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Student's Equipment

Access to Mrs. Parker’s Music Library

All students have access to the materials of Mrs. Parker's music library. Materials such as CD's, DVD's, books and sheet music may be checked out for 30 days. Under no circumstances are the materials be used to photocopy and/or to avoid purchase of lesson books. Damaged materials will have to be replaced. Over time, I do recommend to build your own selection of music books/sheet music. 

Piano Student’s Equipment

A traditional acoustic piano or an electronic piano is mandatory equipment before piano lessons can be started. The piano at home can be acoustic or digital and should preferably have 88 keys, pedals and a bench of the correct height. (For younger students, a footstool may be necessary.) After a couple of years of lessons and a greater musical maturity, it becomes more and more urgent to own an acoustic piano because the student will desire to have the greater responsiveness and resonance that the acoustic piano provides. The following websites provide additional information about purchasing a piano: 

For younger students (whose feet do not reach the floor): Adjustable Piano Foot-Pedal Stool/Platform - no pedal extensions, please!

  • Sheet Music (The expense for books will be separate from tuition)

  • A piano-lamp or any lamp/lighting

  • Metronome

  • Music Dictionary (see suggested reading list)

  • Pencils (no pens in music!)

  • 3-ring binder for music and assignments with dividers

  • Optional: Staff paper

  • Flashcards 

  • Bag to carry your books

Piano Tuning

Acoustic pianos should be tuned at least once a year. New pianos may need to be tuned more often. It can be frustrating for students to practice on a piano that is out of tune. Following problems need immediate repair:

  • Piano is out-of-tune.

  • Keys do not play at all, especially an often-used key near the middle of the piano.

  • Keys stick or will not repeat as fast as needed.

  • Missing ivories (key-tops) – a terrible hindrance to fingers that are trained to be sensitive.

  • Mechanical problems with the pedals.

Violin/Viola Student’s Equipment

Each student is required to rent/own a violin or viola, bow and case. Local music stores may be the best sources and there are several online possibilities to purchase or rent a violin/viola. After a couple of years of lessons and a greater musical maturity, it becomes more and more urgent to own a violin or viola. The student will desire to have an instrument that he/she has chosen by the quality of sound and can call his/her own.

  • An extra set of strings (violin: E-A-D-G strings, viola: A-D-G-C stings)

  • Rosin

  • Sheet Music (The expense for books will be separate from tuition.)

  • Music stand

  • Metronome/Tuner

  • Music Dictionary (see suggested reading list)

  • Pencils (no pens in music!)

  • 3-ring binder for music and assignments with dividers

  • Optional: Staff paper

  • Flashcards

  • Bag to carry your books

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