By Andra Prewett
Know a young violinist? Have a cello-playing child in the family? Check out our top gifts for this year!
1. Music by Black Composers: Violin Volume 1
This collection of music by black composers features a variety of styles, from West African to classical. The book also contains interesting composer and performer biographies. The songs are an excellent complement to the Suzuki volumes; all fingerings and bowings are very skill appropriate. Each song includes a more challenging second violin part, plus piano accompaniment. Unfortunately, viola and cello volumes are not yet available.
Recommended for: Ages 6 to Adult; Mid Book 1 – Book 4
2. Sony Portable Bluetooth Digital Turner AM/FM CD Player
You know what’s the matter with kids these days? They don’t listen to music loud enough! When was the last time you asked a kid to turn down their boombox? <<Crickets>> Most kids do not have the ability to listen to their own music without using a smartphone or a computer. This device will provide a much higher sound quality than internal computer speakers, plus it’s portable and can double as a bluetooth speaker. Go ahead and include a classical CD with this gift, such as Beethoven Symphonies or Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite.
Recommended for: All ages, all levels
3. Dominant Violin/Viola/Cello Strings
A new set of high-quality strings can make your instrument sound so much better! Technically speaking, new strings are able to resonate more readily, especially with frequencies that match open string frequencies. In other words, your ringtones will sound better and be easier to find. Strings are not cheap; a new set for violin can cost more than $70 (and even more for cello), making this a very treasured and appreciated gift!
Recommended for: All ages, Late Suzuki Book 1 & Up
This reference book will come in handy when researching background information about a new piece. In fact, every classical musician should have a music reference book of some kind. Yes, the internet is always an option, but having it in print format could spark more interest. Wouldn’t it be cool to have a teenager go down a music history rabbit hole instead of spending hours on a smartphone?
Recommended for: Ages 10 & Up, All Levels
5. Laminated Flashcards for Violin, Viola, or Cello: Notes & Strings 1st Position
When learning to read music, there is no substitute for drilling with flashcards. Students new to music reading can begin learning notes on the staff, and those already reading can improve their speed. These are designed specifically for your instrument, so you can see where to find the note on your fingerboard (very important!). Be sure to check with your teacher to see if your child is ready to begin note reading if you haven’t started yet.
Recommended for: Ages 7 & Up, Early Book 2 – Book 3 (but check with your teacher first)
6. Music: The Definitive Visual History (Dk Smithsonian)
This visually interesting book “guides readers through the progression of music since its prehistoric beginnings, discussing not just Western classical music, but music from all around the world.” We recommend getting the hardcover and keeping it out as a coffee table book.
Recommended for: Ages 10 to Adult, All Levels
7. String Swing for Violin/Viola
The hardest thing about practicing is starting. But if your instrument is already out, it’s easy to get started without the hassle of unpacking. It might even inspire an impromptu 5 minute practice while waiting for dinner to be ready! Students who have instrument wall hooks tend to be more consistent in their practicing. A must for every violinist/violist.
Recommended for: All ages and levels
8. Peak Music Stands Music Stand (SMS-20)
If you play music, you need a music stand. Even parents working with young twinklers will find the music stand handy as a place to put your practice notebook, or other accessories needed for practice. This one is portable, yet sturdy enough to take to outside performances. In fact, many professionals use this exact stand. Note: you can choose the SMS-50 model for very tall musicians.
Recommended for: All ages and levels
9. Solos for Young Violinists, Violists, or Cellists, by Barbara Barber
It’s OK to play songs that are not in the Suzuki books. Sometimes we need an extra piece for a change of pace. Barbara Barber has put together 8 volumes of wonderful supplemental classical performance pieces, many of which are from the Romantic Era of music history, which provides a nice contrast to the baroque-heavy Suzuki volumes. Start with Volume 1 for students around the book 4 level.
Recommended for: Books 4 & Up
10. Christmas Kaleidoscope Bk. 1 & 2 for Violin, Viola or Cello
Of course, no Suzuki holiday list would be complete without mentioning Robert Frost’s Christmas Kaleidoscope books. These are perfect for students even in book 1. They come with two optional harmony parts, so kids can get together with friends or family members and harmonize with one another. The books are compatible with other instrument versions too, so a cellist could play seamlessly along with a violinist if they each had their own version of the book. Purchase the piano accompaniment if you have a pianist in the family. Everybody loves to play Christmas music!
Recommended for: Ages 5 & Up, Mid Book 1 & Up
Bonus stocking suffer: Jade Rosin or Magic Rosin
Raise your hand if you’ve ever dropped and cracked your rosin. 🙋♀️ Yep. Accidents happen, even to professional players. It’s a good idea to have an extra rosin cake on hand. Younger players will be enticed by the colorful and sparkly designs of Magic Rosin, whereas, the older and more advanced players will appreciate a higher quality of rosin from what is normally supplied with a violin rental outfit. Rosin can affect the feel of the bow and the response time, as well as the tone quality. One word of caution though: Both rosins come without a protective wooden box, so they’re easily broken if dropped.
Recommended for: All ages & levels (see above)
And finally, PLEASE DO NOT BUY YOUR CHILD AN INSTRUMENT FOR CHRISTMAS without allowing them to try it out first. An instrument is a very personal choice, and we owe it to our kids to be able to pick out their own instrument, using comfort, tone, and playability as criteria for making their selection. You will also want to consult with your teacher before purchasing a new instrument to make sure you are purchasing the correct size. If your goal is to have your child receive their new violin for Christmas, you could be creative and visit the violin store before Christmas, and have him/her play several different instruments and see which one they like best. Make a note of which one they liked (write down make, model, and serial number), and call the store as soon as you get home to make the purchase.
Thank you for supporting your child’s musical education. Wishing you wonderful & musical happy holidays!
Be sure to visit smile.amazon.com when shopping at Amazon, and select Franklin Suzuki Academy as your charity so you can generate donations for FSA!
