Instrument Recommendations and Required Lesson Materials
Instrument recommendations
Our founder, Olesya MacNeil, created the Music Teacher LA student library for your convenience, bringing you the best music education since 1991. Here, you’ll find instrument recommendations and essential lesson materials to get you started with private music lessons in Los Angeles. Let’s dive in!
Click the links below to access your instruments and lesson materials for your lessons. For any questions or personalized recommendations, reach out to us at (310) 220-0405. Get ready to make beautiful music with the best in Los Angeles!
PIANO & KEYBOARD
Are You in Pursuit of the Perfect Upright or Grand Piano?
Look no further! At Music Teacher LA, we’re your go-to experts in finding the ideal piano to match your budget and room size.
Call or email our office and we will provide you with personalized recommendations that resonate with your musical aspirations.
But that’s not all! We’ll go the extra mile to connect you with a trusted local dealer who specializes in both new and certified used pianos. Your musical journey starts with the perfect instrument, and we’re here to make it a reality.
Looking for a starter keyboard? Discover the magic of melodies with our recommended keyboards.
- Casio Privia S1100 – A versatile keyboard for beginners and beyond.
- Casio Privia 770 – This choice has built-in pedals.
- Casio Digital Piano – A modern and stylish addition to your home.
Remember, your keyboard should have weighted keys, a book rest, pedals, and a piano bench.
GUITAR

Strum your way into the world of guitar music with these options:
- 3/4 Acoustic Guitar – Perfect for young beginners ages 8-12.
- 3/4 Electric Guitar Great for students learning music production (Choose the bundle with Tuner if you already own Amp. Please note that guitars come for right-handed and left-handed players, so choose the correct instrument for your child.)
- Fender Affinity Electric Guitar – Ideal for students aged 11 and up. Buy the entire package with an amp, cable, tuner, gig bag, and strap.
- AMPs and cable if you already own a Fender Electric Guitar but don’t have an amplifier.
Don’t forget to grab a guitar stand or wall-mount stand for your prized possession.
Did you inherit a used guitar? No problem. We will teach you or your child to tune it.
Missing strings? Buy 11 gauge Elixir Strings.
VIOLIN
Experience the beauty of strings with our violin recommendations
Violins come in different sizes. Please refer to the chart below to choose your child’s violin size.
If your child is in between sizes, buy a smaller size.

- 1/16 Violin to 1/2 Violin – Affordable options for young beginners.
- 1/16 Violin to 1/2 Violin– A higher quality but pricier choice for young beginners
- Eastman Violin – A professional choice for dedicated violinists.
Don’t toss out the shipping package; our instructors can help with any small fixes!
DRUMS
Let the beats roll with our drum suggestions
- Practice Pads – Perfect for condo-friendly practice sessions. You’ll need to upgrade to the Drum Kit or Drum Set after 2 months of lessons.
- 4-Piece Drum Kit– smaller decent-quality kit suitable for ages 4-10.
- 5-Piece Starter Drum Kit – a cheaper version of the junior drum kit.
- Ludwig Complete Set – A top-notch set for older beginners and adults. The kit includes all shells, hardware, cymbals, and a throne. Easy to assemble.
- Pearl Drums – Another great choice for beginners.
- Yamaha Drum Kit – The popular mid-level kit that offers better quality overall and good value at $650.
- Mute Pack– Practice anytime quietly with these mute pads for drumsets (select your set’s size).
ELECTRONIC DRUM SETS
Discover the world of electronic drums with these recommendations
- Simmons Drum Kit – A valuable choice, but this kit doesn’t come with a speaker. You’ll need to purchase one separately for the complete experience.
- Alesis Drums – A slightly better option and includes a speaker, offering an all-in-one solution for your drumming needs.
- Donner Drum Set with 4 Quiet Mesh Pads
Required Lesson Materials
If you already have other method books, we can use them unless they don’t fit your or your child’s needs.
PIANO LESSONS FOR AGES 4-5
Start your musical journey with engaging lesson and writing books.
Package 1: Lesson and Writing books
Package 2: Lesson and Theory books
Package 3: Bastien Book Set
PIANO LESSONS FOR AGES 7-10
Music Flash Cards– Required for Each Student
Package 1: Premier Piano Course Set
Package 2: Basic Piano Set
Package 3: Bastien Book Set (4 books)
Package 4: Lesson, Technique, and any of these two books Classics, Favorites, Performance, Jazz, Rock-n-Roll, Popular, Disney, or Christmas
PIANO LESSONS FOR AGES 11-UP
Package 1: Older Beginner Set, Music Flash Cards, and Manuscript Paper
Package 2: Accelerated Piano Set
Adult Beginners purchase the following four books:
Piano Course, Keyboard Theory, Daily Warm-ups, and Sight Reading
Piano students who are starting the 2nd Level and/or Level 1 CM examinations will enjoy the following Classical Piano Materials:
Showtime Classics, Easy Piano Classics, Masterwork Classics, Album for the Young, Classic Melodies, Classical and Baroque, Etudes.
VIOLIN LESSONS
Master the violin with comprehensive lesson and theory books.
Package 1: Essential Elements & Music Stand
Package 2: Suzuki Violin & Music Stand
Package 3: Violin for Adult Beginner & Music Stand
DRUM LESSONS
Improve your drumming skills with these lesson materials.
Package 1: Stick Control
Package 2: Fundamentals of Rhythm
Package 3: Master Studies
Package 4: Technique
GUITAR LESSONS FOR BEGINNERS
Learn the chords and techniques with our recommended lesson and theory books.
Music Notes Vinyl Wall Decal – Optional, purchase to decorate your music room
Package 1: Tuner, Music Stand, and Manuscript Notebook.
Also, buy Guitar Picks if you don’t already have them.
Package 2: Guitar for Younger Beginner
Package 3: Guitar Method
Package 4: Guitar Complete Edition for students who learned Theory and Technique in Piano Lessons
UKULELE LESSONS
Buy Ukulele Method and Manuscript Paper
We hope you found Music Teacher LA Student Library informative and helpful.
We are looking forward to teaching you music! ❤️
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