I have several large pumps of hand sanitizer in my home studio, and at my pianos. This is very important to me since I cannot always get up in between students. The average kid encounters billions upon trillions of germs daily. These germs have the lifespan of spreading to as many as 10+ people in hours. Bacteria double at an astronomical pace, and are living and growing.
 
As a musician, health is very important. We use our hands and often our mouths to operate our instruments, which leaves us vulnerable to invaders of the bacterial kind. Here are a few healthy tips to remember as a musician.
 

1. Never put your mouth on an instrument that isn’t yours, or hasn’t been extensively cleaned. Bad bacteria enter our body easiest through our orifices, and our mouth is a very common way to come into contact with nasty germs.
2. Wash your hands routinely. Before and after practice. The more often you clean your hands properly (Rinse, Lather, Scrub, Rinse, Dry) the less likely you will be to have bacteria lingering on your skin, or the debris on your skin.
3. Reduce hand shaking to a minimum. When you shake hands, you can gather more bacteria than you can when kissing a person. The surface space of the skin touching other skin is vast.  Keep wipes or sanitizer handy if you are the Concert Master or the Soloist in particular.
4. Don’t share food and beverages! I can’t emphasize this enough because this is exactly how I ended up with mono for six months in high school – sharing drinks with my friends. All musicians should keep a water bottle handy and full always. Make sure it has a cap or lid to keep harmful bacteria off the mouthpiece as much as possible.
5. Clean your instrument, cleaning rods/rags, case & lining weekly. Fabrics and materials can swarm with germs, and a regular weekly cleaning can keep them sanitary.
6. If you are on the go, invest in wipes or sanitizer. Be cautious of cheap hand sanitizers though. These can strip the good bacteria from your body. My personal favorite is Thieves Waterless Hand Sanitizer by Young Living. Use my member number 10456767 if you decide to make a purchase. It’s a club membership company, like Costco or Sam’s club, and if you don’t have a membership then you must be invited by someone with a membership, or you’ll be randomly assigned to a team leader (Basically a support contact). You can e-mail me directly for more info on this.
7. Don’t attend practice or lessons if you or someone close to you (in the vicinity or in your daily life) is even potentially ill. Seriously. Don’t. If you’re using your hands or mouth on your instrument, you could be doubling the spread of illness – particularly if you blow through your instrument. Make sure the people closest to you in lessons or performances aren’t ill as well. Protect yourself with supplements and extra hand washing if you are uncertain. Good immune boosters are:
   1. Elderberry
   2. Ginger
   3. Myrrh
   4. Oregano
   5. Vitamin C & D
   6. Echinacea
   7. Probiotics
   8. Ginseng
   9. Rosemary
   10. Thyme
   11. Cinnamon
   12. Eucalyptus
   13. Clove
   14. Inner Defense by Young Living
   15. Life 9 by Young Living
   16. Tons of water
8. Wipe everything down that you can. Germs LOVE to stick to surfaces you’d rather they not. The counter may have caught wind when someone (or you) blew their nose.  Door handles, music covers (non-paper), trash bins, counters, metronomes, tuners, batons, pens, pencils, erasers, or basically anything you can. Don’t be afraid to even get walls and windows. As little things like brushing up against them, or a breeze can transfer germs.
9. Avoid being in the crowd or get a flu shot. Mingling is an important part of life as a musician, and it often involves close contact, brushing up against people, using things they’ve used, etc. You can fight this with a flu shot, or even suggestion number 7 of fortifying your immune system with support from dietary additions and/or supplements.

Many people ask me this question, and inevitably, the answer is almost always no. It's usually the people that DON'T ask this question that aren't ready for their kiddo to be in a music lesson.

Many of my students begin or began lessons between the ages of 6 and 16. A few students have started later as adults, and only 1 of my students is under the age of 4.

The reason to not give a child a standard piano lesson and workload should seem obvious, but it often isn't to a parent, guardian, or well meaning benefactor.

1. If they don't know their alphabet, can't spell their name, and have no concrete grasp of writing, your child isn't ready. Students have to be able to read minimally and write/draw for their assignments and lessons.
   
   
2. If your child cannot communicate well verbally, your child isn't ready. Your student needs to understand concepts and ideas, and to verbally answer questions like "What is the volume of this song?" or "Do you understand?"
   
   
3. If your child cannot control their bathroom habits, your child isn't ready. You need to be able to get through a 30 minute lesson without wasting time being in another room not doing anything music related.
   
   
4. If your child cannot sit still and listen for up to 30 minutes, they are not ready. If they struggle in children's church, pre-school, daycare, in the car, at the doctor, or without toys and/or devices, your kiddo is not ready for lessons.
   
   
5. If your child has poor fine motor skills, they aren't ready. All students need to be able to move their fingers individually with relative ease. If they have difficulty eating or holding a crayon, steer clear of the piano as a serious subject.
   
   
6. If your child cannot follow instructions, they aren't ready. Lessons involve a lot of directions. Being able to mimic or repeat are good signs they follow instructions well. If your child spends a lot of time in time-out or crying because they can't get their way, then lessons aren't in the foreseeable picture.
   
