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!
Bench and Pedal Extenders
The Hidrau 30′ Vinyl Hydraulic Artists Bench is 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.
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.
Student Binders
Three-ring binders are a must once students move beyond their first year of lessons. They’re essential for organizing sheet music printouts, technique pages, chord charts, and more.
I keep students in a ½” binder for as long as possible. After about five years, most need a 1″ binder, though I only size up when necessary since the larger angle of the 1″ binder makes books sitting on top more likely to slide off.
The 5-Tab Write & Erase Plastic Dividers are extremely durable and flexible to reuse.
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
You know how much of a beating those pesky book covers get! With all the stapled music books we deal with on a daily basis, a long-reach stapler is a must in a music studio.
Long Reach Stapler
This thermal laminator his heavy duty and has been a work hourse in my studio over the years.
Apache Professional Laminator
I was lucky to inherit this when I married my husband, who was a wedding photographer when we first met. It’s probably not something I would have invested in on my own, but after years of cutting game pieces, I can confidently say the quality is worth it.
Rotatrim Pro 12" Paper Cutter
This is one of those items I bought a little too late. I really wish I’d had it in the early days of my studio, when I was printing and cutting out so many resources. I don’t use it as much now, simply because I’m not cutting nearly as much—but if you’re in your early studio days, I definitely recommend it.
Self-Healing Cutting Mat
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.
Otterbox for iPhone 16 Pro (Stardust Glitter)
I drop my phone too often not to have a sturdy case—but since iPhones come in such pretty colors (pink, gold, blue), I still want to see the phone itself. This OtterBox Stardust Glitter case both protects and alllows the natural color to shine through.
Glass Screen Protector (iPhone 16)
Protecting your phone from drops isn’t just about the case but also about the screen. A glass protector is so thin they dont’t feel like glass. I have dropped my phone more than once and only had to replace the $3 screen protector!
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 headphones without getting expensive noise-cancelling headphones.
(Note: After 8-10 years of use, the material on the ear pad started to peel, but you can easily replace just the ear pad! Just look up ear pad replacements for AKG K52 on Amazon.)
63" Magnetic Selfie Stick Tripod
This magnetic tripod has been wonderful for my food blogging and reel creation. Using it with my MagSafe iPhone case is so much easier than clip-style holders—especially with the iPhone 16’s new quick-click camera side button.
RØDE Wireless Micro - Compact Wireless Microphone
I wasn’t ready to spend $200-$300 on a good portable microphone set, so this mini set, at just under $100, was much more budget-friendly. I’ve been very happy with the quality thus far!
iKlip iPhone Holder
The hinge-style clip I used with my old iPhone before moving to the magnetic holders. Spring loaded so it’s easy to open and close.
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.
Cable Clips Cord Organizer Mount
Sometimes organizing is simply about making things look a little tidier and more uniform. This simple cable clip is an easy way to tame all those wires coming off your desk.
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).
Owala Water Bottle
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 ohne, you’ll notice them everywhere!
Woven Drink Coasters
I absolutely adore these beautiful, absorbent woven drink coasters with wood trim. I find most coasters are either not absorbent enough—so water pools—or the designs are just plain ugly. These strike the perfect balance.
Gorilla Doormat
While I love the fun designs and natural look of coir fiber doormats, I find they get dirty quickly and are nearly impossible to clean well. I now prefer the simplicity of a good, heavy-duty rubber doormat like this one from Gorilla.
Kindle Paperwhite
An avid reader’s best friend! I often find the best time for me to read is late at night or first thing in the morning. I’m much more likely to grab a book in those moments when it’s on my Kindle, and the Paperwhite is so gentle on the eyes.
Leather Case for Kindle Paperwhite
My checklist for the perfect Kindle case included: a stand so I could prop it up on my lap, easy to close and secure without a latch (this has a soft magnet closure), and comfortable to hold with either hand. This one ticked all the boxes!
Cordless Rechargeable Gooseneck Floor Lamp
When I’m not reading on my Paperwhite, I love the flexibility of reading anywhere in the house with good lighting thanks to this lightweight gooseneck floor lamp. It’s not fancy, but it’s sleek enough to blend into everyday décor without becoming an eyesore.
Cotton Sleep Mask
Soft, washable, travel-friendly, and my ticket to a good nights sleep these days.
LaVazza Coffee
Our current favorite everyday go-to coffee. We buy it whole bean and keep it on auto-ship from Amazon.
Bio Coffee (Non-Alkaline)
When my acid reflux is acting up, I switch to Bio Coffee for a while. I love it enough that I still drink it about once a week just because I enjoy it. It has a lovely mocha-like flavor, and it’s a bit gentler, too, thanks to the added wheatgrass powder.
