As the time gets closer and closer for us to move into our new home and eventually my new studio, I’ve come to realize just how much STUFF I have in my studio that will have to be moved.
While dreading the thought of relocating all these things, I began to ponder what it would be like to have a “minimalist” studio.
If I were a brand new teacher or if I had to start all over again in a very small space, what are the items that would be “must-haves”?
Thus, this “minimalist’s list” was born. Keep in mind that we’re talking bare bones. This list does not include equipment (like a piano), office equipment like computers and printers, or pedagogical books.
I look forward to hearing some of your “must-haves” in the comments!
A Copy of Your Favorite Method Book
This is my first recommendation because it’s one of the most basic and important, in my opinion.
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve either wanted to have a look at a student’s method book while lesson planning, needed a copy so I could make a video lesson for a student, or simply needed an extra copy when a student forgot their book. Whatever method you use the most, keep one extra copy on hand at all times!
Office Supply Must-Have
Post-its are kind of a “must-have” in any teacher’s world. I couldn’t go without these 1/2″ x 1 3/4″ Post-its for marking assigned pages. I like the paper ones because I can also write on them if needed instead of plastic-type tabs.
Erasable pens, markers, and colored pencils are God’s gift to teachers. I have four specific recommendations in this area.
Frixion Erasable Colors 12-pack.
Pilot Frixion Erasable Gel Pens. (I’ve used these for years but they do seem to run out or dry out quickly…)
The Pilot Frixion Erasable Highlighters are perfect for highlighting dynamics and articulation on students music.
Lastly, the Twistable Erasable Colored Pencils are great for students to use to mark intervals and such in their music or just to have on hand for student art books!
Awesome Stickers
In all the years I’ve been teaching. This is the best packet of stickers I’ve spent money on.
My students also love these Emoji stickers and Hal Leonard’s composer stickers.
Fun Manipulatives & Game Pieces
If you’re not already on the Japanese Eraser bandwagon, take the dive. They’re perfect for demonstrating on the piano keys or using for game markers.
Our favorites are the Hedgehog Iwako Japanese Erasers and Snowman Iwako Japanese Erasers
Resource Repertoire Must-Haves
It’s only happened once to me, but at some point in every piano studio teacher’s career, you’ll have a student with a broken arm or finger. While I was sorry to see the student hurt, I was excited to finally have a use for my one-handed book(!) On the Other Hand by John Robert Poe.
There are many more out there that I’m sure are great, such as Melody Bober’s Grand One-Hand Piano Solos.
Solid and Useful Games for All Ages
My drawers are full of games, but if I had to pick only two to have on hand, they would be:
Tonic: The Chord and Dice Game for Musicians (great for improvisation).
(You can also purchase this game directly from the creator at Tonic-Music.com.)
A Good Set of Flashcards
Kind of like stickers, flashcards are one of those resources every piano teacher should have.
TCW Resources flashcards are really nice because they are made out of a material that is like actual playing cards, so they’re easier to maneuver than many of the paper flashcards.
An Easily-Handled Music Staff Board
You can imagine how useful this E-Z Notes Magnetic Music Board – Piano/Staff can be!
A Pedal Extender or Small Footstool
Sitting at a proper height at the piano is VERY important! I’m very happy with my pedal extender, but you can always start with just a small plastic step stool!
PE-2 Pedal Extender from DHP Music
Sight Reading Resources
Whether you’re assessing a transfer student or looking for an activity to use with students who forget their piano books, some kind of leveled sight-reading material is useful to have on hand.
My favorite is Piano Safari’s three levels of sightreading cards. Every card includes a short 4-measure note-reading and a separate rhythm exercise.
Easy Duet Material for When Students Forget Their Books
Yes, it will happen; students will forget their books. Don’t get too frustrated though when it happens, though, because we have options.
Play games or pull out some easy sight-reading duets like these Get Ready for Pentascale Duets.
Easily Accessible Date and Time
Having to recall what the date is at every single lesson every single day made me realize I needed a date display right in front of me. I also wanted a clock I could easily refer to without it necessarily being in students’ line of sight.
This mini large readout clock is perfect as it measures 1.5″ x 2.5″ and will alternate date with time every two seconds (optional).
Assignment Sheets
Last but not least is a way of giving assignments to students. Check out the one-stop assignment-sheet shop right here on Piano Pantry!
Visit Assignment Sheet Central
Is there anything else you think should be on a piano teacher’s “minimalist” list? Let’s share together in the comments!
It looks like Tonic: The Chord and Dice Game for Musicians is no longer available for purchase.
I love reading your practical and helpful suggestions.
Sorry, Deborah! Those were just where you could purchase it on Amazon. You can get it directly from the creator on this website at Tonic-Music.com
What a wonderful list! Thanks so much for sharing! Do you have any recommendations for adjustable piano benches?
Thank you! I’m glad you found it helpful. As far as adjustable benches go, I currently use an adjustable bench that came with one of my digital keyboards (Casio Celviano AP-620) I’ve had them for 10 years and never had to replace it yet. If I were to get a new one though, I would strongly consider one called the “Exemplar Piano Bench” that was reviewed by a good piano teacher acquaintance of mine over at 4D Piano Teaching. I would trust her advice!
This is such a helpful and resourceful list, thank you! Two quick questions – What are your student’s favorite note-reading games, and do you recommend emailing lesson notes and practice plans or writing them down so that the student has a physical copy?
For note-reading, my students and I love “Note Speed” which is a card game, and the apps Note Rush and Ningenius. The Staff Wars and Flashnote Derby apps are in a close 2nd.
I used to do hand-written ones but find simply marking assigned pages with small post-its and then using 2″ post-its on the music to note what they need to focus on is easier and more likely to be seen. I also use the Tonara app for all assignments as I can include audio files, build my own repertoire library and more. You might find this beneficial: https://pianopantry.com/online-music-labs-organizing-repertoire-tonara/ and this https://pianopantry.com/027-apps-i-use-daily/
Lastly, if you’re inquiring about note-reading games, if you have never tried it, running a “One Minute Club” is a fun way to progress students through note-learning! https://pianopantry.com/one-minute-club/