   
7. If your child doesn't do well in a variety of settings and surroundings, they aren't ready. Lessons usually involve semi-stranger contact, being in the same room as other people such as a waiting student or parent, and different environments from loud and noisy, to quiet. Additionally, your child will be expected to complete practice and assignments at home. Pets, company, meal making, and cleaning are all things that can be distracting. Any student looking to begin serious study must be comfortable in a myriad of situations.
   
   

So, what is the IDEAL age to begin lessons?

Truthfully, I usually answer 5-6 years old. This is the point in life when kids are learning classroom habits and manners, and it is perfect timing to incorporate music. They are at their most fresh in learning skills.

Does that mean your student is ready? NO!

Does that mean every student is the same? NO!

I've had a few 5 year old students who are better than my teenagers/adults. In fact, I find that the WORST time to pick up an instrument is between the ages of 16 and 30. There is good intention, but zero commitment from about 85% of people walking into my studio at this age. The best times appear to be when kids are in elementary school, before they hit middle school and are asked to either join choir, band, or orchestra. Or conversely, when an adult has grown/growing children and are looking for an outlet, hobby, or stress reliever.

If you read this list above and don't see something you question with your student, great! I applaud your kidd-o for their desire to learn and love something.
​
If you read this list above and see some red flags, DON'T IGNORE THEM! Your kid might not be ready.... YET! Just give it some time, and soon they may have improved their skill set. Just, please PLEASE don't inflict the suffering through an unproductive lesson on any teacher knowingly. 

Practice is necessary for development as a musician regardless of whether or not you are serious, or you are just learning for fun. Sometimes practice can be stress inducing because we want to have fun, we can't focus, we're easily frustrated, or for other unmentioned reasons. Here are some great tips for how you can control your practice sessions without feeling overwhelmed or upset.

1. Follow your notes. Your teacher should be an excellent note taker. Bring a practice book to lessons with you, and ask your teacher to write down your assignments, and leave you helpful tips, strategies, and information. Your notebook should be a study guide for success. Write questions in it, put in practice information, draw some notes in there, etc.
2. Don't pick and choose. As tempting as it may be to only do the things you like, or to quit when you get discouraged, be authoritative. Tell yourself "No, I'm going to do this until it's done." Treat the unpleasant parts of practice like your least favorite foods or chores: Do them first, and they'll be over with! Everyone has to start with the basics, just like you did when you went to school for the first time. Everyone had to learn their ABCs. Music is the same. You can't truly learn anything until you've given it your best. Plus, you might find something out in the process! Many people discover they're good at jazz or ear training this way.
3. Use the "Chunking" method. We all run into tricky spots. Save your time and energy by practicing only the measure(s) that you struggle with, then adding a little around it at a time until you can play the whole piece. My personal philosophy is play your chunk until you can do it 3 times in a row with no mistakes, then you can play the whole song again.
4. Practice backwards. Every student I say this to has this insane look of incredulity on their face that says "That' not even possible!" But, I tell you it is! Start with the last measure of your song. Then play the last 2. Then the last 3. So on and so forth. It'll give you not only a new perspective on the piece, but give you insight into the sounds that you're creating. Out of context, they will sound unique, or different. This can greatly assist your ear training skills in addition.
5. Practice in a variety of environments. No, don't go out on the street corner and play (unless that's your jam), but try playing when you're in a quiet room, alone. Then try when the room is full of energy, people, or noise. Practice with people staring at you. Practice with people in the same room doing a different activity. Practice with a pet bugging you, practice with the doors/windows open. Try everything you can think of to make your experience a unique one, or a challenging one. Routines can become ineffective when we become too exposed. Stimulate your senses in other ways by challenging yourself in how you practice. Spend at least 1 practice session a week in a different environment to hone your focus, and your proficiency.
6. Move past mistakes. Everyone makes them. Get over it. We can't learn if we never miss an opportunity for a total flub. Ignore all mistakes and come back to them with the chunking method (see above).  Ignoring mistakes is good performance preparation. because you can't stop and restart during a performance. Make the most of the situation by learning from it.
7. Take frequent breaks from pieces. If this is the 99th time you've practiced that darn Mozart piece, let it wait. Take a day or two off of it completely and work on something different. Coming back to it later can give you a refreshed perspective on what you hear, see, and feel. You may also feel renewed energy with your practice.
8. Reward yourself. My motivation was always to keep a copy of a piece of music I wanted to learn handy, and tried a few bars or notes at the end of practice, or in between pieces. Maybe your motivation is to place a cookie on the piano, and as soon as you've practiced 15 minutes, you can eat it. Find what works best for you. I you're a techno-junkie, try 30 minutes screen time, 30 minutes practice time. Remember, it's all work and no play that will require some serious happy pills!
9. Surround yourself with support. You don't have to be a musical genius to play music. Remember, your family and friends should be kind and helpful when it comes to listening to you, giving you feedback, or offering guidance. If someone is negative, it can affect your whole output because your mind isn't in the right place. Be cautious of this. Simply not liking a song, and saying "That's terrible" are two different things. One is a personal opinion that doesn't affect you or your playing, while the other is potentially damaging. Parents should always say something encouraging during a practice session like "That was really good energy, could you play it again just like that?" or "Your attention to detail was great, and I think the more you practice the better it will get!"

