Metronome

A metronome keeps time within a set tempo (speed). Practicing, daily, with a metronome promotes steady playing. Every student should own a metronome, either as a phone app or a manual one.

I recommend this particular metronome because the tempo numbers are clear and easy to read and the LED lights at the top can offer an additional visual aid for students as they are learning to play in time.

The ear piece is an excellent addition. The metronome is easy and portable so if the student needed the metronome during a recital, they could easily plug in the earpiece and keep time privately.

A simple clip-on tuner, perfect for guitars or ukuleles. I have several other similar ones that I use as well.

You can take it anywhere with you. The visual element is the easiest for beginner and very convenient for advanced musicians. I recommend this little tuner over tuning with the keys on the piano because the visual indicator doesn’t require the student to have a good tuning ear.

Flash Cards

An excellent tool for beginning students. They are the same flash cards I use and recommend to all students.

Adjustable Piano Bench

Sitting properly at the piano promotes good technique and healthy posture.

I use a similar piano bench for lessons, that is easily adjusted for students of varying height.

Piano Pedal Extender & Footstool

In addition to a bench of proper height, a footstool is sometimes also needed for young students. When their feet hang off the bench, stretching to reach the floor, their posture becomes compromised. Students should be able to sit up straight with their feet firmly planted on the ground or a footstool.

By Book 2 (often within the first year), students are using the sustain pedal (pedal on the right) and will need to be able to reach it.

Admittedly, the pedals are very difficult to engage on this pedal extender, and the middle pedal is not a necessity for students young enough to require an extender. However, the large platform can be used for a footstool even without engaging the pedals, eliminating your need to purchase both a pedal extender and a footstool. It is easily adjustable from 5.5” to 9”.