materials
Student are responsible for supplying supplemental materials for their lessons and instruction. I've provided an overview for each of the disciplines (voice & piano) and links to area music stores.
voice
Each student is responsible for supplying a spiral notebook that is brought to each lesson. Their weekly assignments are recorded in this notebook along with lesson-specific notes and observations.
Voice students can work on a varied assortment of songs depending upon what skill we are working toward. If the singer is school-aged and interested in participating in school-sponsored competitions (i.e. Solo and Ensemble, UIL, All-Region, etc.) the song selection from these programs are perfect choices.
College audition music will be collaboratively chosen. Outside music is welcome, as long as it is helpful in working toward our goals.
piano
Each student is responsible for supplying a spiral notebook that is brought to each lesson. Their weekly assignments are recorded in this notebook along with lesson-specific notes and observations.
Students interested in piano instruction will be required to purchase a series of books for their appropriate skill level. The books are entitled “Alfred Basic Piano Series” and there are a series of skill levels beginning with Level 1a.
For example, a beginner would purchase the Alfred Basic Piano Series Level 1a Technique Book, Lesson Book, Theory Book, and Recital Book. The Hymn Book and Christmas Book are optional.
Anything that a student wishes to study in addition to these books is welcome. We will agree on additional material together.
supplier links
Lesson materials can be purchased at the following music stores either online, in person, or both. These suppliers are also excellent resources for acquiring musical instruments. While all of these retail outlets sell new instruments I would encourage you to consider the pre-owned and rental markets as alternatives to purchasing new instruments.
Nadine's Music Manor - Instructional materials I use for piano students
Music Manor - General supplier for music materials and instruments
Half (eBay) - Instructional materials I use for piano students
Piano Gallery - Piano retailer
Brook Mays - Instructional materials I use for piano students
Alfred - Publisher for instructional materials I use for piano students
JW Pepper - Instructional materials I use for voice students
Guitar Center - An excellent source for many musical supplies and an extensive selection of electronic keyboards
purchasing an instrument
For piano students, especially those just starting out I would recommend that electronic keyboards be given careful consideration in lieu of purchasing a piano. Doing so will enable the student (and parents if applicable) to assess the long term interest in their instrument of choice and instrument upgrades can be accomplished as skills mature.
While the price and quality of all instruments, no matter how they produce sound can vary dramatically, a piano requires careful thought during the purchasing process and its impact within the home, either positive or negative, must also be considered.
Electronic keyboards (soft and sustain pedals are required) tend to be more portable (i.e. can be stored in a bedroom), headset-enabled (i.e. quiet), and relatively affordable. Although nothing can replace the traditional piano for its history, brilliance, and physical presence electronic keyboards can open new creative directions for aspiring musicians along with the conveniences I've already mentioned.