These are just a few of my great tips to help you get the most out of your time at your instrument. Remember that hard work really does pay off and if you keep at it, you could really do something amazing with music! 

What are some fun things YOU do during your practices? I'd love to hear!

It might seem very clear that you need a set of books, and a willingness to learn. While these are great tools anyone must have, these are just the tip of the iceberg so to speak. So what do you really need?

1. A teacher you are comfortable with. If the person you've hired seems distant, disengaged, unenthusiastic, overly strict, or really awkward, chances are you may have picked the wrong person for the job. Don't be afraid to establish a cordial relationship where you ask each other how your day was, and to engage in small talk about anything exciting that has happened, or is going to happen. Whomever you hire, make sure that after a good solid 2 months of lessons, you feel confident in that teacher's skill, and charm. If you can't name 3 positives that will keep you happy and connected, find a new teacher.

2. Discipline. It takes a lot of focus and concentration to do everything you need to do. You must be able to sit correctly, hold your arms/hands in the right way, read the music without watching your hands, and so on. Self-control is the core of learning your instrument. If you are indulgent and lazy, you will not make the best student, and teachers will spend countless time correcting you - which in turn could make you less likely to enjoy lessons and more likely to quit at some point. Think hard about what you want to achieve, and make that goal a reality with perseverance. Don't give up.

3. A voice. When you don't understand something, speak up! If you love a song, tell your teacher. If you really enjoyed an activity or exercise, express that enthusiasm. If something is difficult, explain why. You are the one who is benefitting from the music, not the teacher. Be vocal about your needs, and your feelings and your teacher will know what you need.

4. Encouragement. Whether it's mom, dad, sister, cousin, aunt, grandma, or friend, have a support system in place. They should be willing and able to give you constructive feedback, and help set boundaries. If you have no one who is supporting you, it will be more difficult to be the star in your show.

5. A reward system. Clearly, learning something new can be difficult. Especially music, which is like learning another language. Be upfront with yourself on the time you have available to devote to music, and stick to a plan. If you have a favorite TV show to watch as an example, practice for 30 minutes, and then watch your television show. Make getting your music done less of a hassle through gifting yourself an indulgence. Finish practicing 1 song that felt like it took 3 hours? Eat a dessert of your choice. Feel stressed out and without enough time in your day? Practice after getting up in the morning, and then take a relaxing shower/bath.  Make music work for your lifestyle and hobbies with a reward system.

6. An attitude of humility. No one is perfect. You are going to make mistakes, and that is part of learning. Don't let your mistakes tether you. Let them happen, and then work through them. Everyone is capable of a break through. Think of it as if you were a 5 year old learning their alphabet in kindergarten: everyone has to do it, and some take longer than others. Everyone has their strengths and weaknesses. Be gracious when you do something correct as the feedback will always be more useful. Don't let a bad attitude spoil your education. You could miss out on a great experience or learning opportunity you might not otherwise have had.

7. Be honest. Never try to hide the fact that you didn't practice, or didn't complete an assignment. Learning music should always be at YOUR pace. If you have a super busy week, there are still things you can accomplish during the lesson even if you weren't able to practice. If you never practice, then you have to be honest with yourself. Maybe you need a better incentive to practice, or maybe you need to make the time for music in your day, and learn to cut other things out. Or maybe, music just isn't for you. And that's okay (and rare).
​
Knowing these things can make you or break you in your success as a student of piano. Getting the job done well should be part of everyone's goal when learning music. If you want to enjoy music, you must come willing to commit to these. Anyone can love music, but it takes an exceptional person to learn it. Let that be you!

DISCLAIMER: I am not a medical doctor, or person who holds a degree or position in the medical, scientific or research field. My education has come from my own experiences, so please speak with a medical professional before treating or handling any injury, and follow their advice. Make sure to tell them you (or your student) are a musician, and that this is important to your body's health and maintenance. This may help them determine how to go about your treatment without detriment. None of these statements are endorsed by a medical professional, or by the FDA.
 
Hand care is of the utmost important to all musicians. Injuries stemming from systematic abuse or from extraneous accidents can endanger the livelihood of a player at any age. Respecting your body and its comforts or limits is something we don't appreciate at a young age. That is why a football injury from high school can mean loss of enjoyment in life20 years later because you might be unable drive your daughter safely or comfortably to her soccer game, or swing her around in your arms, and so on.

Some of the most common injuries are the hardest to treat because healing can be a long process. Blisters, calluses, cuts, broken bones, pulled muscles, bruises, tendonitis, arthritis and carpal tunnel syndrome are among the most rampant issues we deal with as a musician. And, let's face it. Our hands are often the key to our instrument. So how should we care for them?

