Amy Recommends:
Favorites for Living Piano Teacher Life
I’m Amy, and I’m always on the lookout for products worth our time, energy, and money. Plus, who doesn’t love a good listicle?! (Especially when it’s full of things that truly work.)
Everything here has become one of my favorites because it’s practical and reliable. I hope these go-to picks earn a place in your studio-teacher life, too. Enjoy!
Pedal Extenders
The CPS Pedal Extender (left) is a good budget-friendly option. I like to purchase a couple extras and loan them to students. A slightly nicer but more expensive option is the PE-2 Pedal Extender (right).
Japanese Erasers
The beloved Japanese “eraser” makes great game markers or tools for helping students find patterns on the piano. My favorites are the hedgehog and snowman sets, though their availability tends to change often. The key is to find ones that don’t topple over too easily. Individual pieces also make nice items for the prize box (see the “Prize Box” favorites tab for more ideas).
Stamps
After giving up the time-honored tradition of stickers, I opted for using stamps (idea from Christina Whitlock). I keep them in a small, square acrylic container with rubber feet, which I probably picked up at The Container Store. I actually ditched the base lid, so students don’t have to open it every time. It’s also fun to have a variety of colors.
Writing Utensils
Keeping a variety of writing utensils on hand not only gives students options when needed, but also helps segment which tools are used for specific tasks. For example, I reserve yellow highlighters for marking dynamics, while colored pencils are mostly used for drawing artwork on their music. We also use them—along with other colored highlighters—for marking music. The key is to make sure everything is erasable, which students always find amusing!”
Cover-Up Tape
This matte tape is really handy. I mainly use it to cover distracting or unused parts of music. Its matte surface also makes it easy to write notes directly on. There are thinner versions as well that can also come in handy.
Note Rush App
NoteRush is my #1 favorite app for teaching. It’s a note-recognition app that listens and recognizes whether or not the student is playing the exact note on the piano.
P.S. Check out my sequenced assignment series design just for this app
Assignments
Like everything in life, how we deliver assignments can easily move in seasons. For the first 10 years of my teaching, I used my own custom assignment sheets placed in 3-ring binders.
Covid, ushered in world of online assignments. I still use Vivid Practice but sparingly for a select handful of young students.
Currently, I am trying out my friend Joy Morin’s new Musician’s Practice Planner as the majority of my students are at the intermediate level.
While we always use some kind of post-it to mark assigned pages, I even went though a phase where that was all we did – there was no physical assignment sheet. I like the square markers because they’re big enough to make notes on but small enough to not cover the music.
For more thoughts on giving assignments, check out The Piano Pantry Podcast, Episode 086 – On Assignments and Lesson Planning.
Mini Incentive Sticker Charts
Practice charts and rewards aren’t part of my regular routine, but I do occasionally break them out when a student needs a little extra motivation. In my experience, the effect is usually short-lived—but it’s still nice to have something in our back pocket when needed. Like Japanese erasers, their availabilty seems to always be changing on Amazon.
I don’t pull out the prize box on any kind of a regular basis, but I like keeping a small one on hand for spontaneous opportunities. Examples include when a student goes above and beyond without being asked, completes an entire sticker chart (see “Practice” favorites tab), or wins a game during group class.
A prize box is also a great place to throw random things like conference swag (flashlights, fidget toys, pens, notepads, etc.) In general, I try to keep food and snacks out of the mix.
Mesh & Marble Fidget Toy
I heard about these from my friend Christina Whitlock. I don’t usually provide fidget toys during lessons, but kids often choose them eagerly when picking from the prize box.
Magnetic Bookmarks
How fun are these magnetic bookmarks?! Remove them from the package and include as individual pieces in your prizebox for a fun and unique reward.
Stickers
I’ve moved away from the time-honored tradition of giving stickers for the repertoire we study and now use stamps instead (see the ‘Teaching’ favorites tab). That said, I still like keeping stickers in the prize box.
