Christmas Gifts for the Musician 2013

Here I have put together a list of some of my favourite music gifts that I have found on various different sites across the internet. Whether you are buying for a student, teacher, friend or family member, there will be something for everyone. View Pictures of all these products on my Pinterest.

www.giftsformusicians.co.uk
A website based in the UK stocking a wide variety of music themed gifts in all price ranges.

• Music Note Socks £4.50
• Trumpet Socks £4.50
• Semi-quaver Necklace £3.99
• iPhone Case £3.99
• Treble Clef Pencil £1.99

www.cafepress.com

A brilliant website that enables you to put your own designs on many different items. International. Here is a selection of some items available with many different designs.

• Trumpet Laptop Sticker $24.95
• Piano Flip-Flops $18.99

www.themusicstand.com

USA based.

• Personalised Drum Sticks $14.99

www.musicgiftscompany.co.uk

A UK based company with a huge variety of gifts.

• 'Chopin Liszt' £3.50
• Music Notes Umbrella £18.99

www.ebay.com

• Weekly Planner £6.99
• Magnetic Pencil for Music Stands £2.99
• Music Note Necklace £1.99
• Jute Music Design Bag £11.99
• Trumpet Cufflinks £15.99

www.notonthehighstreet.com

Uk based company with lots of unique gifts. Ships internationally.

• Plectrum Maker £22

www.amazon.com

• Glass Music Note Design Clock $56.99

www.musicroom.com

• Ukulele £19.99
• 'Keep Calm and Play on' Mug £6.99
• Musical Ruler £7.99 (a ruler you can play)
• Guitar Cheese Grater £6.99

www.musicgiftsonline.co.uk

• Manuscript Notebook £6.99
• Piano Clock £24.99

8 Things Every Musician Should Own

This is a small list of a few items I would recommend to all musicians:

1. Metronome
A metronome is essential tool for a musician to ensure correcting timing and tempo. I would recommend downloading 'Metrotime' from the App store for free: https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/metronome/id416443133?mt=8

2. Tuner
If you want to make sure you are in tune, a tuner is an essential item. I would recommend the 'Trevor James Chromatic Clip-on tuner': http://thetrumpetplayer.blogspot.com/2013/09/trevor-james-jmt-9006c-tuner-review.html  or download 'Cleartune' for £2.49 from the App store: https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/cleartune-chromatic-tuner/id286799607?mt=8  

3. Music Stand
Get a folding stand to take to rehearsals and I would recommend a more durable orchestral stand for home use - especially if you are using the Arban! Check out K&M stands: http://www.k-m.de/en

4. Practise Book
If you have lessons, then I would definitely recommend getting some sort of practise book. This means that you teacher can write down important things for you to practise. If you don't have lessons then a practise book is still useful the right down things you have practised and what you need to focus on next session.

5. Pegs
If you are a member of ensembles, or busk then pegs are a must for outdoor gigs/concerts to prevent those sheets from flying off into the audience. (They are also useful for keeping the Arban on your stand!)

6. Lots of Sheet Music
Try and have a collection of many different styles of music - useful for sight reading practise too!

7. Recordings of Your Favourite Musicians
Listening to musicians that inspire you can real help to motivate you.

8. An Instrument Stand
I like to keep my trumpet out on its stand all the time. I find that it really motivates me to practise and makes it easier just to pick up and play. Find a suitable sturdy stand that is going to keep your instrument safe. Here is a review of a couple of trumpet stands: http://www.thetrumpetplayer.blogspot.com/2013/01/trumpet-stands.html