1. Short Nails = Better Control. The biggest benefit from short nails is control. It's like wearing sneakers to drive your car - you can feel and asses the road better than in flip flops or high heels. Short nails also = a less risky way to use our body, and mush less opportunity to contract tendonitis in the fingers (trigger finger).
   1. Trim your nails weekly.
   2. File rough edges and smoothly round the edges.
   3. Keep your nail about 1/4cm or about 1/16th of an inch below the puffy skin at your finger tip.
2. Trim cuticles and hangnails  IMMEDIATELY! This will keep your skin from tearing and creating sore spots on your fingers. Plus, you don't want to expose more germs to the piano with blood, plasma or infection pus. If you can feel it or see it, snip it gently away as close to the skin as possible.
   1. If you're like me and have a hard time trimming them down dry, soak your fingers, or make a habit out of doing this after you bathe.
3. Properly bandage any cut or blister, and use an antiseptic to clean it, and take a break from playing practice. Instead, choose writing or visual exercises that don't agitate your hand. I don't recommend playing with a band-aid on as your touch sense will be very off.
4. Use wash hands/sanitize and lotion religiously. Keep yourself protected. Even a small hang-nail can attract germs. Also, the lotion will help soften your hands to make them flexible and responsive. It also helps smooth rough, dry or itchy skin and works gently on calluses.
5. Use a round shape of the hand when playing, and try to keep your wrists straight at all times. This will fight against the potential for abusing the yielding joints young musicians or beginners may have. Follow your instructor's advice on the best techniques for your body, and your personal playing style/issues.
6. Only use finger power when necessary. Don't overuse your energy by always using finger power. Let your arm weight and wrist movements help guide your music in a flowing way to stay resilient. Chords should usually be played with arm weight. Quick passages should usually be played with finger power. Treat each section or measure in music as its own thing, and treat it accordingly with the right type of weight and body use.
7. Exercise Regularly. Like, every day. Do technique or technical skills, work your Hanon or your scales at a steady pace that gently stretches and warms up each finger and joint set. Keeping your fingers warmed up will make you more productive. Without those gentle stretches, you might find that attracting arthritis is easy. There are a lot of ways to exercise your fingers.
   1. Playing a scale
   2. Playing a technique study
   3. Playing an etude
   4. Gentle hand pumping
   5. Band stretches (weighted rubber bands that you can stretch with just your fingers
   6. Clip pinches (using a clip or something that pushes your muscles using weight)
   7. Reflexology, Yoga, Physical Therapy
   8. Washing hands in warm water, and drying them off (seriously, warms them up in two ways!)
8. Think before you act. This seems obvious, but don't reach for that heavy jar filled with prunes with one hand. Don't do volleyball directly before you play. Don't strain or push yourself without thinking of the potential hazards, or future consequences. You might be young and strong, but when you're 40 your body won't be if you don't put effort into how your joints, muscles, tendons, and bones are used in your hands.
9. Relax! This is something everyone gets frustrated with - an unresponsive or uncooperative hand/finger. If you just relax and stay persistent, you will achieve better results and more quickly too. Don't place tension in your hand if unnecessary. And don't go around giving everyone an "arm burn" either. Just be positive and let the stressed out finger sit comfortably, as if you're relaxing with your hand on the couch arm.

At the end of the day, you want your hands to feel good. You don't want to wake up a week from now with an aching pinky because you put all kinds of torque and pressure on your joint when playing. It would take weeks to months to years to heal properly if not caught and cared for. Be aware of how your hands are cared for. Stuff lotion in every possible place. Keep nail trimmers everywhere. Gently exercise and stretch before playing. Treat your body and hands with the respect they deserve.
​
I'll end with my favorite analogy for my younger students: Does Usain Bolt get up out of bed and run a marathon every morning? Nope. No marathon runner would do this without warming up and stretching. No one in their right mind jumps out of bed straight into a race without throwing on clothes, using the bathroom, washing up, stretching, etc. So, don't just sit down and play or practice. Put some thought into how you want to succeed, and you can accomplish anything.

If you, like many people, are limited on space, having a creative mind is key when it comes to enough space to practice, and also to store things. Musicians need places to hold books, scores, tools of the trade (metronomes, Kleenex, cleaning supplies, etc.) and their instruments, without impeding their lifestyle. And, unless you have a room you can dedicate to practice, you likely have to solve a problem with storage and cramping your home up, making it feel smaller than it is.

I was reading blogs and searching Pinterest today for some great ideas on space saving. My personal favorite that I've been using for years is using magazine holders to store books, scores, etc. They often fit perfectly into your bookshelf, and neatly organize all your music. You can leave them open to pull things out of, or turn them for a more aesthetic look.

If you don't have room in your piano bench, you need more dual purpose furniture. I read a great blog today by Kristen Uppercue that shows a fabulous way to hide shoes ... in your ottoman. An ottoman is perfect home accent if you share music space with living space. Stuff your books, reeds, metronome, flashcards, and other like materials into a storage ottoman that can be used during the normal times as a foot stool or sitting space. If you have an actual music room, it's handy to have these around for seating instead of a regular chair.