Intelligent Music Teaching by Robert Duke emphasizes that effective teaching is less about delivering information and more about shaping students’ thinking. Duke stresses clarity, repetition with variation, feedback, and thoughtful sequencing. The book is concise, practical, and focused on how people actually learn.
Speaking to the heart of teaching, this book follows a burned-out piano teacher who meets an unexpected mentor, challenging his assumptions and reigniting passion for meaningful, student-centered teaching.
One of the best books available and my top recommendation for any music teacher, whether in schools or independent studios—get ready for your mind to be blown on everything you thought you knew about teaching music.
First published in 1915, this book was remarkably ahead of its time. Alongside The Ways Children Learn Music, it serves as an excellent primer for anyone interested in Music Learning Theory.
Build an effective, positive learning environment by recognizing and reimagining barriers that may hinder teaching, allowing students to thrive through more engaging, immersive, and meaningful educational experiences.
I am a champion for anything that encourages trusting students’ natural development. Blending research with stories, she shows how teachers can shift from authority to collaboration, fostering autonomy and responsive, individualized learning.
This book, part of my elementary piano pedagogy curriculum in graduate school, helped me grasp foundational progressions in teaching at this level and deepened my understanding of effective pedagogy.
A staple reference for any piano studio, this book levels repertoire from Baroque to contemporary, with details on composers, style, difficulty, and publishers—an essential guide for teachers, students, and performers.
Other Recommended Reads
Music Learning Theory
Discovering Music from the Inside Out by Edwin E. Gordon
Quick and Easy Introductions (a free booklet) by Edwin E. Gordon
How Children Learn When They Learn Music by Edwin E. Gordon
Learning Sequences in Music by Edwin E. Gordon
Study Guide for Learning Sequences in Music by Edwin E. Gordon
Faith and the Arts
Walking on Water by Madeline L’Engle
Music Through the Eyes of Faith by Harold Best
Unceasing Worship by Harold Best
Sing! by Keith and Kristen Getty
Rhythms of Grace by Mike Cosper
Art + Faith by Makoto Fujimura
Creativity and Forward Thinking
Hidden Potential by Adam Grant
Originals by Adam Grant
Think Again by Adam Grant
If You Want to Write by Brenda Ueland
More Books on Teaching and Music Studio Business
Creative Piano Teaching by J. Lyke, G. Haydon, C. Rollin
Guide to the Pianist’s Repertoire by M. Hinson, W. Roberts
Lesson with Matt by Nick Ambrosino
Lies My Music Teacher Told Me by Gerald Eskelin
Notes from the Pianist’s Bench by Boris Berman
The Perfect Wrong Note by William Westney
The Pianist’s Guide to Pedaling by Joseph Banowetz
Piano Repertoire Guide by C. Albergy and Reid Alexander
Playing Beyond the Notes by Deborah Rambo Sinn
Questions and Answers by Francis Clark
Teaching Piano in Groups by Christopher Fisher
The Music of Teaching by Barbara Kreader Skalinder
The Savvy Music Teacher by David Cutler
The Success Factor in Piano Teaching by Elvina Pearce
Yoga in the Music Studio by Lesley McAllister
Electric Kettle
I can’t believe I once lived without an electric water kettle. Common worldwide, it quickly boils water, making daily routines easier and more efficient. The OXO brand is beautiful to boot.
Technivorm Coffeemaker
The Technivorm Mochamaster Coffee maker, has been a reliable workhorse in our kitchen for years. Its only flaw: the drip-stopper occasionally fails, letting small amounts of coffee slip through.
RSVP Coffee Scoop
The RSVP International Coffee Scoop is comfortable to hold and ideal as a dedicated scoop, measuring exactly 2 tablespoons of grounds for consistent brewing every time.
Bialetti Stovetop Espresso Maker
If you like espresso-style drinks, a Moka pot offers a budget-friendly alternative to large machines. It brews what’s often called “stovetop espresso,” rich and strong in flavor.
