Gifting a musician today has many possibilities. First, know what instrument the person plays. These days musicians use more and more computer software along with their instruments to create their music. With a little work, almost anyone can turn their home into a recording studio. Here is an opportunity to find a software package that will make a great gift. There are some drawbacks as these can be pricy and some are complex to learn. You will also have to know what computer platform they use — whether it's Windows or Macintosh.
Many musicians use music production software when creating new music. Here is a list of some available software on the Macintosh operating system.
Here is a list of production software used on the Windows Platform.
Many musicians nowadays use music notation software when creating new music. Here is a list of some of the music notation software available on the Windows operating system.
Here is a list of some of the music notation software available on the Macintosh operating system.
There is also the option of purchasing software that teaches how to play an instrument. An iPad that you load with apps geared for the musician is a really nice present.
Inexpensive apps such as Garageband,
Simplypiano and
Yousician Guitar are easily available from the App store.
For a more extensive list see List of music software.
For the musically inclined there are also unusual gifts such as, handwritten sheet music, musical scarves or even musical serving trays that can be found at Uncommon Goods.
Let's not forget purchasing an instrument as a gift. This is a bit tricky, since you absolutely need to know what the person wants. The purchase of a musical instrument is usually a very personal choice and may disapoint the giftee. I suggest you inform the person, get the specific information or even go along on a shopping trip to your local music store and buy that desired instrument for them.
There are websites in North America and Europe with plenty of instruments and accessories to choose from. Here are a few of them:
If you need to gift someone you know who is a passionate singer/performer (or just loves to sing) there are some unique products out there. Know what their style and genre is. Do they collect vinyl records? That is the latest
retro trend. If so, a record turntable could be a wonderful gift when everything now is ephemerally digital. If you know their taste in music why not also some touchy-feely vinyl records of their favorite artists? An Audio-Technica
AT-LP120BK-USB Direct-Drive Professional Turntable available at amazon.ca and amazon.com would make a great
gift.
You can always give a gift card but one from B&H means you care since it is one of the best gift cards for singers. Let them shop for whatever they need. bhphotovideo.com
If they follow a certain singing sensation then why not present them with tickets to a concert? You could also gift a singer with some singing lessons from a popular teacher. superprof.ca
And just for fun you can get them this unusual gift — a chocolate cassette tape and one chocolate vinyl record, handmade from dark and white Belgian chocolate. notonthehighstreet.com
There's a myriad of unique gifts to choose from and this website is full of them. albertsgifts.com
This very cute charm bracelet, complete with musical notes and microphone is the perfect jewelry for the budding singer. amazon.ca and amazon.com
Fill to the desired note and create your own concerto with these major scale musical wine glasses. Available at uncommongoods.com
Acclaimed by the New York Times as "part muse, part quick reference," this pocket-sized dictionary is an easy-to-use tool geared specifically toward the contemporary songwriter. It contains the most-often used words in popular music, and the simple format allows for fast reference. 15,000 entries provide more than ample rhyming options. Available at amazon.ca and amazon.com
Buying gifts for dancers usually involves some kind of apparel, be it tights, tutus, special shoes (tap, ballet) or any of the usual accessories needed to be a dancer in a certain genre (ballet, contemporary, amateur, folklore, ballroom, hip hop, bharatanatyam, jazz), so be sure to know their style of dance. Many young girls and some boys take up dancing. Whether it's ballroom or ballet, (or folklore) they sometimes need costumes. Gifting them costumes or the means to obtain them is often a great gesture and a wonderful gift that is meaningful. So many people now participate in folkloric dance that any gift associated with one of these dances is well appreciated. Make sure you know sizes and color choices.
What about a special outfit or even dance lessons? Duffle bags are always welcome, along with books on dancing. Perhaps the best gift is a personalized one — special clothing or jewelry with the dancer’s name on it. Any kind of art associated with dance can be found at Dodoburd.com. and bodywrappers.com. And don't forget to visit your local retailers.
amazon.ca and amazon.com
Buying gifts for actor friends...well, it's tricky — you'll never know if they really mean it when they smile with glee as they admire your purchase! It should be a gift that floors them. Gifts that relate to their professional or amateur status should be chosen. There are a lot of T-shirts with a wealth of sayings on them, and you can see them at amazon.ca and amazon.com
There are other exciting gifts out there!
You can always get them this mug with the world's greatest actor saying knowing that to be an actor you need to have a bit of an ego.
If they read a lot there are books at amazon.com pertaining to acting:
amazon.ca and amazon.com
amazon.ca and amazon.com
amazon.ca and amazon.com
amazon.ca and amazon.com
And of course you can always get tickets to a play at broadway.com be it on Broadway or your local playhouse. A more exciting gift could be a trip to New York and Broadway with tickets to "Hamilton". If you can't get to Broadway how bout a gift subscription to broadwayhd.com — a streaming specialty website showing Broadway plays. This will give hours of pleasure to a fellow thespian.
Copy these prompts. Paste them into your favorite AI application. Get more information.
Gifting Musicians (General & Software)
Compare the features, price, and system requirements for Logic Pro X vs. Ableton Live 12.1.
What are the best beginner-friendly music production software options for Windows?
Show me a comparison chart of Studio One Pro, Cubase Elements, and Cakewalk Sonar.
What are the essential accessories I need to buy if I want to help someone set up a home recording studio?
List the top-rated USB microphones for home recording.
Music Notation Software
What are the main differences between Dorico, Sibelius, and MuseScore for professional composition?
Is there free music notation software that is comparable to paid versions like Sibelius?
Can you explain the learning curve for Lilypond compared to other notation software like MuseScore?
Music Learning & Unusual Gifts
What are the best iPad apps for learning to play piano in 2024?
Give me more examples of creative or unusual music-themed gifts similar to musical wine glasses.
What are the most popular subscription boxes for music lovers?
Purchasing Musical Instruments
What are the pros and cons of buying a musical instrument from Sweetwater vs. Guitar Center?
What should I look for when buying a used guitar as a gift?
Can you explain the different types of beginner violins and what price range is appropriate?
Gifts for Singers
What are the key features to look for when buying a high-quality turntable for a vinyl collector?
Find me a list of the best-selling books on vocal techniques and singing exercises.
What is a good price range for professional singing lessons in a major city?
Gifts for Dancers
Where can I find custom-made ballet tutus or personalized dance bags?
What are the essential items every ballet dancer needs in their duffel bag?
List the best gifts for a teenager interested in hip-hop dance.
Gifts for Actors
What are the must-read books for aspiring actors, besides the ones listed in the document?
How can I find out what plays are currently showing on Broadway or in the West End?
What are the best subscription services for streaming theatre and stage performances?
Some suggested AI sites are: ChatGPT, Claude.ai, Perplexity.ai, Deepseek and others.
Photo Credits: See Acknowledgements