https://rosewatermonterey.org/rosewater-monterey-home daily 1.0 2025-10-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a53f245d74cffb0134a21d7/1515454773468-RM85E1SRUDKVBN5E20BL/image-asset.jpeg Home https://rosewatermonterey.org/rosewater-about daily 0.75 2025-09-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a53f245d74cffb0134a21d7/3a34cfc1-0478-4bc2-bd42-ebc0fb4eba76/Alaina+RM+Headshot.png About - Alaina Musich (tap photo for full bio) Alaina has been teaching in classes and one-on-one since 2009, and is an advanced teacher suited to any age in Piano, Guitar, Ukulele, & Voice, beginning as young as 3. She submits her students for grading to the ABRSM certificate program, if interested. She is a lifelong pianist and continuing professional musician who instills the art of practice and joy of performance into all her pupils. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a53f245d74cffb0134a21d7/1515471431714-EHRTUVYCP4II8K6DJ84B/image-asset.jpeg About https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a53f245d74cffb0134a21d7/1515461128146-QCHG5CVH156I46MW81ED/image-asset.jpeg About https://rosewatermonterey.org/rosewater-monterey-classes-services daily 0.75 2025-10-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a53f245d74cffb0134a21d7/1515460669768-X6V4ZVGWR32W8LYVT3EC/image-asset.jpeg Music Lessons & Classes https://rosewatermonterey.org/scheduler daily 0.75 2025-09-25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a53f245d74cffb0134a21d7/1515460669768-X6V4ZVGWR32W8LYVT3EC/image-asset.jpeg Scheduler https://rosewatermonterey.org/online-resources daily 0.75 2025-09-24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a53f245d74cffb0134a21d7/2e6d35b3-f11a-40e4-9ef5-9101e382fdeb/Screenshot+2024-07-25+at+5.45.18+PM.png Resources & Products - The Inbetween This piano folds into a desk for more versatility, and offers a more sturdy setup with weighted keys, bench included. Available in multiple color options https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a53f245d74cffb0134a21d7/77e05d55-20e5-4fda-935c-c4de3c2d613e/Screenshot+2024-07-25+at+7.13.13+PM.png Resources & Products - 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. Available in black, dark rosewood (Alaina’s piano is this shade) or white. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a53f245d74cffb0134a21d7/1d2a55f4-0af4-4026-9c22-b754a8000f5a/Screenshot+2024-07-25+at+4.40.58+PM.png Resources & Products - Compact & Affordable The least expensive and most space saving option, bench not included. Features weighted keys, great for a smaller lifestyle or hobby player. Available in multiple color options. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a53f245d74cffb0134a21d7/a184c80c-ab24-4db0-a1ec-39501e22856e/Screenshot+2024-07-26+at+1.16.31+PM.png Resources & Products - 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. Available in black, brown, and white. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a53f245d74cffb0134a21d7/7a45fcc5-cb69-4edf-aac6-150c1f67987a/Screenshot+2024-07-25+at+7.07.30+PM.png Resources & Products - “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. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a53f245d74cffb0134a21d7/de6dfdb2-0ef7-4659-8757-9016ba8c330e/Screenshot+2024-07-25+at+5.40.22+PM.png Resources & Products - Solid Beginner Setup for Less This is a non-name brand piano setup for a beginning player, bench and weighted keys included. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a53f245d74cffb0134a21d7/34413031-d6f7-4b91-9cd4-dbd3eb3e42e4/Screenshot+2024-07-24+at+5.16.32+PM.png Resources & Products - 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. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a53f245d74cffb0134a21d7/ca5963b3-d131-4c3a-8991-fe0e481d2efa/Screenshot+2024-07-24+at+4.16.39+PM.png Resources & Products - My First Piano Adventures Lesson Book C 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. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a53f245d74cffb0134a21d7/0e7830d4-0324-4710-80d8-224282affe3a/Screenshot+2024-07-24+at+5.18.47+PM.png Resources & Products - 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. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a53f245d74cffb0134a21d7/613b4f44-5ae4-4cdb-9018-0820b467f37a/Screenshot+2024-07-24+at+5.21.24+PM.png Resources & Products - 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. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a53f245d74cffb0134a21d7/a403b2d3-dfee-4454-851a-ae8741584d5b/Screenshot+2025-06-14+at+1.00.55+PM.png Resources & Products - Burgmuller 25 Progressive Studies For students outside of learning series to continue a progressive approach to technical playing, this is a set of 25 wonderfully enjoyable songs that increase in complexity as the book advances. