2022 Favorites – Tech, Music, and Media

Today I’m sharing my 2022 favorites, from tech, to music teaching, to my favorite media.

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Tech Favorites

iPad Pro 12.9 in

You know I have to talk about my iPad! The 12.9 inch screen on the Pro model is perfect for musicians who are looking to read sheet music off a tablet.

I have the 4th generation iPad Pro (from 2020), and it works perfectly for me. I use it for teaching, practicing, performing, and browsing.

For more information about using an iPad for music, check out my Tech for Musicians section!

Apple Pencil

If you’re planning on using an iPad to read sheet music, you need to use an Apple Pencil with it. Since it’s designed for the iPad, they work flawlessly together.

Most iPads from the last few years (except the original, I believe) are compatible with the 2nd generation Apple Pencil. Older models are compatible with the 1st generation. Be sure to check which pencil your iPad is compatible with before purchasing a pencil!

Logitech Combo Touch Keyboard

I LOVE the Logitech Combo Touch keyboard! It connects to the back of your iPad with the smart connectors; the same as Apple’s Magic Keyboard (but for a much better price!)

I love the feel of the keys, and there’s a trackpad! I’ve found that a lot of keyboards made for iPads don’t include trackpads, which is a dealbreaker for me.

The case/keyboard also has a kickstand, which works great on a solid surface like a desk, but I think it’s difficult to use on my lap.

AirPods Pro 2

I bought the newest model AirPod Pros when they were on sale for Black Friday, and I really love them!

I’ve never liked in-ear earphones (like the ones that really sit deep in your ears, but I actually love the shape of these! They come with different sized tips, and I use the small. They fit in my ears nicely, and my iPhone settings tell me that they’re a good fit.

The AirPods Pro 2 are SO great at noise cancelling. I was skeptical at first, and then as soon as I put them in my ears for the first time, the whole outside world disappeared. It’s a truly amazing listening experience!

I still prefer to teach online lessons using my regular AirPods 2nd generation. I still like hearing outside sounds–it makes the environment more natural for me.

Music Teaching Favorites

Scale Books by Barbara Barber

In college, I used the book “Scales for Advanced Violists” by Barbara Barber to practice 3 octave scales and double stops. Now, I teach with both this book and the violin version.

Both instrument’s books are laid out the same way- 3 octave Major and minor scales, arpeggios, chromatic scales, broken thirds, double stop thirds, sixths, and octaves, and artificial harmonic scales in every key.

There are usually two suggested fingerings for each exercise, giving some freedom. There’s also a good bit of white space to write your own notes and for your eyes to not feel too overwhelmed!

I’m also teaching with “Scales for Young Violists” which works with 2 octave scales and introduces double stops in thirds, sixths, and octaves. This is a great scale book for intermediate students who aren’t super comfortable with shifting and are just getting started with double stops.

Painted Manhasset Music Stand (with inspirational stickers!)

When I moved into my current teaching space, I knew I wanted a fun music stand. At college, the music stands in each professor’s studio were painted blue, and I just always loved the pop of color. When I found that Manhasset makes a sage green music stand, I knew it would be perfect for my own studio!

I’m covering this stand with motivational and happy stickers. I want to make my teaching space fun and welcoming for my in person students, and I just love finding cute stickers!

A lot of my stickers are from Alto Clef Gifts – use my code ELIZABETHKNAUB for 10% off!

Paper Planner

I’ve been using Day Designer planners for years, all through college. I love the weekly/monthly layout, which gives me enough room to write down everything I need to stay organized.

I keep my full schedule in Google Calendar, since I can update it anywhere and receive notifications, but I like using my paper planner to make to do lists, write notes to myself, and to just have somewhere to brainstorm.

Media 2022 Favorites

Time to talk about my personal life favorites from the year!

Fiction Book

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid was my favorite fiction book that I read for the first time this past year!

I was completely captivated by this story, and all the characters were three dimensional and flawed. I enjoyed reading this so muc

Nonfiction Book

My Hygge Home by Miek Wiking was a really interesting read. There are beautiful pictures on each spread of pages. I really enjoyed learning ways that I can make my home even cozier.

Movie

I finally watched Knives Out and I really enjoyed it! The mystery and complexities were so interesting, and I had multiple theories through the movie about how it might end. It was really great!

Song/Music

As It Was by Harry Styles was my most listened to song through 2022, so I think it’s my favorite song that was released last year!

And of course, my favorite new album is Midnights (3am Edition) by Taylor Swift. I don’t love the sound as much as folklore and evermore, but it’s a great pop album!

Favorite Events

Harry Potter Exhibition in Philadelphia

Back in April, my family went to the Harry Potter Exhibition at the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia. It was so fun seeing props and costumes from the Harry Potter films!

Watch my vlog here!

Harry Potter Forbidden Forest Experience in Leesburg

In December, Harry and I visited the Harry Potter Forbidden Forest Experience in Leesburg, VA. It was so fun walking through a trail themed with Harry Potter. It was so well done, from the lighting and projections to the music and food!

We had butterbeer there, and it was so delicious. It’s the same kind that’s served in the New York store, and it was my first time trying this kind. I enjoyed it more than the regular “cold” version at Universal Studios!

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