Gifting a musician today has many possibilities. First, know what instrument the person plays. These days musicians use more and more computer software along with their instruments to create their
music.
With a little work, almost
anyone can turn their home into a recording studio. Here is an opportunity to find a software package that will make a great gift. There are some drawbacks as these can be pricy and some are complex to learn. You will also have to
know
what computer platform they use — whether it's Windows or Macintosh.
Many musicians use music production software when creating new music. Here is a list of some available software on the Macintosh operating system.
Many musicians nowadays use music notation software when creating new music. Here is a list of some of the music notation software available on the Windows operating system.
There is also the option of purchasing software that teaches how to play an instrument. An iPad that you load with apps geared for the musician is a really nice present. Inexpensive apps such as Garageband,
Simplypiano and
Yousician Guitar are easily available from the App store.
For the musically inclined there are also unusual gifts such as, handwritten sheet music, musical scarves or even musical serving trays that can be found at
Uncommon Goods.
Musical Instruments
Let's not forget purchasing an instrument as a gift. This is a bit tricky, since you absolutely need to know what the person wants. The purchase of a musical instrument is usually a very personal choice and may disapoint the
giftee. I suggest you inform the person, get the specific information or even go along on a shopping trip to your local music store and buy that desired instrument for them.
There are websites in North America and Europe with plenty of instruments and accessories to choose from. Here are a few of them:
If you need to gift someone you know who is a passionate singer/performer (or just loves to sing) there are some unique products out there. Know what their style and genre is. Do they collect vinyl records? That is the latest
retro trend. If so, a record turntable could be a wonderful gift when everything now is ephemerally digital. If you know their taste in music why not also some touchy-feely vinyl records of their favorite artists? An Audio-Technica
AT-LP120BK-USB Direct-Drive Professional Turntable available at amazon.ca would make a great
gift.
You can always give a gift card but one from B&H means you care since it is one of the best gift cards for singers. Let them shop for whatever they need. bhphotovideo.com
If they follow a certain singing sensation then why not present them with tickets to a concert? You could also gift a singer with some singing lessons from a popular teacher. superprof.ca
And just for fun you can get them this unusual gift — a chocolate cassette tape and one chocolate vinyl record, handmade from dark and white Belgian chocolate.
notonthehighstreet.com
Here are some more ideas for gifts.
There's a myriad of unique gifts to choose from and this website is full of them. albertsgifts.com
Musical Microphone Bangle Bracelet
This very cute charm bracelet, complete with musical notes and microphone is the perfect jewelry for the budding singer.
amazon.com
Major Scale Musical Wine Glasses — Set of 2
Fill to the desired note and create your own concerto with these major scale musical wine glasses. Available at uncommongoods.com
Essential Songwriter's Rhyming Dictionary: Pocket Size Book
Acclaimed by the New York Times as "part muse, part quick reference," this pocket-sized dictionary is an easy-to-use tool geared specifically toward the contemporary songwriter. It contains the most-often used words in popular music,
and
the simple format allows for fast reference. 15,000 entries provide more than ample rhyming options. Available at amazon.ca and amazon.com
The Dancers
Buying gifts for dancers usually involves some kind of apparel, be it tights, tutus, special shoes (tap, ballet) or any of the usual accessories needed to be a dancer in a certain genre (ballet, contemporary, amateur, folklore,
ballroom,
hip hop, bharatanatyam, jazz), so be sure to know their style of dance. Many young girls and some boys take up dancing. Whether it's ballroom or ballet, (or folklore) they sometimes need costumes. Gifting them costumes or the means to
obtain them is often a great gesture and a wonderful gift that is meaningful. So many people now participate in folkloric dance that any gift associated with one of these dances is well appreciated. Make sure you know sizes and color
choices.
What about a special outfit or even dance lessons? Duffle bags are always welcome, along with books on dancing. Perhaps the best gift is a personalized one — special clothing or jewelry with the dancer’s name on it. Any kind of
art
associated with dance can be found at Dodoburd. and
bodywrappers.com. And don't forget to visit your local retailers.
Here are some more ideas for giftsDance It Out throw pillow
Buying gifts for actor friends...well, it's tricky — you'll never know if they really mean it when they smile with glee as they admire your purchase! It should be a gift that floors them. Gifts that relate to their
professional or amateur status should be chosen. There are a lot of T-shirts with a wealth of sayings on them, and you can see them at cafepress.com.
There are other exciting gifts out there!
You can always get them this mug with the world's greatest actor saying knowing that to be an actor you need to have a bit of an ego.
And of course you can always get tickets to a play at broadway.com be it on Broadway or your local playhouse. A more exciting gift could
be a trip
to New York and Broadway with tickets to "Hamilton". If you can't get to Broadway how bout a gift subscription to broadwayhd.com
— a
streaming specialty website showing Broadway plays. This will give hours of
pleasure to a fellow thespian.
