Click Below to Listen to Episode 196
*This page contains affiliate links, which earn me a small commission. Rest assured, all recommendations are my own, made in the absence of any icky, ulterior sales motives.
Microfiber Cleaning Glove
Instruments, bookcases, devices... our studios are full of items that collect dust. These gloves make for quick, effective work.
Sticky Notes
Music Teachers have a love affair with quality office supplies. Seeing this brightly-colored multipack of sticky notes is enough to make any teacher's heart go pitter-patter. (PS: I'm a big believer in the superiority of Post-It brand, Super Sticky notes).
Transparent Sticky Notes
No, they're not Post-It Brand, but the variety of sizes and styles of these TRANSPARENT sticky notes are an absolute treasure-trove for music teachers.
FriXion Erasable Highlighters
This case of 33 erasable highlighters is SURE to bring a smile to your music teacher's face.
Owala Bottles
I've been singing the praises of Owala for YEARS and they are finally catching up in popularity.
A hydrated teacher is a happy teacher... and the unique sip/pour design of this bottle makes drinking water a more enjoyable experience. It just does.
(Note the "Concert Black" design for gigging musicians)
Automatic Three-Hole Punch
My manual three-hole punch was one of those things that caused me an irrational amount of frustration. My mother-in-law gifted me this for Christmas and I can't imagine going back. Now, I smile every time I pop worksheets or printed music into my students' binders.
Monk Manual
We are all guilty of thinking a new planner will change our life. I can't make any promises, but I'll say: this one *is* pretty powerful. Monk Manual comes with unbelievable follow-up support and somehow strikes a balance between function and depth I have yet to experience with any other planner. Use code BEYONDMEASURE at checkout to save 10%.
The Artist's Joy: Merideth Hite-Estevez
A beautiful, ACTIONABLE collection of reflections to help you connect with your true Artist Self.
Lego Projects
Teaching is such a rigorous mental workout; it's wonderful to get lost in a tactile-heavy project. Lego flowers have become a popular conversation piece in my studio, making this a great teacher gift that brings lasting enjoyment.
Sweet and Spicy Tea from Good Earth
An easy-to-enjoy tea that seems to suit just about everyone; caffeine free to avoid unwanted jitters
Dry Erase Staff Boards
I use these in nearly every lesson I teach, and give them away to every pedagogy student I work with. They are essential to how I teach students to read notation... not to mention aural skills, rhythmic relationships, and so much more.
This board is sturdy and stands up to heavy use from my group classes.
2000 Plus Interchangeable Stamps: Teacher Edition
I quit stickers cold-turkey many years ago, though I've absolutely LOVED keeping reusable stamps from 2000Plus around for when inspiration strikes.
The happy face and thumbs-up stamps come in endlessly handy, and students go CRAZY for the opportunity to stamp their own page.
Goodbye messy stickers!
Lollipop Drum
I have a lot of supplementary percussion instruments, but this one is a favorite. Its timbre is pleasant and the slim profile allows for easy storage. If a student is having a challenging moment, I can hold the handle myself (which means I can take it away anytime I need!). My students sometimes use it in place of the key cover for "tabletop practice" because of the helpful resonance.
Bongo Drums
...speaking of percussion instruments... this is a sturdy set that works on your lap, on the table, or under your arm. I like having two sizes of drumheads; perfect for drilling rhythms in each hand, or letting the larger drum represent the macrobeat (while the smaller allows for the microbeat).
Marble Mesh Fidget Toys
Fidget toys are having a real "moment" in recent years, but if you are looking to curb students' habits of playing while you are talking, THIS is what you need.
Sometimes students just need something to do with their fingers, and the piano keys are their most obvious solution. Without saying a word, I will often pass a fidgety student one of these marble mesh toys.
They are quiet, require no brain power, yet provide that physical stimulus many anxious students need.
PS: You will also often find one of these in MY hand while I'm teaching online (since confining my movements to a small screen often leaves me feeling fidgety).
Atomic Habits: James Clear
The instant-classic on how we become who we are.
Intelligent Music Teaching: Robert Duke
My go-to recommendation for studio music teachers looking to challenge the status-quo
The Gifts of Imperfection: Brene Brown
I re-read this book every January because it centers me in my work with others, and in better understanding myself.
We had an EXCELLENT book story via the Patreon Community in January 2024. Access to video discussions is still available to members of the "Learning Together" Patreon tier.
The Mindful Musician: Vanessa Cornett
If you know anything about Vanessa Cornett, you know she is sincere and thorough in her search for wellness.
I consider this book to be THE definitive source of mindfulness practices for musicians, packed with research and anecdotes to help us as teachers, performers, and human beings.
Vanessa's writing style is authoritative-yet-accessible, making it an easy read (though full of deep ponders).
Big Magic: Elizabeth Gilbert
Big Magic is a favorite amongst Creatives, and with good reason. It's packed with food-for-thought and encouragement to put those insecurities aside and DO THE THING.
The Ways Children Learn Music: Eric Bluestine
This book is widely-regarded at the best starting point for Music Learning Theory (MLT), developed by Dr. Edwin Gordon.
Under Pressure: Lisa Damour
A focused look into the everyday stressors of young women - with the bulk of the applications relevant to any gender.
Burnout: Emily and Amelia Nagoski
The premise of "unlocking the stress cycle" is pretty game-changing. This is an easy read, full of applicable suggestions to combat the physical manifestations of stress that can, indeed, lead to that nasty phenomenon of burnout.
Questions and Answers: Frances Clark
A compilation of (the QUEEN!) Frances Clark's published columns from Clavier magazine. Because there truly is nothing new under the sun, this advice holds true today, more than ever.
Every Good Boy Does Fine: Jeremy Denk
When it comes to memoir, this one is absolute perfection. I find myself savoring every word.
Say Yes: Scott Erickson
My very favorite kick-in-the-pants book for Creatives. This read is for everyone needing a reminder to let your light shine. Lots of (non-denominational) spirituality here, FYI.
Joyful: Ingrid Fetell Lee
A scientific examination of the objects in life that spark universal joy. This book changes the way you see the world (for the better).
Looking for More Lists?
Find Christina's Recommendations for Supplemental Repertoire Here
A "drop in the bucket" of some collections I can't teach without
Find Christina's Favorite Teacher Things Here
Some - but not all - items overlap with this list.