Shelving is obvious; you must have furniture to put things onto. Pick up a cheap bookshelf at IKEA or Target for less than the cost of dinner out for two, and neatly arrange your repertoire and materials close by your instrument. You could even store your instrument on top if you get a mid-sized shelf.
Another option Uppercue points out is that floating shelves can do wondrous things if put in the right locations. If you have a little nook by the door that isn't being used, buy or build a few floating shelves to use the space. If you have a really narrow space, floating shelves with a lip edge can hold up books like an art gallery, leave space to charge your device or even hold it up to record, and also to store pens/pencils/cleaning rods and things. If you are a keyboardist with a small electric or digital piano, these are fabulous to place above the instrument, within easy reach.

Throwing a rug down doesn't seem necessary to most people, but a tiny space means sound travels. If you have a saxophone student living in the 10x10 bedroom right next to yours, chances are there could be a great chance a rug on the floor (or even the wall) can help catch a little more of the sound reverb from bouncing off the walls. Uppercue thoughtfully points out that a lighter color will not only brighten up your space, but make it appear larger.

A performer needs a mirror. This sounds silly, right? But think about it. If you're a violin player, you might catch out the corner of your eye that having your hair long and loose isn't the best for your playing style. Having a mirror (or set of mirrors) handy within eye line can improve performance style. You can see if you're bobbing your head too much with the rhythm, or if your instrument is awkwardly grasped, etc. And added bonus, mirrors reflecting light create the illusion of airiness and space.
 
Placing a lamp close to the music stand, or having excellent lighting is important. You must clearly be able to read your music without eye strain. If you're a piano player without a desk lamp/piano lamp, you should check out sites like Amazon, PianoLamp.com, Target or Wayfair for relatively inexpensive to moderate solutions that won't break the bank and are stylish additions to your home. I personally recommend a metallic color that matches the color scheme of your home, not the hardware of the instrument. If you match the instrument, you run into monochrome issues, and the instrument itself should truly stand out - not the lamp. If you can't afford a good desk/piano lamp, getting a small book light and clipping it to your music stand as a very cheap way of making this work.

Use thoughtful arranging to make everything easy to reach. Small baskets with cleaning supplies or office supplies are important to have close at hand. If you have oddly shaped and stored objects like a metronome, this is a great way of getting things out of the way. If you can't grab a pencil while you're playing your instrument, you're not practicing efficiently.

If you have windows in your practice space, place the instrument to the side of the window, never directly in front. You don't want to be distracted or blinded, but you want good lighting and inspiration. Curtains and/or blinds are also a great idea if the outdoors are too distracting or bright, and great to close and keep light in the practice space at nighttime. If you're using curtains, Uppercue recommends matching the wall color to give the appearance of space. This works especially nicely with a linen or sheer fabric, which can let a little light in as well without feeling boxed in your practice area.

Finally, place your practice area close to a corner. Small space equals encroachment of the worst kind if you're a serious musician, or a child with developing organization skills. Let that area primarily serve as a practice space for this reason. Fill the space as vertically as possible, with as much storage as possible. A folding stand/chair and again dual purpose furniture will really help out here. Don't be afraid however, to spruce up this area with a plant, or decorative object like a bookend or inspirational quote. It'll help the flow in your home as well as look organized.

You can see Uppercue's full article with helpful picture tips here: www.hercampus.com/school/wvu/decorating-tiny-apartment

An essential oil is most easily described as the lifeblood of a plant or tree. Aromatherapy has proven that smells affect emotions and mood. As a musician, we have a unique perspective on emotions as mood. How we practice or perform can affect what our beliefs are, how we feel, and what we want or do not want.

There are 3 ways to use an essential oil

1. Through a Diffuser  (Electronic or jewelry) or Inhalation
2. Topical Application
3. Internal (food, drink or supplement)

My suggestions are mostly for diffusing or inhaling an essential oil to affect our temperament and mindset. However, there are tons of great topical uses for essential oils and the musician. I'm going to hit the key needs any musician needs in their practice, or performance, and which oils might be the best solution for enhancing our environment.

Focus and/or Clarity - Raise your hand if you have ever (or always) have a hard time staying on the page? Many kids struggle with being sensitive to their surroundings and atmosphere when learning music. Sometimes we just need a little help to tell ourselves to focus, or to see things more clearly.

• Bergamot
• Clary Sage
• Cypress
• Eucalyptus Globulus
• Fennel
• Frankincense
• Lemon
• Rosemary
• Tea Tree (Melaleuca Alternifolia)
• Vetiver

Performance Anxiety - Whether at the lesson, or in a public forum, anxiety attacks many people when it comes to the pressure and nerves. These oils can ease our thoughts and minds, and give us a sense of calm.

• Cedarwood
• Clary Sage
• Frankincense
• Lavender
• Neroli
• Orange
• Palmarosa
• Vetiver
• Ylang Ylang

Creativity - If you want to compose, or need ideas to work on, using oils can boost your state of mind to foster a productive and original setting in which we can work.

• Bergamot
• Jasmine
• Lemon
• Lime
• Orange
• Patchouli
• Rose
• Ylang Ylang
• Basil
• Cardamom

Alertness - Be honest with yourself, are you (or your student) practicing at your most alert state of mind? Likely, the cause of not being alert is tiredness, soreness, or hunger. Should you feel a lack of energy, these oils might be able pick up the senses to get you going.

