Top Tips for Gifting Musicial Instruments
24 November 2022 | Posted By Erin Harrington
Considering buying an instrument for someone special this year?
A musical instrument can be one of the most special gifts to someone.
It provides a place for mindfulness, endurance, self-expression and so much more!
I remember one of my fondest memories was when my Dad bought me an
expensive violin for Christmas one year. He’d gone to great lengths to get the best quality violin for me and, as he isn’t with us anymore, it is one of my most cherished possessions. It was the starting point for my musical career and interest in playing many musical instruments, including piano and ukuleles, of course.😉
BUT, It can be tricky to get the right instrument depending on the person and budget… hence why Ukuleles are a great option for someone just starting out with music or wanting to get back into after a break. Ukuleles are fun and easy to get started on. There are many other amazing instruments we can play however… so read on to learn my guide for buying instruments as gifts picked up from working for years in a music store.
1. What type of music do they like?
If they’re into rock, rock and pop tunes… they’re probably going to love an instrument that is most used in these genres, such as Ukulele or Guitar.
The best guitars for country, rock and pop are acoustic steel string, whereas nylon string is more classic and flamenco styles. If they love hip-hop or r’n’b, you might want to consider a multi-functioned keyboard with in-built beats. Have a listen to the music and see what instruments you can find.
2. Do they sing?
There are two types of musicians… a strum and sing musician or an instrumentalist. If they do sing.. you might want to consider getting an instrument with an electronic pick-up will give them the option of going to a live jam/open mic night down the track (or maybe they already perform and might like some diversity with a new instrument).
If they are an instrumentalist, consider the quality of the tone and timber.. as this will mean a lot more to someone who is technique focused and using an instrument to resonate and ‘sing’ for them.
3. Size does matter….
If it is someone with larger hands, you might want to consider getting a Tenor or Baritone Ukulele as some of the smaller frets can be an issue with progressing. Consider if they can physically reach their arms around the instrument and if it would be comfortable for them to play. Luckily, the ukulele comes in 4 different sizes! I recommend Soprano for young children, and Concert or Tenor for Adults.
Violins and guitars also come in many different sizes. Think if they can physically play the instrument.
4. How will it fit into their lifestyle?
How much time do they have to learn the instrument?
Are they social? Why not include a list of teachers and community groups they may be able to join to help them hit the ground running.
Do they like to work on things in their own time? Do they live somewhere where they can make noise? Brass instruments make a lot of noise.. so you might want to consider if they live in an apartment how that would affect their learning. Electric pianos come with headphones and Ukuleles and Guitars are moderately quiet for city living.
Are there groups they can join with their instruments to make it fun?
(in Brisbane there is the Brisbane Ukulele Music Society, The Folk Club and the Jazz Society)
5. How do they learn?
Think of their lifestyle and where they might be able to play their instrument. Do they have more time or are they poor for time?
For busy people - why not include an online course and ebook so they can run it at their own pace.
Check out my range of online courses for musicians and Ukuleles –
Do they learn better in person? Why not add a lesson with a teacher as part of the gift. (I have gift vouchers for lessons if Voice or Ukulele, or sound meditation could compliment your gift! - Email me - hello@theukulelerockers.com
Why not include guided meditation to help their mindset (check out my free meditation on the shop page)? I sometimes find people don’t even believe they can play an instrument! It all starts with a thought…
6. Make it fun and set them up strong.
Why not set a playdate and choose some songs to learn together to make the experience more enjoyable? Think of the ways you can make it really fun and in time it will create beautiful memories you’ll never forget.
If you have any more questions, let me know! In my opinion.. the more people there are learning music the happier we all could be!
Happy Shopping
Erin.
#tipsforbuying #giftideasformusicians #giftingmusicalinstruments #musicgiftideas #toptipsforbuyinginstruments #christmasgiftideas
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