recommendations
Looking for recommendations? Here you can find a list of resources for my favorite tools, products, and retailers. (Disclaimer: some of these are affiliate links - this means that if you make a purchase because of my recommendation, I may receive a small commission that helps keep my website running at no additional cost to you.)
pianos
There’s really no substitute for an acoustic piano, and I’d be happy to visit a local retailer with you to help you find the right piano for you when you’re ready to take that step. I personally recommend Southern Nevada Music and Family Music Centers, who sell both new and used pianos. If an acoustic instrument isn’t in the cards for you yet, that’s okay! For many people a good quality keyboard is a great way to start learning how to play before making a large investment. The biggest thing to keep in mind here is that when it comes to keyboards you get what you pay for. I don’t recommend purchasing anything for less than $500. My favorite online retailer is Sweetwater - they offer high end customer service, free shipping, financing options, and often have bundling deals or used models available for a lower price point. These are some of my top picks for keyboards arranged approximately by cost:
voice recorders
Many students like to use a smartphone or tablet for recording and storing warmups, solfege exercises, and guide melodies. If you don’t have regular access to one or would prefer a separate device for your vocal recordings, here are some handheld digital recorders that have worked well for students over the years:
sheet music
Sheetmusicplus is a great go-to for tons of sheet music. They frequently have sales for method books and popular series, and there’s almost always at least one coupon available for orders. This is where I go if I want to browse new books before buying - their previewing options are the best I’ve found. If finding original pieces and arrangements is your thing, their SMP Press program is used by composers all around the world (including myself!) to share unique and original sheet music.
I also love Virtual Sheet Music for digital browsing and instant printing. If you’ve never heard of it, it’s definitely worth exploring! They provide audio samples for all genres and are constantly making things (even classical pieces!) available for free.
A great new resource is TopMusicMarketplace - designed specifically for music teachers and students! You can find not only sheet music but plenty of music games and books too, many of them available for free! If you’re interested in discovering and supporting music teachers who are passionate about creating resources for other music lovers, this is the place to explore.
If there was a “best loved by students” award for a sheet music provider, it would go to musicnotes. Featuring classical and pop, famous and modern composers alike, musicnotes provides instant printable downloads, free integration with apps, and the ability to transpose music to any key!
Of course, if I need something quickly, Amazon is the place to go. Even though their savings don’t add up like some of the other retailers, you can’t beat the convenience of 2 day shipping!
metronomes
You can find a free metronome in places like the App Store and Virtual Sheet Music, but if you’re looking to purchase a physical metronome, these are my top two picks:
Matrix MR500 Compact Quartz Metronome - high quality “lifetime” purchase
Mini Digital Metronome - inexpensive and compact metronome, great for traveling to practice rooms, rehearsals, auditions, etc.
sites & services
Canva - the (free) secret behind 90% of my web and social media design
The Careful Move - professional, courteous, worry-free piano movers - I’ve had nothing but stellar experiences using this company to move my precious musical cargo!
The Music Stand - a one stop shop for any kind of music gift or accessory you can imagine!
Vibrant Music Teaching - a (literal) game-changer! If you’re a teacher, Nicola’s music games have made a world of difference with my students; if you’re a parent, you might want to consider getting access to tons of game-based learning resources by becoming a member yourself!
Music Theory - exercises to help you practice your key signatures, intervals, ear training, and more
Sweetwater - if you’re looking for any kind of music gear, it’s not even a competition. Sweetwater has the best selection and customer service around, fast shipping, and often the best prices. They can’t be beat!
books & products
Concone School of Sight-Singing - a great resource for voice students wanting to improve their ability to sing by sight using solfege syllables. Accompaniments are recorded as needed and uploaded here for anyone’s use.
Cory Piano Polish - the only product line recommended for use in cleaning and maintaining pianos by the Piano Technicians Guild
Marchesi Vocal Method - my go-to book for adult and late intermediate voice students working on sight-singing, strength, agility, and consistency. Accompaniments are recorded as needed and uploaded here for anyone’s use.
Staff Paper - free, printable, instant, unlimited!
additional gear & Equipment
If you’re interested in working on your own recording or music production projects, you’ll probably need some additional gear at some point. Here are my top recommendations for everything I regularly use:
Blue Yeti USB Condenser Microphone - a convenient and user-friendly microphone option that plugs right into the USB port of your computer.
Novation Midi Keyboard Controller - I love this little keyboard for music programming! Also a great option for looping and live performance, it’s much easier to transport than a full-size midi capable keyboard.
M-Audio Midi Keyboard Controller - if you’re looking for a small midi keyboard without as many bells and whistles, this model covers all the basics and is less than $60.
USB-MIDI Cable - connect your keyboard or keyboard controller to your computer and enjoy the convenience of making music with midi technology with this cable.
Music Stand - a quality music stand is invaluable to practice and performance. This easily adjustable Manhasset model is my favorite.
Round Base Mic Stand - no one wants a mic stand that falls over easily - I’ve never had a problem with this weighted model.
Pop Filter - sure, you can go the pantyhose/wire hanger route, but this nifty pop filter will make you feel like a professional studio musician for a low price.
Expandable Phone Holder - if you’re looking for something to hold keep you phone in place at any angle to film your music, this little gadget does the trick! You don’t have to remove your phone case to use it and it will attach to just about any mic stand or boom arm to meet all your music video needs.
Portable PA System - chances are you won’t need your own portable PA, but if you’re really looking to rock out this is a fantastic option. With dual speakers, eight channels, and weighing less than 40 lbs, this little system works hard!