• Angelica
• Bergamot
• Black Pepper
• Eucalyptus (Blue, Radiata, Globulus)
• Geranium
• Ginger
• Grapefruit
• Lemon
• Melrose
• Orange
• Peppermint
• Pine
• Rosemary

Relaxation - We all get stressed and burned out. To promote a healthy process of releasing emotions, tension and stress, we can try using some of these oils to get us to that point.

• Bergamot
• Chamomile
• Cinnamon
• Clary Sage
• Clove
• Geranium
• Jasmine
• Lavender
• Nutmeg
• Patchouli
• Peppermint
• Rose
• Vetiver
• Ylang Ylang

Enjoyment - Whether you have a poor relationship with your practice or music, or you just don't feel like it, using an essential oil for a boost of satisfaction or delight can make the difference in your music. Try a few of these to get your happy juices flowing.

• Bergamot
• Chamomile
• Citronella
• Grapefruit
• Jasmine
• Lemon
• Lime
• Neroli
• Orange
• Rose
• Sandalwood
• Ylang Ylang

Wellness - Are you sniffling? Is your throat sore? Are your ears ringing or inflamed? We all have times we don't feel our best. These suggestions may give you general support if you feel under the weather.

• Cinnamon
• Copaiba
• Eucalyptus Globulus
• Ginger
• Lavender
• Lemon
• Oregano
• Peppermint
• Rosemary
• Tea Tree (Melaleuca Alternifolia)
• Thieves

Moodiness -Face it; sometimes we have a love-hate relationship with ourselves, our teachers, our audiences, and our life. We all want to just have a crap day now and then, but that can affect our progress and growth as a musician. Want to stop feeling so unpleasant and ambivalent? Try these oils to mellow your mood and level yourself.

• Chamomile
• Cinnamon
• Clove
• Coriander
• Frankincense
• Ginger
• Grapefruit
• Lavender
• Patchouli
• Sandalwood
• Tangerine
• Ylang Ylang

Stress - We all get a little stressed out with music at times, and that's valid. It's difficult with the pressures associated. Try letting some of that go with an oil or two that can unwind your body and mind.

• Bergamot
• Cinnamon
• Frankincense
• Lavender
• Marjoram
• Patchouli
• Rose
• Rose
• Sandalwood
• Vetiver
• Ylang Ylang
• Ylang Ylang

You want to make sure you are using a quality product that has no additives and was produced by a responsible and transparent company such as Young Living. Do NOT buy oils if you haven't done proper research on WHAT exactly is in them, WHO is producing them, HOW they are being produced, and whether or not they comply with the FDA regulations.

I have chosen to do all of this, and become a member of the most responsible company on the planet who owns their own farms and has a fully transparent process that is open to the public.You can sign up to become a member and find out more from the experts on the subject, Young Living through this link:www.youngliving.com/vo/#/signup/new-start?sponsorid=10456767&enrollerid=10456767&isocountrycode=US&culture=en-US&type=member

Where can you get a great jewelry diffuser? You really want something that is stainless steel, and has an opening in the design allowing the oil fragrance to waft out. I prefer a necklace, but there are other types of bracelets and things as well. I use one of these: smile.amazon.com/Rose-Gold-Essential-Diffuser-Necklace/dp/B01IF1OJX4/ref=sr_1_18_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1505000900&sr=8-18&keywords=jewelry%2Bdiffuser&th=1
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Should you have questions or need advice, I'm a great resource and happy to recommend you to what works best for your musical dilemma. I diffuse during my lessons, which gives my studio the mood it needs every day to be successful. I change up what I use often as well, to make sure the benefits of all types of oils are available to be used by anyone needing its aroma.

Piano teachers have to stay up to date on the latest literature and methods for their students and their studio. Piano Adventures by Faber is one of the leading methods in the United States. With 3 separate focus approaches, they are a leader in methods available for beginning students. Piano Adventures presents several great and contemporary methodology series. Below is a list of those series, the levels incorporated, the age groups they are intended for, and the type of material they incorporate:

My First Piano Adventure
Preparatory A-C
5-6
Pre-Reading - Early Beginner

Piano Adventures
Primer - 5
6-11
Beginner - Intermediate

Accelerated Piano Adventures
1-2
11-17
Elementary - Early Intermediate

Adult Piano Adventures
1-2
18+
Elementary - Intermediate

 
In addition to the method studies, Faber has a vast catalog of supplemental material that will make any student's heart skip a beat. Each level of the standard piano adventures has a corresponding set of books (i.e. PreTime, PlayTime, etc.) with the following:

• Christmas
• Favorites
• Kids' Songs
• Hymns
• Popular
• Classics
• Jazz & Blues
• Rock 'n Roll
• Rag Time & Marches

If you think that isn't enough choices of materials to play and enjoy, there are even FURTHER sets of books. The Studio Collection is another neat addition. It is a set of pieces from the PreTime, PlayTime, etc. book sets that match each level of the method. For Example, the Level 1 Studio Collection has pieces from Kids' Songs, Classics and Favorites combined in one small anthology. Perfect for a variety or a student who just can't decide which they like best.
I Can Read Music, Scale and Chord Books, Once Upon A Rainbow, Piano Literature, and the Discover Improvisation books are additional supplements.

