Hey there!
It’s that time of year again! I’m jumping back on the horse to provide you with my recommended gift list for the fiddler or violinist in your life – be it yourself or a loved one.
I’ve included something for everyone at a bunch of different price ranges. Whether you want to stuff a stocking, wow a special someone, or give yourself a fun holiday gift, you’ll be able to find something on this list!
So, without further ado…
HOT VIOLINISTS GIFTS: IDEA #1 – HELICORE OCTAVE STRINGS
This is a really fun gift or stocking stuffer for a violinist who wants to experiment outside of the box! These strings are tuned to the same notes as your typical violin strings – G, D, A, E – but they are all one octave lower, effectively making your violin sound more like a cello.
If you’ve ever wanted to sound like Yo-Yo Ma, but don’t want to shell out for a full cello… now is your chance!
It’s a fun way to experience the instrument and your favorite tunes from a difference perspective. Definitely check them out if you are interested.
HOT VIOLINIST GIFTS: IDEA # 2 – Music Service Subscription (APPLE or SPOTIFY)
One of the most important, and underrated, aspects of developing as a musician is listening. If I’m trying to learn a particular tune, you better believe that I have it on repeat all day to become fully immersed. You start to really notice the subtleties after repeated listens, and it will help train your brain to recognize the patterns of notes when it comes to playing the song.
So what better way to make sure someone has every song at their disposal than a subscription or gift card to one of these services?
HOT VIOLINIST GIFTS: IDEA #3 – BLUETOOTH RECORD PLAYER
If you happen to not be so into digital music (hello, Mom!), then you need to be jumping back on the vinyl bandwagon! I own this record player and listen to it every single morning. The sound of digital music really can’t be matched against the warmth and character that a needle on vinyl provides.
This player conveniently links to any bluetooth speaker so you can bring the music with you around the house and keep your speaker footprint minimal.
HOT VIOLINIST GIFTS: IDEA # 4 – A COOL VIOLIN SHIRT
If you or a loved one is a hot violinist, let them show it to the world with a cool/quirky violin themed T-shirt. It’s a great, safe gift that isn’t too much of a leap (like the cello strings!).
I love to browse Etsy since you’re more likely to support local artists.
One of the things I hear from all of you is that it’s hard to find people in your local community to share your musical journey with. Well, wear your passion loud and proud and you’d be surprised at the conversations it will start.
HOT VIOLINIST GIFTS: IDEA #5 – HAND EXERCISERS
This is a great stocking stuffer that the fiddler in your life will be thanking you for years down the road. As violinists and fiddlers (and people who type way too much in the modern world), our finger musculature becomes out of balance from all the pressing we do. Over time, this can lead to pain and even arthritis.
To correct this imbalance, I use these little hand exercisers that work on finger flexion, which you can think of as opening your fingers from a closed fist. They’re little rubber bands that provide a tiny amount of resistance to help develop the muscles that become neglected and lag behind our more robust pressing finger muscles.
Trust me when I say that a few minutes a day with these will be a game changer for any violinist or keyboard warrior.
HOT VIOLINIST GIFTS: IDEA #6 – A Massage!
While fiddling may not be a full contact sport, it does start to take a toll on your body over the years of putting your upper body in a non-natural position. This leads to tightness in the shoulders, neck, and back (especially on the side where you rest your violin).
So why not get the hot violinist in your life a wonderful and luxurious massage at your favorite local spot!? This thoughtful gift will provide a stress reliever plus get their body back in alignment so they can keep happy and healthy playing their violin for years to come.
HOT VIOLINIST GIFTS: IDEA #7 – PRACTICE JOURNAL
One of the most difficult obstacles for adult violinists is being consistent with practice. One way to stay consistent is keeping a practice journal. It ensures you take a mindful moment before and after practice instead of running through it on autopilot. It’s also really fun to look at years down the road to see how far you’ve come!
While you can certainly use a blank notebook, I'm interested in this journal called The Practice Habit. It’s got an awesome format that’s plug and play, so you’ll be able to keep consistent practice and keep your eye on the prize of becoming the musician you want to be.
HOT VIOLINIST GIFTS: IDEA #8 – CARBON FIBER BOW
I think a solid carbon fiber bow is a must for any fiddler. They’re practically unbreakable, immune from the elements, and they basically sound as good as most wood bows multiple times their price.
One one of my previous gift lists, I put the carbon fiber bow that I used for almost 10 years of performance – the JonPaul Bravo. Back then it retailed for between $160-180, but now it looks like it’s going for almost $400! Who says violin isn’t a good investment??
Well, I’ve got another great option for you! It’s a carbon fiber bow that’s made specifically for the violin shop that I’ve gone to my entire violin life – Terra Nova Violins. It’s called the S. Josef model 32 and it’s a sweet stick for less than $100.
If you’re a beginner or intermediate and you’re either a) working with a really cheap bow and need a solid upgrade, or b) only own a wooden bow, I highly recommend picking this one up.
HOT VIOLINIST GIFTS: IDEA #9 – A COOL METRONOME
Every hot violinist needs a metronome… I know you all LOVE practicing with it 😉
But seriously, there might not be a more useful tool to get better at the violin, or any instrument for that matter. Unfortunately, most people are using their phone, and those who aren’t are using one of those metronomes that looks like a piece of hardware from 1990. (Guilty myself of that one!)
Instead, try picking up a truly old-school-style metronome like this one here. It looks cool sitting on your desk in your practice area – much better than constantly having to mess with your phone!
HOT VIOLINIST GIFTS: IDEA #10 – SOME TASTY TEA
Ok so this isn’t 100% violin specific, but personally, I love having a nice hot cup of tea next to me when practicing in the winter. My new favorite brand is called Pique Tea. They’re cool because the tea is in little crystals that dissolve right into the hot water. I’m a particular fan of the Jasmine! They'll make an awesome stocking stuffer.
HOT VIOLINIST GIFTS: IDEA #11 – Violin Lessons!!!
It’s my opinion that the greatest gift you can give yourself or another violinist is quality instruction. It’s the #1 factor to enjoy the instrument and make consistent progress so you can get closer to playing your favorite songs well, be that a home holiday concert, playing with a group of friends, or just enjoying the instrument by yourself.
I have some holiday specials for a few lucky fiddlers, so if you’re interested in learning from me or gifting some instruction, please reply below and let me know!
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Well, there you have it! My 2019 edition for the best gifts for violins and fiddlers. I hope you find something to give to your favorite fiddler, whether it’s yourself or a loved one.
I hope you all have a wonderful holiday season full of food, music, fun, laughter, and family!
Jenny
