This page includes helpful information about instruments and practice tools. If you have any other questions please feel free to contact the office at admin@cut-timetms.com
Instruments:
Piano:
Pianos should be kept in tune and in full working condition.
Keyboard features should include:
- 88 keys (full keyboard)
- Weighted keys
- Damper pedal
These things help the pianist play with the most comfort and control as possible while providing practice for when they will play on a true acoustic piano at recitals and other performances.
Violin/Viola/Cello/Bass:
It is suggested that young string players rent their instrument as it will change in size as the young player grows in stature. The following establishments are well known and preferred businesses to rent an instrument from. The quality does matter when you are investing in an instrument for your student. It is very difficult to learn, practice, and appreciate an instrument that does not play correctly or sound good--especially with string instruments.
*Please do not buy a string instrument from Amazon. While the price might seem nice, the quality is not. Don't believe us? Watch this comedic video and see for yourself!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MnNLTKa-VFw
Reputable Rentals, Purchases, and Repairs:
Wayne Burak
817-801-6700
1939 Stadium Oaks Ct #105
Arlington, TX 76011
Dallas Strings
20 East McDermott Rd.
Allen, Texas
Helpful Practice Tools:
Metronome: This will be your students best friend and most trusted confidant. Your teacher will often assign practice with this tool so its best to get one. If you have a smart phone or device in the house, you can actually get one for free! 
Metronome: Tempo Lite is one of the best metronome apps out there with many great features on their free app!
Piano Adventure Player App is more specific for piano students in the Piano Adventures® method books but is a wonderful assistant to practice which helps hold the student accountable for pitch and rhythm accuracies while also making playing more fun with accompaniments! This app is free to download but you must purchase the specific book package you student is playing in which should only be a one time purchase of $4.99
Music Tutor is a great way to practice note recognition. It puts a fun twist on the usual flashcards by adding in times, scores, and progression tracking! This app is also free and works really well when used consistently! Ask your teacher to help set up the correct specifications for your student at your next lesson and get to playing in the car, at home, or anywhere else!
Tenuto is a $3.99 app and completely worth it! The app provides 24 different exercises that can be changed to your personal specifications. Some of the exercises include note, interval, key signature, chord, and scale drills and offer many more opportunities! Ask your teacher to help set up the correct specifications at your next lesson!