size. It's also best to get one with pedal attachments, which allows students to use both soft and damper pedals, without having to remove the footstool or go back to sitting in an undesirable position.  

music books

Beginner students may purchase their music books directly from Miss Amy. However, students who are beginning lessons at a higher level may need to buy the books themselves, as Miss Amy does not always have all the necessary upper level books in stock. If this is the case, Miss Amy will give you a shopping list when she has decided on a course of study.

metronome

This is a tool that all musicians need to have! It helps students correct problems with counting and speed, and helps them learn how to keep a steady beat. I design many practice assignments for students to use the metronome in their practice time at home.  The Wittner Taktell metronome (pendulum style) is a good choice; no batteries required and it will last you forever. Another good metronome is the Wittner MT50, which I use in my studio. It is battery powered, though I haven't had to change my batteries in over a year! There are also a few good apps for metronomes, most of them free, but in all honesty the Wittner metronomes are more reliable.

pencil & highlighter

Always keep a pencil at the piano to use for theory assignments (never use pen) and for writing in fingering or other notes in your music as you practice. Use the highlighter to circle missed notes or measures in your music that you need to look at extra carefully or where you need to fix something.

nail clippers

Keep your fingernails short and neat so they don't get in the way of playing with good finger shapes and proper technique. For young children, please have parents do this! Get in the habit of trimming your nails 1-2 times per week and always check your nails before a lesson so you don't come to a lesson with long nails! TIP: Set a scheduled reminder on your mobile device for every week, the day before your lesson—you'll never forget!

AMY’S PIANO STUDIO WELCOME PACK

Every student who joins Amy’s studio will receive a welcome pack that includes a music binder, an assignment notebook, and a piano practice kit that contains all sorts of helpful games and tools for home practice.