Are you looking for some great gift ideas? Christmas gifts – the annual dilemma of almost every parent, grandparent, aunt, uncle, friend, etc. What should I get so-and-so? So many things to consider when choosing a gift for someone! I mean, we all want to choose the perfect gift for someone. We are always looking for something they will love, something they will use, an appropriate gift, and one in a suitable price range.
I know I always try to choose gifts for others that fit their interests, hobbies, skillsets. So, if you are selecting gifts for young musicians, I have 10 great gift ideas for you. Consider your gift-giving lists simplified. You are welcome!
10 Great Gift Ideas for Young (or not so young) Musicians
Sturdy Music Stand
Except for keyboard players, music stands are the bane of every musician. Either the stand is wobbly, or it collapses entirely. Or the music stand slowly sinks out of view. Sometimes the desk of the music stand flops and sends all the music flying onto the floor. At some time or other, every musician has fought at least one losing battle with a music stand. Do your young musician a favor and gift them a sturdy, reliable music stand.
Metronome
Almost every musician hates metronomes! At the same time, nearly every musician NEEDS to use a metronome! Metronomes are helpful tools to help young musicians learn to keep a steady beat, a steady tempo, and learn to play at tempo. They can also aid musicians in learning complicated rhythm patterns. Despite the protests, help your young musician by gifting them a reliable metronome.
Colored Pencils/Erasable Highlighters
Marking one’s music is a helpful learning technique. Of course, after time, a piece of music can begin to look unreadable because of all the markings. So a young musician should learn to color-code the markings on his music. Use one color for problem passages, another color for key signatures and accidentals, the third color for time signatures, etc. You get the idea. So get your young musician some quality colored pencils or some light-colored erasable highlighters. Those unreadable pages of music will transform into logical color-coded works of art!
Spotify/Pandora/iTunes/Amazon Music Subscriptions
Who wants their music listening interrupted by annoying commercials? Not me! And probably not your young musician either. And why is it that the ads always seem to play much louder than the music? Bless that person with an annual, commercial-free subscription to their favorite music-streaming app.
Music-Themed Apparel or Accessories
If your favorite young musician is genuinely devoted to his instrument or music, he will want to share that passion with the world around him. So, give that musician an easy way to share his devotion– music-themed clothing. An instrument-themed hoodie, a music-themed graphic shirt, some instrument earrings, a keyboard scarf, shoelaces – all are ways your musician can demonstrate his musical passion. Your young musician will appreciate a way to show off their music devotion to the world.
New Music
Let’s face it; sometimes lesson music can get boring. Band or orchestra music may be too easy. Maybe your student is just looking for different music to play for fun. Get your young musician some new fun pieces to play, to challenge themselves, or to enjoy.
It might be a book of arrangements by their favorite band or the music from a recent popular movie. Maybe you can find them a book of hymn arrangements they can practice and play in church. Be sure, however, to find music that is close to their ability level, or your young musician will not find the selections so enjoyable. You could even consult with the music teacher for some suggestions.
Music Bag/Holder/Notebook
Many kids are notoriously disorganized! And young musicians are no different. Have you ever watched kids assemble their music or school papers? Books, papers every which way, half out of folders, things falling on the floor. I’ve had kids – believe me, I know what I am talking about! Help them get organized with a cool music bag, a music holder, or a great music-themed notebook. Your young musician will love the design of the bag or notebook, and the music teacher will appreciate the organization!
Music-Themed Artwork/Poster
Art or posters are another way for your young musician to declare their passion for their music. Find art that features their instrument. Look for posters with inspiring quotations over a music-themed background. Hey, hunt for inspirational posters about practicing. Have the art help you win the practicing battle! Framed comics about music could be just the right gift for them. (Schroeder from “Peanuts”?) Gift your young musician some artwork to help inspire their musical passions.
Concert/Event Ticket
Does your young musician have a favorite band/group/choir/orchestra? How about a performance hero? Are they passionate about a particular opera or symphony? Get them a ticket (or two – one for you!) to an upcoming concert/performance. A concert could be just the inspiration they need to hone their talents and move on to the next level with their instrument.
Upgraded Instrument
Why is this included in a list of 10 great gift ideas? I know most Christmas budgets aren’t that big! But, hear me out. Most of us start our children on “beginner-friendly” instruments. Really, who pays thousands of dollars for an instrument that a 5th grader might forget on the school bus? Or accidentally sit on (buried under something on the bed). But as children grow, improve their musical abilities, and become more responsible, many need upgraded instruments. (Yep, time to put out some real $$$.) So maybe an upgraded or better instrument could make its way to your young musician’s gift pile.
OK, perhaps that a new instrument might significantly slim down the gift pile, but hey, that’s how life works sometimes. Maybe you could get all the grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, neighbors to all pitch in together and gift your young musician that new trumpet, or flute, or violin, or piano. If this idea resonates with you, please consult with the music teacher to ensure you get a quality instrument. You may need to give a certificate as a gift, and then let the child help you shop for a new instrument.
If you are considering a new instrument, these buying guides for piano, strings, woodwinds, and brass instruments might help you out.
Paid Registration to a Music Camp
This idea is your bonus for today. I listed ten ideas but then thought of this one. Gift your young musician an upcoming trip to a music camp. Ask your music teacher for appropriate suggestions. When I was a kid, my annual trip to music camp was a highlight of my summers!
A trip to a music camp could ignite your child’s passion for music. Music camps offer campers instruction by musical experts, grant small group experiences, critiques by people other than their regular music teachers. Registration at a well-run music camp would be an excellent gift for any young musician.
Banish that Christmas shopping brain fog! I just helped you finish your gift lists for every musician in your family. Any one of these 10 great gift ideas is sure to please, delight, motivate, or inspire any musician on your list. Happy shopping!
Are you looking for a few additional ideas? This post might help you out.
And don’t forget about gifts for your music teacher! Get some ideas here.
