For parents and family members looking for gifts for the young string player.
When I was a kid, getting music themed gifts was hit or miss. Anything that I could play or use right away to make music was always a big hit. Music-themed accessories that I could wear, such as treble clef earrings or a music note umbrella were a source of embarrassment (by the time I reached junior high, I was “too cool for school”). So I have complied some very practical gifts that will come in handy for young violinists, violists and cellist.
- Christmas Kaleidoscope Book 2, by Robert S. Frost: Kids in our program already have the Book 1 in this series. The songs included are perfect for beginning level note reading, and are very playable. Bonus: 2 harmony parts are included, so they can play as a duo or trio with friends! Price: $7.50. Level: Late Book 1 & Up
- Peak Music Stand: The Peak Stand is the perfect hybrid of portability and durability. The solid back of the stand makes it easy for books to stay up, and is sturdy enough to keep set up permanently in the music room of your house. Its hinges allow it to fold up to a small size for easy transport with the included case. It has become the industry standard stand for music students and professionals alike. One caveat: you’ll need to tighten the screws every once in a while to prevent the stand for sinking. Price: $34.95. Level: Any (little ones not yet reading can use for practice charts.)
- Portable CD Player with Bluetooth, Wall Mountable CD Music Player Home Audio Boombox: Let’s face it. The way we listen to music has changed tremendously in the last 30 years. When I was a kid, I had my own boombox and collection of tapes and CDs. I delighted in listening to my favorite albums in the privacy of my own room, where I was free to listen on repeat as much as I pleased. I connected so much with the recordings of Beethoven and Debbie Gibson alike. One of the largest hinderances I see in my studio is the inaccessibility of music listening for my students. Their only access to the CD player is in the car, and the computer is restricted to supervised use (as it should be). Many of the kids are not empowered to listen to music on their own, and many are not able to listen at all due to missing/broken CD player. With this device, kids can do it all: listen to CDs, FM radio, and it serves as a bluetooth speaker for your digital devices. Make it easy for your kids to “do their listening.” Price: $52.99. Level: All.
- Magic Rosin: Kids drop/break/lose their rosin all the time. Magic Rosin is a synthetic rosin that is crystal clear, so they can put really cool designs in it, such as purple sparkle, floral, rainbow glitter. Price: $16. Level: Beginning – Intermediate, but please supervise as these cakes are easily dropped/broken.
- Jade Rosin: Superior sound quality. This is the rosin I use. Price: $9.99. Level: All.
- Dominant String Set: New strings make the instrument sound brighter and more resonant, making it easier to play in tune. Higher quality strings make a big difference too, in terms of playability and longevity. We need to replace our strings once a year, even more if the instrument is played a lot. Price: $63.95 for violin set, more for viola and cello. Level: All.
- Lives of the Musicians: Good Times, Bad Times, and What the Neighbors Thought, by Katherine Hewitt: This book was so captivating, I could not put it down. It really brings to life the different personalities of the composers in a way that children can relate to. Maybe not appropriate for the youngest of children (the author mentions how Mozart composed so obsessively that we was known to jot down melodies while his wife, Constanze, was in labor), it is thoroughly entertaining and educational. Price: $8.99 paperback/$12.99 hardcover. Ages: 8 – 12.
- From Suzuki to Mozart: A History of the Repertoire in Suzuki Violin Books 1-10, by Hadley Johnson: The definitive music history book for Suzuki students and teachers was written by a Suzuki teacher, specifically for Suzuki students and parents. Always be prepared for your next lesson by reading up on the composer and the piece. Price: $14.99. Level: All.
- Nashville Symphony Orchestra Tickets: There are so many excellent programs presented this season by the Nashville Symphony. School-Aged children can see any of the “Classical Series” concerts for $10 each, using the promo code “SOUNDCHECK.” Younger children will enjoy the “Family Series” (select “Family Series” in upper right hand corner), presented on Saturday mornings for a shorter, more interactive experience. Price: $10 & Up. Age: All.
- DO NOT EVER BUY A NEW INSTRUMENT FOR YOUR CHILD WITHOUT CONSULTING YOUR TEACHER and THE CHILD FIRST. It takes a trained eye to know what size, make and model your child will need for violin/viola/cello lessons. For the newest beginner, we do not allow the child to play their instrument unless they have demonstrated proficiency with “the box” instrument in lessons. If you gift your child a violin, you will need to take it away from them when they start lessons, which will be very confusing for them. A better solution is to wrap up a picture of a violin (or cello). For the older student, an instrument is a very personal choice. We need to give the child an opportunity to try several out to assess comfort, playability, and tone. Please speak with your teacher if you have any questions!
Miss Andra is Andra Prewett, Suzuki violin & viola instructor and Executive Director of Franklin Suzuki Academy in Franklin, TN.
