As I’ve been spending time with family over this Thanksgiving week, I’ve also been thinking ahead to December. In fact, the minute school was out on Tuesday, we flipped both the kitchen and studio calendars over to December. It is such a busy month for everyone, but always seems especially busy for musicians and music students. After I made sure all the rehearsals and performances involving everyone were on the calendar, my mind started wandering to the reason for all the busy schedules…Christmas.
In hopes that everyone will at least get some practicing in after our concert on December 18, I thought I’d list some of my favorite Music Student Christmas gifts.
First and foremost would have to be the bead counters from thepracticeshoppe.com. These are so helpful when it comes to repetition in practice. The act of putting your instrument down and moving the bead both gives a moment of rest, and also allows the student to visually see (and feel as they move the bead) their progress. If you have a few minutes, maybe look around her website. The owner of thepracticeshoppe.com is a friend of mine, but is a fantastically creative Suzuki parent and teacher.
I remember as a child, always wanting to have a music note necklace or earrings. I’ve seen numerous neckties available with music motifs as well. Those are always fun and are pretty easy to find. The Practice Shoppe also carries a selection of really affordable music inspired jewelry, and a quick search on Amazon produces dozens of music neckties. I also have luck locally looking for music ties at The Quilted Bear.
Another favorite website is www.sharmusic.com. Their gifts section always has fun ideas for the music student. They also have a fantastic sheet music section if you are looking for fun non-Suzuki music for your student. I just did a quick search and found multiple Star Wars books for violin. I also love this book for your music student that enjoys reading.
The final idea I’m adding to this list is easier to purchase locally. I would strongly recommend that every student has a music stand. I use the Manhasset music stand in my studio, and I love it, since it’s essentially indestructible. However, it is more of an investment. A folding music stand is also perfectly acceptable. Both my girls practice daily on their folding music stands. They come in a variety of styles and colors, as well as price points. I prefer purchasing my music stands through Summerhays Music in Orem, but they are widely available.
I hope this helps as you’re doing your Christmas shopping this year. You certainly do not have to go this route, but I’ve noticed as I’ve added a little music inspired gift under the tree, it helps my children take more ownership in what they are learning, which leads to more motivated practicers.
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