“What should I buy for my child to help them practice at home?”
It’s the #1 question we get from parents around the holidays. The good news? You don’t need to drop $1,000 on a brand-new professional piano or a vintage drum kit to make a massive impact on your child’s musical journey.
At BMF, we focus on “Small Buys”—tools that make music tactile, portable, and, most importantly, fun. Here are the top faculty picks for under $25:
1. The “Big Beat” Essentials: Egg Shakers & Rhythm Sticks
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Price: ~$5–$10
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Why they rock: Rhythm is the foundation of everything we do. Having a pair of rhythm sticks or egg shakers at home allows your child to “play along” with their favorite songs on the radio. They aren’t just toys; they are tools for internalizing the pulse.
2. Staff Paper & “Cool” Pens
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Price: ~$10–$15
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Why they rock: Every BMF student is a songwriter. We find that when kids have a dedicated notebook with staff lines and a “special” set of colorful pens, they are much more likely to sit down and sketch out a new melody or write down lyrics to a song they’re building in class.
3. Music Theory Flashcards (The BMF Way)
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Price: ~$12
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Why they rock: Use these to play “speed rounds” of our studio games. Challenge your child to identify a “happy” (Major) or “sad” (Minor) chord card, or have them arrange rhythm cards to create a 4-beat measure. It’s the perfect “car game” for busy families.
4. A Digital Metronome (or a Metronome App)
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Price: Free to $20
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Why they rock: Stability is key. While there are many free apps (like “The Metronome” by Soundbrenner), having a physical, dedicated metronome on the piano or drum throne makes the practice space feel “official.”
5. The Gift of Choice: A BMF Game Token
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Price: Priceless (or the cost of a sheet of stickers!)
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Why they rock: Create a “Game Pass” at home. Every time your child completes a “Level Up” in their BMF lesson notes, they earn a token toward a small reward. This reinforces the idea that musical progress is a series of fun challenges to be conquered.
The Takeaway: You don’t need a recording studio in your basement to raise a musician. You just need a few simple tools that encourage your child to keep their “ears open” and their “hands moving.”