OXO Vegetable Peeler
The OXO Good Grips Y-Peeper vegetable peeler is easy to hold and includes a handy notch for removing potato eyes or blemishes, making prep quicker and more efficient in daily cooking.
Cuisipro Measuring Spoons
These spoons fit most spice jars, with pressed stainless steel that avoids catching residue. Measurements are etched into the metal, so they remain clear and never rub off.
OXO Mini Whisk
I use this 7.25″ mini whisk more often than a full-size one—sometimes I wish I had two. Its hourglass handle fits comfortably in the hand for easy use.
Instant Read Thermometor
If you cook meat regularly, a quality thermometer is essential. The ThermoWorks Thermapen delivers instant, reliable readings, ensuring perfectly cooked results every time without guesswork.
Mini Silicone Spatulas
Like the whisk above, I reach for mini spatulas as often—if not more—than full-size ones. I keep two sets, four total, and use them constantly in the kitchen.
In-Oven Thermometor
An in-oven thermometer is essential for roasting meat, letting you preset an alert for a target temperature. It also features a built-in digital timer for added convenience.
DI ORD Heat Resistant Spatula
I reach for this sturdy, heat-resistant spatula more than any other. Durable and reliable, it’s also available in a variety of colors to suit your kitchen style.
Rubbermaid Heavy Duty Spatula
This sturdy spatula is a workhorse. Strong and long-handled, it’s my go-do for mixing stiff cookie batters.
OXO Food Scale
I never imagined how useful a food scale could be. I use it daily, whether for portioning out bulk products like meat or yogurt or measuring dry ingredients for baking.
RSVP Colander (Strainer)
As far as standing colanders go, one size is all you need. This strainer’s design lets water drain efficiently without puddling beneath produce, making rinsing fruits and vegetables quicker and easier.
OXO Salad Spinner
This salad spinner dries greens quickly with a one-handed pump and patented brake. Its non-skid base keeps it steady, and the lid locks flat for storage. Bowl doubles for straining or serving.
OXO Fine Mesh Strainer
I like having both a standing colander and a fine mesh strainer–the latter for things like straining yogurt, rinsing rice, sifting flour. Skip the 6″ and go for the 8″. It’s wide enough to rest across the top edges of my smaller prep sink.
Cookbook Holder
If you love cooking from cookbooks, this sturdy holder is ideal. It has an adjustable wooden base and a clear acrylic shield to protect pages from splatter while keeping recipes visible.
Tablet Stand
If you’re more of a digital recipe person like me, this tablet stand is minimalist and sturdy. The adjustable holder accommodates both horizontal and vertical views.
Italian Glass Water Pitcher
This 37.5 oz glass water pitcher is a stylish table addition. Ridges improve grip, and the built-in handle makes carrying and pouring easy for everyday meals or gatherings.
Mason Jar Pitcher
Although it comes in different sizes, I like the capacity of the 64-oz Mason Jar Glass Pitcher. Its handle makes pouring comfortable, and its simple, charming design adds a delightful touch to the table.
Vitamix Low Profile Blender
Nothing matches the results of a Vitamix—I’ve tried. We love the A2500 Ascent Series, Professional-Grade, 64 oz. model, which delivers power yet fits neatly under cabinets with its low-profile design.
Kitchen Aid Slow Cooker
The trouble with most slow cookers, like my Lid-Lock Crock-Pot, is that “Low” runs too hot. Not this one—its low setting is truly low, and it also has medium and high settings. Plus, for a slow cooker, it’s beautiful!
Wooden Salt Box
Keep salt handy in a beautiful wooden salt box you’ll be glad to leave on the counter. Practical and stylish, it keeps seasoning within easy reach while cooking.
PepperMatePepper Grinder
Ina Garten’s pepper grinder of choice is mine too. Unlike most, it lets you grind and capture pepper to measure precisely, or remove the base for free-form grinding.