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a53f245d74cffb0134a21d7/431c4240-ab3b-4b38-aef5-6992a907f99f/41nAmGM1fQL._AC_.jpg Resources & Products - 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. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a53f245d74cffb0134a21d7/acb60fa2-6292-45cf-b440-b36a5647e107/Screenshot+2024-07-24+at+4.28.31+PM.png Resources & Products - 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. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a53f245d74cffb0134a21d7/f60c4c1f-a218-4b41-bf0b-7b7a526b83b8/Screenshot+2024-07-25+at+5.36.24+PM.png Resources & Products - 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. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a53f245d74cffb0134a21d7/5e3f5cc4-ce64-45ab-a4cf-070e0d76948b/Screenshot+2025-06-14+at+12.52.34+PM.png Resources & Products - My First Piano Adventures Writing Book C The partner book to Lesson Book C, these are not currently available in a set. Please purchase this book along with the Lesson book to fill out the learning with worksheets and sightreading! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a53f245d74cffb0134a21d7/bcb95a66-503e-47ce-8cea-3396d2bc46eb/Screenshot+2024-07-24+at+4.16.07+PM.png Resources & Products - 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. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a53f245d74cffb0134a21d7/ad469e12-a924-4433-87e9-eb3c65c9314e/Screenshot+2024-07-24+at+4.14.48+PM.png Resources & Products - 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. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a53f245d74cffb0134a21d7/f3c5ec3b-910e-41cd-9c89-4ac4644f2b25/Screenshot+2024-07-24+at+4.23.30+PM.png Resources & Products - 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! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a53f245d74cffb0134a21d7/882cb112-4f4a-4060-b126-9aa8b7569f59/Screenshot+2024-07-26+at+12.57.29+PM.png Resources & Products - 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. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a53f245d74cffb0134a21d7/5489704a-3639-401d-9ffe-1b085f676c73/71zwT3JhKRL._AC_SL1500_.jpg Resources & Products - 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. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a53f245d74cffb0134a21d7/45b45df1-d3f5-4146-84fe-fdbefd23d65b/Screenshot+2024-07-25+at+5.16.18+PM.png Resources & Products - 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. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a53f245d74cffb0134a21d7/2c95206b-e2d0-407b-a927-b014f15dd7ca/51FJPCoOpzL._AC_SL1500_.jpg Resources & Products - 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. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a53f245d74cffb0134a21d7/b3a95a2c-0873-46a6-b401-69953a811096/61ew8mcZx7L._AC_SL1500_.jpg Resources & Products - 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. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a53f245d74cffb0134a21d7/27dbaada-ba55-4c7f-ab4d-a1a9e7d6cbf6/Screenshot+2024-07-27+at+12.34.16+PM.png Resources & Products - 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. Tuning is not as fine as a higher grade product. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a53f245d74cffb0134a21d7/50216a0b-b9c2-467d-bd01-9656d085b92d/Screenshot+2024-07-26+at+6.07.08+PM.png Resources & Products - Enya Concert Size Ukulele Starter Pack $90-$140, 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! DO NOT buy the 21 inch - that size is too small to keep long term. 23” and 26” are lifelong instruments. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a53f245d74cffb0134a21d7/3585420e-97ab-4cf9-9c21-04c41bb67dd2/Screenshot+2024-07-27+at+12.36.11+PM.png Resources & Products - “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. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a53f245d74cffb0134a21d7/1dbb01fa-c9f4-4128-a76f-73743e09726f/Screenshot+2024-07-27+at+12.33.34+PM.png Resources & Products - 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. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a53f245d74cffb0134a21d7/325d5e51-1ac7-45cd-8eaf-f4a28453f190/Screenshot+2024-07-26+at+6.23.55+PM.png Resources & Products - 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. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a53f245d74cffb0134a21d7/27b1879b-59b2-497d-a475-88720c5d6f70/Screenshot+2024-07-26+at+6.19.57+PM.png Resources & Products - 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. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a53f245d74cffb0134a21d7/7be98ba4-9def-4337-8d30-7789f4bca4fb/Screenshot+2024-07-26+at+6.15.56+PM.png Resources & Products - 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. