Here are a few pointers for getting the right gift for the right person.

• Know the Person – As with all gift giving, think about the person you want to give the gift to.
  • Has the person expressed an interest in playing an instrument?
  • Are they desiring a specific instrument?
  • What is the person’s musical experience?
  • What style of music do they love?
  • What are their reasons for wanting to play?

Choosing a quality instrument

If you are not familiar with musical instruments, this will take some effort, but don’t let that discourage you.

• Know Your Limitations and Get Help-
  Ask lots of questions of knowledgeable musicians who play the instrument you are considering. Be sure to ask them about facts to look for and brands they recommend.
• Online Reviews-
  Do an online search for reviews. Include the word review along with things like the type of instrument, brand, and/or model. Amazon and are a great resource for personal reviews from people who have owned the product.
• Return Policy-
  Make sure there is a good return policy just in case the instrument is not a good fit.
• Use Gift Cards-
  An instrument can be a very personal decision. A gift card allows the recepient to choose what is best for them.
• Avoid buying used or from online auctions-
  If you are not familiar with an instrument, you may want to avoid buying a used instrument or buying from online auctions. Stick with a reputable company with a good return policy.  Even the new items on the online auctions can be suspect. Many are poor quality instruments imported cheaply from overseas.

Instrument Ideas
Here are a few instrument ideas and resources for finding them.

• Simple to Learn Instruments-ukelele, dulcimer, recorder, harmonica, kazoo and many percussion instruments
• Instrument Families
  • Brass – trumpet, trombone, French horn, tuba…
  • Woodwind – flute, clarinet, oboe, sax…
  • Classical Strings – violin, viola, cello and bass
  • Other Strings – guitar, bass guitar, mandolin, banjo, dulcimers…
  • Percussion – Snare drum, drum set (standard or electronic), xylophone, glockenspiel, world percussion, handheld percussion…
  • Keyboard – piano, digital piano, keyboard

An additional tip, if you can afford it, add music lessons as part of the gift. If you can’t afford to add lessons, do some research and give them the name of one or more teachers to contact. Instruction books and videos can be helpful, too.

Hoping you have musical holidays,

Deborah

Don’t worry if you don’t know much about music, you can get some advice from someone who is.  Ask a lot of questions and you can grow in your musical knowledge, too.

Here are some musical gift ideas for you to think about. (Stay tuned for more in depth discussion about some of these topics in future posts)

• Musical Instruments
• Music Lessons
• Accessories for Instruments
• Music Magazines
• Sheet Music
• Books about Music
• Biographys of Musicians and Composers
• Music Themed Gift Items (tote bags, clothing, jewelry, nick nacks, etc.)

Resources:
Here are some trustworthy businesses that carry musical items

• The Woodwind & Brasswind – Don’t let the name mislead you. They carry a full array of instruments and accessories not just wind instruments. I’ve purchased from them for over 20 years. Plus they have a 110% low price guarantee and free shipping for orders over $49.
• Sheet Music Plus – A large selection of sheet music, songbooks and guitar tabs.
• Amazon has many musical options and offers free shipping for orders over $25 (for most items)
  • Books About Music
  • Musical Instruments
  • Music Gifts
  • Music Magazines

Hoping you have a very musical Christmas,

Deborah