Large Capacity Fabric Storage Bags
These large-capacity fabric storage bags are wonderful for storing extra linens, blankets, or outdoor cushions during the winter. They hold their shape better and are sturdier than many all-plastic options.
Sanuk Yoga Joy Flip Flop
Every year I buy a new pair of these amazing flip-flops. I love that the metalic colors feel dressy enough I wear them when I teach in the summer.
Swiftwick No Show Socks
Yes, socks matter! I’ve tried the brand it seems everyone recommends (Smartwool) and I don’t like them. They squeeze my toes! Swiftwick has never disappointed.
Slim Vertical File Folder Storage
These slim file folders have been some of the best money I’ve spent on studio organization. They can be purchased in a pack of eight and, while not cheap, they’re well worth the cost.
Most magazine holders are fairly wide, and if they aren’t full, the contents tend to slouch and bend. I always wished they came with some sort of internal support to keep everything upright. These slimmer folders solved that problem beautifully. Mine are white, though at the moment it looks like only the clear version is available.
Storage Bins
These little bins are great for things like game markers, technique manipulatives, or anything else you might like to easily grab nearby.
Incline File Organizer
This file organizer is where I house all our receipts and tax forms for the year. (Yes, I’m still a hard-copy receipt-keeper!)
For more on how I manage the physical side of finances, visit this post:
Get Organized! Bills, Expenses, and Receipts
Decorative File Folders
Since I leave files sitting out, they might as well look pretty! Every few years, I change up my file folder design just to have something fresh, and this set has been one of my favorites.
These file folders are made from heavyweight matte paper with a light lamination, making them a bit more durable than basic paper folders while still looking polished.
Acrylic Magazine Rack
I use these on a small bookshelf where I keep music-themed children’s books that students can check out. They’d work well for any book storage, since they provide sturdy, reliable support.
Label maker
This one is pretty simple, but having a label maker instantly makes everything look tidier—especially if you have handwriting like mine! I use it to label file folders (above), student files, vertical slim magazine holders, music file storage, and all kinds of other studio items.
Poly Snap Button Envelope
Paired with the vertical slim file storage, these poly envelopes are especially great for organizing games. For a while, I used expandable envelopes as well, but ultimately found them too flimsy. I now stick with these slim envelopes and keep extra-bulky game cards in separate files.
For more details, see the post I wrote for MelodyPayne.com:
Rethinking the Way You Organize Piano Games.
Felt Office Drawer Organizers
These felt office drawer organizers are not only functional, but also beautiful, environmentally friendly, and aesthetically pleasing. I use them in my tech drawer to keep everything neatly contained.
For more details, see this post:
My Tech Drawer Makeover: Organizing Cords, Gadgets, and More
Metal Card Holder
I adore this metal card holder so much, I have two—one in our kitchen for our household “bulletin board,” and another in the stairwell leading to my studio for my student photo board.
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.
Mini Cordless Handheld Vacuum
This little handheld vac is kept next to the piano for the main purpose of cleaning the music stand of all those pesky white paper flakes. In my search for any mini facuum, a storage base of some kind is always a must.
Pivot Vac Cordless Handheld Vacuum
This vacuum is a powerful little handheld option. If you had to choose between this one and the one above, I’d definitely go with this—it has noticeably more power. I like keeping the lighter mini vacuum dedicated to the studio and the grand piano. This nicer (pricier) one is for household use.
The Pivot Vac’s neck does exactly what the name suggests—it pivots. The filter is easy to empty, it comes with a wall-mountable base, and the built-in crevice tool allows for more precise cleaning in tight spaces.
Method AntiBac All-Purpose Cleaner (Bamboo Scent)
This antibacterial all-purpose cleaner smells AMAZING. So fresh and easy to use. I mostly use it in my kitchen but you could use it for cleaning bathroom countertops or wiping down other bathroom areas!
Guardsman Dusting Cloths
This mildly sticky cloths are a great way to dust without using cleaning agents (especially on your grand piano!)
O-Cedar Non-Scratch Sponge
I love these gentle scrub sponges recommended by America’s Test Kitchen. At the end of every month, I downgrade the dish cleaning sponge to the cast iron cleaning sponge and get a fresh one for dishes.
Silicone Vegetable Scrubber
I love the simplicity and sanitary nature of this scrub brush. Gentle, comfortable to hold, and easy to clean.
My Boyfriend Barfed in My Handbag...and Other Things You Can't Ask Martha
The raw title of this book cracks me up, and I love the straightforward no-nonsense advice it follows on keeping our personal spaces clean.
The Life-Changing Magic of Tidyign Up
What can I say—it’s a (well-deserved) popular book, and the advice is something I’ve honestly been doing since I was a kid, thanks to my mom’s excellent housekeeping skills.
Page last updated: December 29, 2025
