Grand Staff Binder Covers and Using Binders in Music Lessons
Today I am going to talk about binders. The front and back covers of binders are valuable real estate for learning. I noticed when I started incorporating theory information on the binder cover students learned them easier because they see them all the time. Well, that is, if they practice they see it all the time! 😁Â I like to use key signature charts and for younger children, notes on the grand staff. On the front I place my yearly studio calendar that is so popular with teachers.
It is well worth the few extra dollars to buy your students the kind of binder that works the best in your lessons. In my studio, the cost of the binder is deducted from their book and activity fee. However, some teachers include the price in either a registration fee or build it into the tuition fee.
I use one inch binders, the “Clear Cover Heavy Duty” binders made by Avery. These are often more expensive, but you can get them at the big box stores in the Back to School section for a few dollars this time of year. The thing I really like about this particular binder is the “one touch” open and close. It easily opens with one hand and I do not need to take the binder off the music rack to open it.
I print my assignment sheets on both sides, and I punch holes in both sides of the page. Then all I have to do is turn the page over to reuse it. All that page hole-punching is a lot easier since I bought an electric hole puncher  on Amazon. I’ve had it now for 3 or 4 years and it’s still going strong. It punches about 5 pages at a time. My advice is to keep it cleaned out and if your paper is thicker, such as card stock or 24 pound, put in less than recommended.
When I decided to switch over to using binders, I was a little worried it would be too cumbersome and a lot of trouble. Now I have it down to a science and it works great. Teachers have a place to add Picture Scales, (legal) music downloads, and theory sheets. The pocket on the front makes a great place to store sheet music. Many teachers add a small yearly charge for the cost of ink and paper.
With more and more teachers buying music from the web, binders just make a lot of sense. Students can add a pencil holder, stickers, and erasers into their binder. If you have not tried using binders with your students, I think you should give it a try!
Susan–you are SUCH a valuable resource, these are great fun to be able to give out to my students when they come back in two weeks. I’ve been using binders for about 15 years, the best. I use 1/2 inch ones, they are less cumbersome, but I like your idea of the 1 inch as you can easy-open them (good point). And having some in stock as often kids come in (I tell parents to bring them to lessons at beginning of their study with me) with the WRONG BINDER TYPE (we all know what these are…the ones that don’t sit flat!) and I’d like to be able to whip out the proper binder. Thanks again, Julie C. from Gloucester, MA
This is perfect for the cover for my own “Teacher Binder” with Notes in the Fast Lane and Sightreading Materials. I “pinned” the possibilities with the landscape versions for students to color the notes rainbow pattern style to visualize octaves, or they could add a low bass F and find the three FACEs on the grandstaff. Thanks for another creative resource
Great idea! I think my students would benefit with a cover that includes the circle of 5th (both naj and min).
you are …AMAZING!!! I just love your enthusiasm for making it FUN for kids, this is how they grow to love music. I wish all piano teachers shared your excitement.Thank you!
I have used a binder for years and really appreciate the flexibility, for adding things like student repertoire list, theory information and worksheets, and of course assignment sheets. I use a template on my laptop, and print out assignments for student notebooks each week. I love the idea of handing each student a full year’s worth of blank assignment sheets each fall, but haven’t figured out how to do it with my weekly printed assignments. I use colored paper for these, changing the color monthly.
I’m wondering if you have ever shared a list of the things you include in a student binder? I learn so much and get such great ideas hearing about this. As always, many thanks for all your sharing.
You’re welcome. I don’t think I’ve ever posted what I put in their binders. I try to put only things they will really use!
THANK YOU!!! I love using your resources – and using a binder. I’m so happy I switched to binders several years ago!
Great post Susan! I’ve recently started buying binders for my students though I’ve been pushing all my parents to do so. Some were very responsive but many would just forget over and over. Argh.
Recently I bought the really slim 1/2 inch binders that are flexible as weight seems to be a concern among many of my students. (We’re in NYC where they have carry everything all day.) But now, I think I want to return them and get these!
I also have made some posters in the past, most notably a solfege chart with cur wen hand signs. You’ve inspired me to start organizing a section of my site for teaching materials. Cheers from Brooklyn!
Andrew