Zulay Olive Oil Dispenser
This simple green glass bottle protects oil from light for longer shelf life. It’s easy to refill and attractive enough to leave out on the counter or table.
Microplane Zester
Zest citrus and leave the bitter white pith behind. Also great for fine-grating cheeses or ginger.
Oxo 9" Tongs
OXO is generally a safe bet for a reliable kitchen gadget and tongs is one of them.
Microplane Glove
If you grate by hand with a microplane or other handheld grater, protect your hands with a microplane glove. It keeps fingers safe without sacrificing control or efficiency.
Tart Pan with Removeable Bottom
The Wilton 9″ tart pan with removable bottom is reliably nonstick, ensuring your tarts release easily and come out with perfectly shaped, golden crusts every time.
Pro-Keeper Storage Containers
After wearing out my OXO Pop-Tops, I was glad to find this ProKeeper storage set from Proressive International. I especially like that the lids are attached.
Grain Storage Containers
From the same line as the set above, these two “grain” containers aren’t included but make a great addition. We use one for storing coffee beans, and it works perfectly.
This Flexispot adjustable standing desk has been a welcome addition to my music studio. With preset heights and a minimalist design, it was one of the few available that offered the 60″ size I needed.
(Full transparency: my order did not include the power bar that was listed as included, but the company issued a partial refund for the misinformation. This may have been fixed since.)
60" Standing Desk
I felt like I’d won the lottery finding this chair at Office Depot. Adjustable and comfortable, it’s also warm and inviting, making it a perfect fit for the studio space. We got it around the holidays for a steal of a price.
(There’s a beautiful high back version as well but I don’t find it as comfortable for a teaching space.)
Realspace Modern Comfort Low-Back Office Chair
This plastic roller mat works perfectly on our medium-thick carpet. I didn’t want one with a grippy back, so while it does slide a little and needs minor adjustments each day, its thickness prevents indentations and makes rolling much smoother.
Crystal Clear Heavy Duty Hard Chair Mat
Before I got my standing desk, this footrest was essential for supporting my shorter stature, helping me sit comfortably and maintain healthy ergonomics while working.
Eureka Tilt Adjustable Foot Rest
I’m all about having a healthy ergonomic setup at your desk. I’ve been thrilled with this Logitech ergonomic keyboard for years. It took a little getting used to with the space down the middle but the only key that felt unintuitive to me was the placement of the #6. I now move seamlessly between this and my laptop keyboard.
Logitech Ergonomic Keyboard
Yes, I’m a Logitech girl! the keyboard, the mouse took a little getting used to but I would buy it all over again. It fits comfortably wtih the natural resting point of your hand.
Logitech Ergonomic Mouse
I’ve been super happy with the quality of these Logitech Bluetooth Speakers. The subwoofer gives it a nice rich bass and I don’t’ mind the look of the desktop speakers (an important point of sale!)
Logitech Bluetooth Desktop Speakers
This is one item I wish I’d invested in sooner. I wanted something convenient, flexible with different binding sizes, and easy to store. I found this through a recommendation from Wendy Stevens at ComposeCreate.com. It only punches about six sheets at a time (depending on paper thickness), but it’s a simple, convenient system, and you can easily swap out bindings to add more pages.
GBC Binding System (ProClick)
If you’re binding your own materials, adding a front and back cover helps protect them. I use heavy-duty plastic covers in front and cardstock on the back. The GBC Binding System can just barely punch through 12 mil plastic, so I wouldn’t go thicker. For easier cutting, try 10 mil instead.
Heavy-Duty, Ultra-Clear Plastic Covers for Binding
There are three spine sizes: 5/16″, 1/2″, and 5/8″. A multi-pack with all three would be ideal, but I’ve yet to find a purchase option that includes them all. At the moment the 5/8″ on Amazon only comes in a 100 pack so I just have the two smaller sizes.