What are the benefits of using the Faber Piano Adventures Methods and supplements? Good question. Faber approaches music with a strong emphasis on the following:

Strong focus on developing music reading in logical sequence, illustrations are simple and do not detract from the material presented, printing size is large and appropriate, balanced musical styles presented from classics and traditionals to originals, students explore the entire keyboard by using a variety of hand positions early on, beginning off the staff allows for strong rhythmic development, reinforcement of each concept, pianistic pieces and/or arrangements, technique focused on using the body correctly and comfortably, logical introduction of patterns, development of both hands is equal and well structured, emphasis on the music itself as art, appealing music and lyrics, duets and improvisation, countless supplementary materials.

These are just the broad highlights of the Faber Piano Adventures method. As a teacher, I enjoy the Piano Adventures for the most part. Music is introduced in a highly approachable way. The likelihood of successful development as an artistic musician with using the Faber method is high, making it a competitive choice among piano teachers today. My only drawback is that this is a slower method, and as such, students will usually complete their books a lot sooner than expected. Personally, I wish there was a stronger emphasis on Theory with this series, and this is seriously lacking. The Theory books seem a waste of space as they often don't add much value to what is being learned. Drawing what you read is an integral part to understanding it - just as we all learned in pre-school or kindergarten with the alphabet. However, I have many requests to play favorite songs at recitals and these books really do justice to the performance aspect of music. I have never had a difficult time with this series, but I have had to move students to other methods due to the slow pace these take.

My preference for most students is the Alfred method. I do like this method though, and tend to use it with the very young beginner, and slower paced students. The books are inexpensive, easy to find at all music dealers and definitely worth an investment in the supplemental methods.

You can find a complete listing here:   pianoadventures.com/
 

Your hands are the most important part of your body as a pianist. In order to keep them in the best shape possible, you must use proper care and hygiene to keep them working and feeling their best on those bright white ivories.

1.          Wash Those Hands: This may seem ridiculous to state, but the truth of the matter is many musicians don't think about this when it's time to practice or perform. You obviously can't expect your 8 year old to get a good practice if they just ate a PB&J and sat down at the piano. Cleanliness really makes a difference. Slickness, stickiness, dryness, and foreign objects can all be a hindrance to a solid playing session. Things you (or your student) may have done that would constitute a hand washing directly before practice:

• Eating
• Petting an animal
• Using a topical product like lotion, salve, medication, etc. (Hand sanitizer is usually just fine, provided it's applied correctly.)
• Gardening or playing in nature
• Illness (coughing, sneezing, runny nose, sores or wounds, etc.)
• Using cleaning products or tools

2.            Protection: Wear gloves in cold weather to prevent dryness and chapping. Wear work gloves when gardening, using tools, moving heavy objects, or when using cleaning products. Keeping our hands healthy and ready to go at a moment's notice involves a little forethought. Something as simple as carrying a box of apples without gloves can cut, chaps or wears our hands out. Scrubbing the tub with a bleach product can dry out or chap our hands. These kinds of activities can also cause hangnails to form, or pull the cuticle away from the finger which can lead to lack of moisture, discomfort, and future hangnails.

3.            Manicures: You don't have to see a salon pro to keep your fingers trim, and smooth. Trim your nails weekly to keep them short enough to play without interference. File your nails' edges to keep them smooth and from preventing a good solid practice. Failure to do so can result in something as minor as snagging a nail on the edge of a key, to developing tendonitis or carpal tunnel syndrome. Trim your hang nails immediately. I tell my students to keep nail clippers and emery boards or files everywhere. A simple crystal file can last forever, and never needs to be thrown out or sharpened. Pick up inexpensive clippers or manicure tools at the local dollar store to stay on a budget, and place them in a container on or near the piano, in your bag or purse, at work, on your nightstand, in every bathroom, etc.

4.            Moisturize: It's best not to moisturize before playing because your pores may not have absorbed all the product, but make a routine of using lotion several times throughout the day. After using a moisturizer, wait at least 10 minutes, or until hands are fully dry before playing in order to allow maximum absorption. Soft hands can make a huge difference in touch sensation of the keys at any age. Try using something with aloe, vitamin E, and a natural moisturizer like Shea butter or an oil base (avocado, olive).  My personal favorite is creating my own lotion with beeswax, jojoba, and vitamin E and adding my favorite essential oils that support skin health like Frankincense, Lavender, and Tea Tree.
Find more out here, or become a member today! www.youngliving.com/vo/#/signup/new-start?sponsorid=10456767&enrollerid=10456767&isocountrycode=US&culture=en-US&type=member

5.            Technique & Exercise: Look, if you want to be a great piano player, or musician of any type, you must exercise your hands! Technical works are a great way to do this. Ask me for a recommendation based off your skill level and the areas you need improvement on, and I can find the right material for you. Some suggestions:

