Teaching a New Student (Part 2/4): What to Bring

For the Teacher...

For the Student...

• Music (sample music for beginners and relevant music for non-beginners)
• Pencil
• Blank paper
• Staff paper (different sizes work best for different age groups)
• Practice logs

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Optional

• Instrument (for modeling and/or borrowing)
• Music Stand
• Small whiteboard with markers
• Clipboard
• Folder for student's music
• Water
• Incentives (stickers, pencils, erasers, etc.)

• Instrument*
• Music
• Pencil
• Music Stand, if applicable
• Instrument accessories/cleaning supplies, if applicable (chin rest, cork grease, cleaning rod/cloth, etc.)

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​Optional:

• Water

Remember to bring aids for students who may require adaptations (stickers, whiteboard markers, labeled or color-coded music, a ChordBuddy, oversized picks, etc.)

*A Quick Note

Hopefully the student has an instrument already, or perhaps they are renting one from your studio or organization.

However, instruments can be expensive, and some families who are trying out lessons for the first time may not be ready to invest an instrument for the first lesson.

If that's the case, consider bringing something tangible for the first lesson, whether it's an extra pencil to demonstrate fingering positions, or a printout of a keyboard or guitar fretboard.

​If you happen to have an extra instrument, you can bring it if you are comfortable with the student using it. Make sure to sanitize the instrument before and after the lesson!

For students who are ready to purchase an instrument, encourage them to try out instruments at local music stores to see what feels comfortable and sounds good to them.

Remember that this is going to be their instrument, not yours. You do not need to give them a list of your dream specifications; instead, you can help by explaining what different features mean and, if requested, by preparing a list of recommendations at various price points.

Please respect families' budgets and do not be judgmental or pushy. If you are concerned about them purchasing an inferior quality instrument because it's cheaper, you can also suggest buying a used instrument.