By Rigo Murillo
I often see that successful music students and parents always manage to be well prepared for performances, auditions, and weekly lessons. They always have what they need when it comes to books, accessories, and all that’s needed to have a nice lesson time. But even the best well-intentioned student and parent may forget a thing or two that should be in their music tote bag. Even Yehudi Menuhin, the famous violinist of the twentieth century wrote in one of his books about what every violinist should have in his/her violin case.
For starters, here is a “musician’s tote bag kit” for you to think about:
- All music books needed, including Suzuki repertoire, etudes, scales, sight reading, music theory
- A metronome (or two) and extra replacement batteries if it’s electronic
- Pencil (to write notes on music)
- Pen (to take notes during lesson)
- Practice notebook
- Nail Clipper
- Music to listen to (iPod, CD player, etc.) – There will be time riding/waiting… why waste it?
String players, please add these:
- Extra Strings – I cannot over emphasize this. GET EXTRA STRINGS, They WILL brake some day!
- Shoulder rest (if applicable). Again… I have seen too many violin and viola players forgetting their shoulder rest that I have to write it again: Shoulder rest!
- ROSIN!
- Cleaning cloth
- Nail Clipper (yes, again, I know)
- Tuner/Metronome
- Cello Pin Stop/Strap (if applicable)
- Cello Chair/Bench (if applicable)
- Peg compound
I am sure that getting all these applicable accessories and necessities will make your practicing more consistent, successful and pleasant. It will at least impless your music teacher when an emergency comes up.
Happy practicing!
Rigo Murillo