• Beautiful Etudes - www.alfred.com/beautiful-etudes-book-1/p/00-19797/
• A Dozen A Day - www.halleonard.com/product/viewproduct.action?itemid=414222&subsiteid=64&
• Hanon: The Virtuoso Pianist - www.halleonard.com/product/viewproduct.action?itemid=50256970
• Czerny School  of Velocity - www.halleonard.com/product/viewproduct.action?itemid=297084&subsiteid=2
• Technical Skills - www.alfred.com/technical-skills-level-1-2/p/00-6583/
• Mikrokosmos - www.halleonard.com/product/viewproduct.action?itemid=48011582
• Improve Your Sight Reading - www.amazon.com/Piano-Grade-Improve-Your-Sight-Reading/dp/0571533000
• Scales Chords and Arpeggios - www.alfred.com/the-complete-book-of-scales-chords-arpeggios-cadences/p/00-5743/
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It does matter how we treat our hands. We have not instrument to play without them. Taking the proper precautionary care will ultimately result in the best practice to the best performance possible.

You need a practice basket. Don't even think about arguing with me about this, you need one.
What the heck is a practice basket? It's a useful resource for any budding musician to keep handy on, or near their instrument and practice space. It will help you (or your student) be most successful in practice at home, or any location.

I suggest going to any dollar store where they will have most everything on this list, but you can of course use things you already have around the house, or purchase the products you already love. How you get these items makes no difference to me, the teacher.

1. Start with a small basket that is at least 4"x 4", on up in size. They don't (and shouldn't) need to be large. Recommendations: www.dollartree.com/Cleaning-Storage/storage-organization/Storage-Baskets-Caddies/1470c541c1518/index.cat. You can even get one with a handle if you go to difference practice locations (i.e. practice rooms at college or school, church, etc.), or do a zippered pouch if you tend to drop or lose things.
2. EVERY musician needs a pencil. I'd throw in a standard, and a mechanical pencil.
3. A pencil sharpener. See above.
4. An eraser. Why? Because
   1. You could run out of eraser on your pencil
   2. Sometimes, you need more power than a pencil eraser. I'd get a heavy duty one like this: www.officesupply.com/school-supplies/student-teacher-supplies/basic-school-supplies/pencil-erasers/sanford-eraser/p68960.html?ref=%3Dpla&product_id=68960&adpos=1o3&creative=164963952930&device=c&matchtype=&network=g&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI5bDrxrGe1gIVA6xpCh3zigr2EAQYAyABEgLrCPD_BwE
5. Highlighters in different colors. Personally, I recommend at least 3 different colors. Musicians often need something to draw attention to details like dynamics, articulations, and such. Having a variety is useful if you say "all dynamics are a yellow" and "all notes I miss are pink" as an example.
6. Post-its. If you are a person who writes reminders, phone numbers, directions, etc. down, and need them handy, you need post-its. Also, they work as page markers really well. If you get quality ones you can move them often too.
7. Digital metronome. All musicians should have a metronome handy. Yes, I know you can put it on your phone. But, let's say the one on your phone doesn't have a blinking option because it was a free app ... or maybe you ran out of battery power and don't have your charger on you, etc., having that digital metronome handy is essential. Personally, I have 5 metronomes. Two are even built into my keyboards, and I STILL use a free standing digital one. Also, pendulums often are either too large, awkward or delicate to fit in the baskets and be lugged around.
8. A rhythm device. Maracas, Tambourine, Egg shaker, Rhythm sticks, or as I prefer, a train whistle. These make the ever tiresome clapping and counting fresh and fun.
9. A Pad of Paper. Because maybe you thought of something, or maybe you need a lengthy note. Whatever it is, having a pad handy is extremely helpful. It can remind you to look up a term that you've never heard/seen before, or remind you that you practiced for 20 minutes on a piece of music.
10. Hand sanitizer. Face it, germs are everywhere.
11. Kleenex. See above. Also, combine the two as a quick wipe for using an instrument that's not yours, like the ancient pianos in the practice rooms at school.
12. A clothespin (or two). If you play an instrument that requires strong fingers, these are a great exercise device. Do ten reps with fingers 1 and 2, 1 and 3, etc. Also, they double as clips to hold music in place, or help troublesome books to stay open.

After you put your basket together, keep it in an easy to find/reach location and USE IT religiously. You can of course add things to it that you want/need (i.e. lotion, eye drops, reeds, cleaning cloths, lip balm, etc.), but all the items I listed are the key components you should always have available. Replace items that break, or are no longer useable as needed. This is again why the dollar store is an excellent place to get what you need for your practice basket.

At the end of my most recent recital, Spring of 2017, I had each student build their own practice basket, and explained why they needed the items in it. I loaded up at the dollar store, and only spent about $30 out of pocket for around 20 students. I'd say it was a steal since I didn't have to pay for the recital space!

If you have more than 1 musician in your home, I strongly urge you to have a practice basket for each. Young children will ultimately want to make sure what's theirs is theirs, but we older musicians like to use reliable products and know that brand we love is always in there.

There are of course many ways to create a practice basket, so I'd love to hear what you put, or have in yours! Take a photo too, I'd love to see it.