If there was ever a year to pick up a new instrument and get creative, this is it. We’ve got a long winter ahead of us, (hopefully leading to a much safer spring and summer!) and that’s why we’ve compiled a list of inspiring music gear just for you in our 2020 Holiday Gift Guide. Our teachers also shared some recommendations for awesome starter instruments, all under $100. No, it’s not a PS5, but we know these musical gifts will bring lots of creative fun and collaboration to your home!
Plus–do you live in Brooklyn? Brooklyn Fine Guitars & Big Wrench Pianos are offering BMF families a holiday discount, with tons of great instruments to choose from. Shopping local + giving a creative gift = a glorious win win! Check out this post for all the details. (Be sure to scroll down to learn more.) If you don’t live in Brooklyn, please support your local music store!
Awesome Instrument Recs (MOSTLY Under $100!) from Our Teachers
Greg recommends the Loog Mini! This is a great starter guitar for kids ages 3+, and is a wonderful prerequisite to a smaller guitar with ALL of the strings.
Meet the Dato Duo! This rec is from Nich! He says, “It’s super fun and teaches kids basic synth programming. Great for parents and kids to play together!”
Shopping for a keyboard? Nate recommends Casio’s 44 Key mini digital piano. It’s a great starter keyboard for little musicians!
Christina recommends this amazing steel tongue drum from Etsy! She says, “No matter how you play it or how hard you hit it, it sounds great.”
Shopping for a ukulele? Check out this Cordoba 15CM recommended by Kathryn. (The UP100 Concert Ukulele is another great choice!) With ukuleles it’s a good idea to not grab the cheapest option available, as it may not stay in tune. However, this one sounds beautiful!!
P.S. Live in Brooklyn? Stop by Brooklyn Fine Guitars to pick up a Cordoba uke! BMF families get a 5% discount when they spend over $200.
Mike recommends this 32 key EastRock Melodica! Your whole family will want to try it and join in the fun (PLEASE use proper covid precautions here!) A melodica is a GREAT addition to your music room. (Just ask this guy!)
One more rec for aspiring bass players out there- this one comes from Tyrone. (We broke the $100 rule on just this one rec… sorry about that!) Tyrone says you can’t go wrong with a Squier Affinity Series Precision Bass.
Small Buys (Under $50)
Instrument Hooks: Display your instrument on the wall, instead of in its case where you’re less likely to grab it. Put the hooks on the wall within arms reach and get ready to start playing! Here’s a great one for guitars, and here’s one for mandolins, ukuleles, etc.
Half Moon Tambourine: You gotta have a tambourine! This is a solid model– we find this style of tambourine easier to hold and play than the traditional round ones.
Egg Shakers: The description may say “kids toy” but we can guarantee that every last one of you will be SHAKIN’ IT! Egg shakers are a must have for your music corner, and make a great stocking stuffer or small gift.
Djembe: This is the CORE of your percussion basket! The djembe has a wider range of tones, depending on how you hit it. This thing can hold its own in any jam. Plus this one comes in a ton of cool colors.
Private Lesson Packages
4- or 6-Lesson Package: Give the gift of music with a lesson package! Our lesson packages are GREAT for kids and adults with busy or unpredictable schedules. Share lesson packages between siblings and family members, and schedule lessons when it’s convenient to you with flexible scheduling.
Learn more by visiting our lesson package page here.
We hope this list helps bring some musical fun to your holiday season!