GBC Binding Spines (1/2") ProClick
Note Rush App
forScore App
Genius Scan App
Wireless Charging Station for Apple's MacSafe Charger
After getting an Apple Watch, I realized I needed an all-in-one charger for my phone and watch by the bed. I used to avoid having my phone in the bedroom, but my favorite alarm clock died and wasn’t replaceable. Thankfully, the iPhone’s horizontal mode has a great nighttime clock display. Charging my AirPods is a nice bonus, but what I really wanted was a station that was horizontally friendly, aesthetically pleasing, and had an adjustable angle.
Apple Airpods Pro
It’s no wonder so many people use these earbuds—they’re lightweight, comfortable, and intuitive to use.
12.9" iPad Pro Tabet
I can’t imagine doing any kind of score reading from an iPad without the 12.9″ size! The “Pro” version means compatability wiht the phenomenal Apple Pencil. (Forget stylus’ of old! LOL)
Apple Smart Keyboard Folio
Just like the Apple Pencil, the Apple Folio is a high quality choice for protecting your keyboard. If you aren’t much of a computer person, having a keyboard on your tablet can come in handy at times!
Apple Pencil
One side is flat and magnetized and will charge off the side of the iPad simply by magnetism. So cool! (Keep in mind the older models charge on lightning plug.)
iRig Blue Turn Bluetooth Pedal
If you use a sheet music reader like forScore, a Bluetooth pedal is essential for the best playing experience. The forward and back buttons of the iRig Blue Turn are quiet and yet tactile enough to be reliable.
AKG Headphones
The AKG K52 Headphones are perfect for anyone with a keyboard lab or music lab (especially that happens with others in the room). They are about as close as you can get to noise cancelling without getting expensive noise-cancelling headphones.
Hidrau 30" Vinyl Hydraulic Artists Bench
The perfect size. Not quite as imposing as a traditional piano bench but big enough for a teacher and a child to enjoy together. The double handles under the bench make adjusting quick and easy.
Electronics Travel Case
It’s so handy to keep a case like this on hand for when I’m travelling to present, attend conferences, or any other kind of travel, really. The hard case keeps it from getting out of shape and the space ample enough for everything you could need.
Logitech Wireless Presenter
This is the wireless presenter you’ll see just about everywhere. Since I present often, I like to keep one of my own on hand—especially for local events or smaller state conferences where they’re not always provided. Most state and national conferences usually have full setups, but it’s good to be prepared.
Calendar
Google Calendar won me over years ago when I discovered it gave a clearer overview of the month on the tablet and mobile apps than the native Apple Calendar app.
I am also playing around with Notion Calendar and keeping an eye on its developing features.
Design
I use Canva for everything—from studio resources and student cards to conference slides and social media posts. It’s easier than PowerPoint, with built-in tools like a QR code generator, presentation mode, and a social media scheduler. Canva makes every project look polished and engaging.
CHECK OUT
For daily email, I use Gmail via browser and the Gmail app, with Google Workspace ensuring delivery from my domain.
For Piano Pantry’s email list, I switched from Mailchimp to Flodesk—a sleek, simplified, and user-friendly platform. Use my affiliate link to get 50% off your first year.
Finances
Quicken is our go-to tool for managing both personal and business finances. I appreciate how it brings everything together in one place—checking and savings accounts, credit cards, investments, property, and other assets. It easily imports transactions, which we can then categorize. Quicken also offers advanced tools for budgeting and financial planning.
Forms
Google Forms. Google Forms are free and easy to use. I use it for studio scheduling and simple event signups. You can easily export the entries into a spreadsheet format.
Notion Forms. My productivity and note-taking app of choice, Notion, now has forms integration. If you are a Notion user, I recommend using their built-in form builder for basic form building.