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a53f245d74cffb0134a21d7/1515471431714-EHRTUVYCP4II8K6DJ84B/image-asset.jpeg Resources & Products https://rosewatermonterey.org/new-events daily 0.75 2025-06-21 https://rosewatermonterey.org/new-events/2025/6/21/obon-festival-in-seaside monthly 0.5 2025-06-21 https://rosewatermonterey.org/new-events/2024/7/23/revillaging-retreat-for-women-amp-mothers monthly 0.5 2024-07-24 https://rosewatermonterey.org/recommended-local-providers daily 0.75 2025-09-24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a53f245d74cffb0134a21d7/d93167f6-327f-4da9-a043-2dec394f68f7/AdAstra_Logo_Square_2_Black.png Recommended Local Providers - Ad Astra Bread Co Alaina is co-owner with Ron Mendoza at Ad Astra, boasting local, non-gmo, all organic flours and ingredients as a baseline for all products. We specialize in old-world, fermented sourdough breads in Tartine style loaves, as well as other bread products such as buns and sandwich loaves. Located walking distance from Rosewater, a coffee and a pastry are a must before or after a lesson! Open 7-4 daily, a great stop for high quality sandwiches at lunchtime - we also offer a small market with to-go drinks, cookie bags, coffee beans, tinned fish, butter, cheeses, olive oil, and other sundries. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a53f245d74cffb0134a21d7/a5de9925-ef0f-4ca5-9c00-7aa34e2d3cbb/Screenshot+2024-07-27+at+1.34.25+PM.png Recommended Local Providers - 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. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a53f245d74cffb0134a21d7/26874ab4-5a0e-49b7-ac31-d9aef633b7d8/Coleman.png Recommended Local Providers - Coleman Family Chiropractic Dr. Coleman offers full spectrum healthcare and nutrition from his area of expertise as a Chiropractor. More than just a regular adjustment, he offers full wellness care to correct any lifestyle issues which might be causing chronic pain. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a53f245d74cffb0134a21d7/9d8aab67-90bb-494d-846a-a5eac11a6ff9/Screenshot+2024-07-27+at+1.34.01+PM.png Recommended Local Providers - 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. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a53f245d74cffb0134a21d7/4cb9841b-7192-4a26-885b-f619b93ecae9/Monterey+Music+store.jpg Recommended Local Providers - 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. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a53f245d74cffb0134a21d7/86cda290-f19d-41fb-a061-388146b1aecc/Screenshot+2024-07-27+at+1.30.30+PM.png Recommended Local Providers - Cypress Community Church Alaina’s home church, Cypress offers many free community events that are fun for the whole family! This is “that church on the hill” off Highway 68, past Laguna Seca/Laureles Grade, before San Benancio - A beautiful campus! The congregation at Cypress is very warm and welcoming, Alaina found herself at home here right away and is often found participating in worship service - join her Sunday 10am, she’d love to sit with you to receive and enjoy the Word of God! Highly recommended for stellar holiday services, summer camps, and seasonal festival fun while maintaining Christ-centered intention. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a53f245d74cffb0134a21d7/343c619e-e97f-4070-a7f2-c604de5ec390/Screenshot+2024-07-27+at+1.19.30+PM.png Recommended Local Providers - Grounded & Glowing Skincare & Massage Lila at Grounded & Glowing is my go-to esthetician and massage therapist in downtown monterey. Energetically minded, highly skilled, and in an excellent location, she is a wonderful addition to your skincare or physical health routine. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a53f245d74cffb0134a21d7/59cdc4b6-7dfa-4ff1-8a24-e2a87beba489/Screenshot+2024-07-27+at+1.32.39+PM.png Recommended Local Providers - Bookmark Music The only music bookstore left in Monterey after Covid and Amazon ran the rest out of town - great selection and a wonderful owner. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a53f245d74cffb0134a21d7/1515454773468-RM85E1SRUDKVBN5E20BL/image-asset.jpeg Recommended Local Providers https://rosewatermonterey.org/alainas-bio daily 0.75 2025-10-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a53f245d74cffb0134a21d7/8be20293-ef65-48e3-ba64-0c260e19f329/IMG_0935.jpg Alaina's Bio - Alaina Musich Berklee College of Music Piano, Voice, Ukulele, Guitar Recording Engineering, Songwriting K-8 Music Education https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a53f245d74cffb0134a21d7/1515454773468-RM85E1SRUDKVBN5E20BL/image-asset.jpeg Alaina's Bio https://rosewatermonterey.org/alaina-policy daily 0.75 2025-10-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a53f245d74cffb0134a21d7/1515460669768-X6V4ZVGWR32W8LYVT3EC/image-asset.jpeg Alaina's Policy