Online Music Resources:
Purchase Music Books Here:
Click images to link to Amazon. Prices not listed as cost may fluctuate on Amazon.com.
My First Piano Adventures
Book A Set
For pre-reading beginners, suggested age 2.5 to 5
Introduces rhythm, singing, and body learning at the piano; no staff reading.
My First Piano Adventures
Book B Set
The second set after completing Book A for Pre-Reading Beginners
This book set gets the younger beginner into the Grand Staff for the first time!
My First Piano Adventures
Book C Set
The last of the MFPA set before going on to the Level 1 Red Book series!
Go on to the red Level 1 books following this set.
This book allows the young beginner into faster and more interesting styles of playing with their learned concepts from books A & B.
Piano Adventures Primer Set
For beginning piano students aged 6-11
This book set goes from rhythm and body learning to full staff reading, to be followed by the red Level 1 books.
Piano Adventures Level 1 Set
For use after completing Primer Level books, or the 3 MFPA book sets A, B & C.
This book set brings in new notation concepts and more complex techniques.
Piano Adventures Level 2A Set
To be used after completing the red Level 1 books; this set brings in new rhythm reading and different hand positions away from our familiar C position.
Piano Adventures Level 2B Set
This is the beginning of intermediacy at the piano - the student learns larger hand distance playing, new positions and key signatures, along with more nuanced rhythms in jazz and blues stylings.
Piano Adventures Level 3A Set
This is what I consider to be full competency at piano - the student can now move on to more mentally and physically mature work alongside of this set during lessons.
Piano Adventures Level 3B
This is the beginning of advanced playing, or Late Intermediate.
Many key signatures and new time signatures, along with more complex compositions for sight reading.
I often have my students branch into more unique work past this set, though there are more Piano Adventures sets following this one.
Chopin Preludes
Chopin’s work has gone through many editions in its time, and I have experienced these Alfred publishings to be the easiest to work with.
Alaina’s Recommendations for Music Accessories
All links lead to Amazon. Prices not listed here as they may fluctuate on Amazon.com.
Metronome
A non-negotiable for correct and efficient practice! Using a metronome with daily practices builds the inner rhythmic sense of any player or singer.
Physical metronomes are more effective than apps or digital metronomes; they create a kinesthetic connection, or physical feeling in the body that helps us connect more deeply in the practice, which isn’t reproduced in digital form.
“But I want Ms. Alaina’s Metronome”
This is a great mid-range metronome that has lasted Alaina over 10 years in her studio - kids have had their hands all over it, and she has used it daily while teaching.
Sturdy, precise, and LOUD - Wittner Taktell (below) will make a softer, more home-friendly click than this one.
Tried & True
The longstanding German brand, Wittner Taktell, is a tool that will last a lifetime, and provide high quality sound and precision.
These are wonderful metronomes (Alaina has 2) and can be resold or passed on with inherent value.
This version is their new plastic casing, resembling their classic wooden style, therefore available at a much more comfortable price than the usual $120-$180 for these pieces.
Compact, Adjustable Padded Bench with Storage
This bench can be adjusted for height and has a hinged seat lid to store piano books.
This is a solid, heavier bench than what comes with any “bench included” pianos, and is a safer option for children who tend to tilt their seat or bounce around while practicing.
This is the bench Alaina has in her studio - it is on the shorter side of width, which works for her personal teaching needs, but a wider bench is usually more common as it is more ergonomic and practical for most piano players.
Full Size, Adjustable Bench with Storage
This bench is the recommended size and weight for the piano; this model comes in multiple colors to suit your setup at home.
Also features height adjustment and hinged seat-lid storage.
Pedal Extender
For the smaller players - this item allows young beginners firm footing (important for light, tall hands on the keyboard) and pedal access.
Many beginners books do require pedaling - this item is a must to start out a young child with physical accuracy in piano disciplines.
Alaina’s Recommendations for Online Piano Purchase:
(Please only purchase acoustic pianos from galleries or in person!)
Click images to link to Amazon. Prices not listed as cost may fluctuate on Amazon.com.
Compact & Affordable
The least expensive and most space saving option, bench not included. Features weighted keys, great for a smaller lifestyle or hobby player.
The Inbetween
This piano folds into a desk for more versatility, and offers a more sturdy setup with weighted keys, bench included.
Solid Beginner Setup for Less
This is a non-name brand piano setup for a beginning player, bench and weighted keys included.
Professional Feel, Slim Build
The least expensive with the best touch, bench included - Casio Privia. This is the piano in the second Rosewater room.
Alaina actually prefers the action of this keyboard to the Yamaha Clavinova, but the Clavinova is more sturdy and realistic in build.
Mid-Range Yamaha
Half the price the Clavinova, this a great option for a serious player who needs a more affordable option. Bench Included.
This option has a more realistic build than the Privia.
“But I’m Serious About Piano”
Alaina chose the Yamaha Clavinova for her Rosewater studio for the durability, realistic touch and sound, and synthetic ebony and ivory feel. This is a great option for an online piano purchase.
This will last the player a lifetime, can be resold, or handed on in the family as a quality instrument.
Alaina’s Recommendations for Ukulele:
Click on images to see pricing and more info, and to purchase.
All links lead to Amazon. Prices not listed here as they may fluctuate on Amazon.com.
“My kid is going to lose that in 10 seconds”
Slightly more costly than a latte, this tuner is the economic choice for a young learner. It is cheap and will likely break, but if you’re more worried about losing it, it’s a good choice.
Mid-Range Tuner
A non-name brand metronome mimicking the Fender, this has more durability and precision than the first option, but likely will not last as long as the Fender.
Fender Clip On Tuner
A sturdy, well-made and precise tuner. Worth the higher cost, these last for years. All tuners run on 2032 button cell batteries.
The Ultimate Tuner:
Peterson Strobo Clip HD
This is a fine-tuning device that can alter the frequency pitch of your instrument (best for players who are interested in changing 440hz to 432hz on their instruments).
Peterson was the pioneer of the electric tuner, and was popularized by Frank Zappa. Alaina has one and uses it quite often for more advanced tuning techniques.
Enya Concert Size Ukulele
Starter Pack
$80-$110, Multiple Colors available
Complete with case, strap, capo, and extra strings, this carbon fiber ukulele is pretty darn kid-proof and very affordable for the soudn quality.
It’s my number one recommendation for a beginning uke player, and the larger size is also much more useful in the long term.
The main reason I recommend is the strap and price; it’s hard to find uke’s with strap pegs, and helps new players immensely!
Mahogany Starter Bundle
Concert Size Ukulele
If you have your heart set on a more traditional ukulele, this is a great option from a trusted Hawaiian maker, built to last or resell.
Again, the larger size (concert) is a far more playable option than the usual Soprano size.
The Upgrade: Concert Luna
Acoustic/Electric
This is a great choice for anyone who has been playing a while and is looking for an electric option with great sound at a mid-range price.
Beautiful detail with more versatility than a starter uke, Luna makes great ukuleles and guitars and is a trusted brand name.