Finding the Right Cart
Ok, let’s find you a cart that can replace your classroom! No- not really. What you teach and how you teach is going to change based on what you can carry around, but don’t worry about that yet. First things first, let’s get a cart that:
Fits your budget
Fits through the doors of the classrooms you will be entering
Is fairly easy to push
If your school has more than one level, is there an elevator the cart needs to fit into or do you need to figure out another way to go up and down stairs?
You may have other things to consider as well. When I was selecting a cart, I had to get one with a lip around the edge. There are several significant bumps in the floors of our school hallway, so I wanted something that would prevent my things from falling off when I’d go over these speed bumps. One thing I regret about my cart is it’s not very tall so I have to somewhat bend over when I’m wheeling it around. If you have back problems or, you know, just get tired from bending your back while carting a music class around, I would recommend you get a taller cart.
Your needs will be different than mine, so let me point out a few potential recourses out to you and maybe make a few recommendations.
Office Depot – They have a great variety of carts for a good price. Search under utility carts and you’ll see a myriad of choices you could easily adapt to teach music on. They have anything you can find in a school supply catalog for the same price or better.
Blick – Blick is a art supplier. Like music teachers, art teachers are on the docket for losing classrooms as well. They have well built carts at a range of prices. You can stick to a traditional shelved cart or see if you can convert a more complex one to fit your musical needs.
West Music – Now here’s the question. Why is a music teaching resource last on my list? Because, even though these guys probably make the best carts for teaching music on, they are expensive. I dream of using a cart like the Wenger Teacher TAXI Cart with it’s lockable drawer, big wheels, power strip, and workable surface. But you know what- I don’t have $700 to $1000 dollars to spend on one cart. If I had that kind of money, I’d buy multiple carts and preset them around the school instead.
By the way, having more than one cart is a good idea if you have the space for it in your school. I met a mobile music teacher once who had not one, but five carts floating around the school- one for percussion instruments, one for her keyboard, etc. And it worked really well for her.
If you have any other great cart resources, please post in the comments.
Good luck!