Tally.so. Tally is a form builder that integrates with Notion. It offers more advanced features than Google Forms or the newer built-in Notion forms. I use this to track student inquiries, student registrations, and more. It takes a little more technical savvy to connect the two, so if you’re not tech-savvy, I recommend using Google Forms or Notion Forms.
Online Payments
My payment processor of choice since 2018 was Coinhop until it shut down in December 2024. It reopened two months later at higher—but fair—rates. Unfortunately, I had already transitioned families elsewhere. (Of which I will not recommend until I have more time getting to know it.)
For more, see: The Piano Pantry Podcast: Episode 149 – Auto-Payment Processing Options
Productivity & Note-Taking
90% of what I do on a daily basis for organizing & managing my studio and life is done inside of Notion, a productivity & note-taking app. (For more on this, check out the workshop Organize Your Life with Notion.)
Here are some more resources on utilizing Notion as an independent music teacher:
Social Media Scheduling
I tried using Meta Business but absolutely hate it so I am back to using Buffer. It is very user friendly and has a nice, clean interface. (I can’t bear to pay any kind of a monthly fee for social media content scheduling so I’m all about the free version).
Studio Management Software
I do not use dedicated Studio Management Software myself at this time. I manage everything for my studio in Notion. (For more on this, check out the workshop Organize Your Life with Notion.)
Current popular studio management software options include:
To-Do Lists
While I use Notion to organize 90% of my life, when it comes to straight-up tasks lists like dropping off packages, printing studio calendars, or looking up an arrangement of a song for a student, I use the Todoist app.
You can organize tasks into projects (or life areas), set reminders, make them recurring and more.
Website
Both my studio website and this site are built on WordPress.org. It is best for those who are more comfortable with technology and looking for more customization possibilities.
This site is hosted on BigScoots. The process for migrating my site from my former host (Hawkhost, where my studio site remains) to BigScoots was shockingly easy. It took only 10 minutes. My site runs so much better now that I’m with BigScoots. (P.S. I do have a developer I lean on at times for support.)
For those less comfortable with technology, Weebly or Squarespace may be a better way to go and will help you easily produce a great-looking website (hosting is built in).
This section is not yet updated. For now, visit the original “Personal Favorites” page here.
Hempz Hand Sanitizer
The luxury of hand sanitizer. Wonderful smell and bearable texture. Thanks to Leila Viss for brining this one to my attention during Covid times.
Owala FreeSip Waterbottle
My friend Christina Whitlock had been recommending this one for ages before I finally got it—after my old bottle disappeared. The 24 oz size is perfect, with both sip and guzzle spouts, a handle, and a width that fits my car cup holder. Mine’s the “Denim” color. My husband prefers the larger 30oz FreeSip “Sway,” which has a bigger handle and a locking lid. Once you buy one, you’ll notice them everywhere!
This section is not yet updated. For now, visit the original “Studio Organization” page here.
This section is not yet updated. For now, check out supplemental repertoire recommendations here.
Spotify for Podcasters. An easy-to-use platform for recording and publishing The Piano Pantry Podcast.
Blue Yeti USB Microphone. This microphone is easy to use and, best of all has a mute button to avoid those little coughs when recording. I purchased this one because it’s one of few that have “omnidirectional” mode which allows conversation from 4 sides and is integral to recording Teacher Talk episodes during the digital organization retreat.
Khanka Microphone Case for Blue Yeti. A small, simple, and compact case to carry the Blue Yeti microphone. Room for cables and a pop filter.
Camtasia and Snagit. By TechSmith, Camtasia is my video editor of choice. It is especially brilliant for doing screen recordings but I mostly use it for audio only editing for the podcast. You can purchase it in a bundle along with TechSmith’s screen-snipping tool, Snagit.
Descript. For conversation episodes, I use Descript to create a transcript of the audio file. Since I only need to do so less than once a month, I am able to get by with the free version.
Artlist.io is where I sourced the theme music for the podcast.
Page last updated: October 6, 2025
