Favorite Materials

Instruments: violin, viola, cello, & piano

Level: beginner-early intermediate

Used for: finger shape

Buy here: https://amzn.to/2oW7M0I

As addictive as bubble wrap (and way easier on the ears)! This is an incredible... Read more

Height adjustable, nicely angled, solid construction with grippy rubber feet.

Instruments: piano

Used for: posture

Buy here: https://amzn.to/2x5w5wQ

ALL child pianists need a footrest! Any appropriately sized or adjustable footstool will do in a pinch, but a pedal extender is ideal since we use the sustain pedal from the beginning.

Instruments: piano

Level: all

Used for: posture

Buy here: https://amzn.to/2NznmgS

This is the one I use for my acoustic piano! A solid piece of furniture. Height adjustable with a comfortable cushion and substantial storage area inside bench. Room for two players to sit comfortably.

Instruments: piano, cello, guitar

Level: all

Used for: posture

Buy here: https://amzn.to/2CPaLSG

This is similarly priced and even better than the one I use for my electric piano. ;-) When mine bites the dust, I plan to replace it with this one! Lightweight, adjustable height bench with firm supportive cushion for any age piano players (add footstool for younger pianists) and teen/adult cello and guitar players. Room for two kids to sit side by side; a bit of a squish for two adults.

Instruments: piano

Level: child beginner

Used for: keyboard geography, decor

Buy here: https://amzn.to/2N3Kuoi

A great beginners' resource! My students love to decorate these piano rugs by putting various objects on different keys/key groups, practice short songs on them, and hold them up to show high vs. low pitch aligned with gravity.

Instruments: violin, viola, cello

Violin case: https://amzn.to/2CGGZPN

Viola case: https://amzn.to/2CFuSSW

Cello case: https://amzn.to/2x2jgn0

Bam is the gold standard for cases. Lightweight, shock absorbent, ingeniously crafted, utterly unbeatable.

Instruments: cello

Level: all

Used for: posture

Buy here: https://amzn.to/2oYt3XI

Guarantee your cello endpin stays where you put it! Fully adjustable for all ages/sizes, durable, and fits in the average rosin/strings case pocket.

Instruments: violin and viola

Level: beginner

Used for: posture

Buy here: https://amzn.to/2QknWNO

Great for beginner pinkies that need a little extra guidence to find that elusive balance on top of the bow stick!

Everest 4/4 violin shoulder rest: https://amzn.to/2wZG9HO

Everest 1/2-3/4 violin shoulder rest: https://amzn.to/2QkTMKv

Everest 1/10-1/4 violin shoulder rest: https://amzn.to/2x2XdfY

Everest 15"-16.5" viola shoulder rest: https://amzn.to/2QjARj4

Flesch violin chin rest 4/4 size: https://amzn.to/2NzOIn4

Flesch violin chin rest 3/4-4/4 size: https://amzn.to/2N1JiBI

Wittner violin chin rest 1/4-1/2 size: https://amzn.to/2QltaZU

Wittner violin chin rest 1/16-1/8 size: https://amzn.to/2x1gUF3

Flesch viola chin rest: https://amzn.to/2N75fPZ

If a violinist/violist is uncomfortable when the shoulder rest and instrument are properly placed, a center mount chin rest is often the solution! Flesch rests are ebony/metal and Wittner are hypoallergenic plastic.

Violin set with loop end E string: https://amzn.to/2oYxCRQ

Violin set with ball end E string: https://amzn.to/2O7XRjG

Make sure you select the right set for your instrument! Some E string fine tuners have a hook to put a loop around and others have a double prong to put a ball end into. Ask if you need help!

Larsen set of viola strings with ball end A string: https://amzn.to/2NzZkCe

Evah Pirazzi set of viola strings with removable ball end: https://amzn.to/2N68Sp9

Obligato set of viola strings with ball end A string: https://amzn.to/2O9LFPD

Cello strings: https://amzn.to/2NAJqYg

I love this combination of strings and am so happy it is now sold as a cross-brand set instead of needing to buy each individually.

Full size classical guitar nylon strings: https://amzn.to/2x2iZka

3/4 size classical guitar nylon strings: https://amzn.to/2oX0l9u

1/2 size classical guitar nylon strings: https://amzn.to/2NzQMLJ

Strad pad (standard size): https://amzn.to/2oYQ0Km

Strad pad (large): https://amzn.to/2Qj0GQp

Chin smart: https://amzn.to/2x1mGXb

These chin rest covers help keep sensitive skin from reacting to friction/sweat while playing.