{ Materials & Music }

{ Voice }

* I ask all students to have a non-perforated notebook to bring to each lesson. I record their practice assignments and other important notes in them each week.

* Voice students should have a 3-ring binder to store sheet music as we add to the repertoire list.

* Please bring a drink of water to your lesson!  It is very important to keep your voice well hydrated at all times!

* I can purchase music books at a slightly discounted teacher's rate, and am happy to buy each student's books/music in advance and have you reimburse me for it at the discounted price.
Or, I can contact The Music Shoppe and have books set aside in your name for you to pick up.
Also, I can tell you precisely which book(s) to purchase and allow you to find the best purchase option for you. Whichever option works best for you, I am happy to do!

* Most students find it helpful to have a special tote bag specifically for storing  and carrying their lesson books and supplies.

* Students are welcome and encouraged to bring a device for recording lessons and practicing with at home between lessons.  

* I often e-mail pdf music files for students to print and use for practice and lessons.  Please be sure music is printed so instructions and reminders can be written on it during lessons.

* Often I will record songs or vocal exercises for students and text or e-mail the audio files for practice purposes.  Or, sometimes, I will send a recording that is an example of a good performance I want a student to see/hear--such as an mp3 or mp4 file or a link to a YouTube video.  If a student does not have his or her own phone or e-mail account, I will e-mail the parent.  Please make sure you do review these at home.

{ Piano }

* All piano students should have daily access to a full, 88-key piano--preferably a real piano or Clavinova type electronic piano with weighted touch. 

* Short fingernails. Please read this article: Finger Nails on the Piano: Why Shorter is Best

* I ask all students to have a non-perforated notebook to bring to each lesson. I record their practice assignments, keep track of points, and make other important notes in them each week.

* Most students find it helpful to have a special tote bag specifically for keeping and carrying their lesson books and supplies.

* Students should have a metronome to use regularly while practicing at home. Students will see me use the free app called MetroTimer their in lessons, but there are many metronome apps for smartphone and various devices, including free versions. Stand alone metronomes can be found online or at The Music Shoppe for about $10.    

* I can purchase music books at a discounted teacher's rate from The Music Shoppe in Bloomington-Normal, and am happy to buy each student's books/music in advance at the discounted price and be reimbursed for it. Sometimes I’m unable to get to the store, but can call in an order and have them hold it for you to pick up at the desk. 

* In general, a series of books usually runs between $30-$40 and lasts about a year.  (Beginners usually fly through their books more quickly, while more advanced students often take longer than a year to get through a series.)

* With children, I usually teach piano mainly from the Alfred's Premier Piano Course, and Faber Piano Adventures series, as well as a variety of supplemental music.  Some of these books include CD's or links to online audio files, which students should listen to at home.

*With teens or adult students, I often use the Faber Accelerated Piano Adventures series or Alfred's Basic Adult All-in-One Course.

* If siblings are beginning lessons at the same time, I may start them in different series, so as to minimize competitiveness.