11 Hottest Gifts for Violinists and Fiddlers 2016!

Posted on November 24, 2016 by Jenny

Looking for gifts for violinists and fiddlers? This 2016 edition of my yearly list has some special ideas for some of the toughest-to-gift types of violinists on your list such as….

-Violinists to be
-Violinists with not enough time in the day
-Trad purists

And the previously impossible to gift…

-Violinist who has everything

I've gone cold turkey on the Amazon affiliate links this year. So, all of these links are sending you to small businesses that I simply like (Yay! Let's send some Holiday cash their way!).

If you'd like to support thehotviolinist.com, you can purchase downloads of my music or tell your aspiring violinist friends about ViolinWOD 2017. Ooh look! The discounted pre-enrollment packages made it on this year's list!! 😉

HOT VIOLINIST GIFTS: IDEA #1 – ViolinWOD

I’m proud of my 20 peeps who started violin in 2016 with me via my 5 minute a day video program. Can’t wait to see who I meet in 2017! Please send some more nice people my way for the next experience. Pre-enrollment is open with early bird discounts.

This year I’m making custom vouchers for gift giving. Just print, roll up like an ancient scroll, tie with twine, and send your loved one on an adventure.

For total beginners or anyone who wants to sound better using less practice time.

HOT VIOLINIST GIFTS: IDEA # 2 – Headspace Guided Meditation Subscription

Here's another way to give an experience instead of a thing!

Stress less, sleep better, love better…. practice violin better! Neuroscientists and monks agree. Practicing meditation helps everything. The Headspace program is really easy and fun and gift subscriptions start at $12.95.

HOT VIOLINIST GIFTS: IDEA #3 – Fizzics Portable Beer System

Bring the pub home (or anywhere) for a more authentic fiddle learning atmosphere. It's for the violinist on your list dedicated to the art and preservation of culture!

HOT VIOLINIST GIFTS: IDEA # 4 – Amazing Grace Wind Chimes

I would have thought this idea might turn out cheesy, but it's totally not. These are beautifully tuned artisan wind chimes made by Davis Blanchard. He tunes using Just Intonation, which is what fiddlers use for the best sounding double stops.

The tuning of this set is reminiscent of the melody of Amazing Grace. You can explore the many different themes and tunings with the videos on his site to find something personal to the person you are shopping for.

HOT VIOLINIST GIFTS: IDEA #5 – Fingerless Gloves

Super practical for any fiddler or violinist you know who sometimes needs to play outside in chilly temperatures. They also look really cool, so hey… I say air conditioning is reason enough to perform in these.

It's a nice thoughtful little gift you can find in a variety of colors and price ranges. I liked the ones on this Etsy shop because they are handmade, afforable (under 10 bucks?!) and come in a bunch of different colors and styles for men and women.

HOT VIOLINIST GIFTS: IDEA #6 – Swell Bottle

Hydration, hydration, hydration! Or coffee…..

A very thoughtful Santa brought me one of these for Christmas last year and it has been by my side every day since. I really like my woodgrain one, and I think a lot of fiddlers probably would too. But they have tons of color options to personalize the gift. Keeps things hot or cold and doesn’t leak.

HOT VIOLINIST GIFTS: IDEA #7 – Circa Paleo Beanie

Vintage band gear is in. The more obscure the better. And the fiddlers in your life might appreciate being turned on to this band in particular, where the violin is the lead singer. The “dancing J” CP logo represents the connection between rhythm and melody. Meanwhile keeps head warm.

HOT VIOLINIST GIFTS: IDEA #8 – Productivity Planner

For the too-busy violinist in your life. (And who isn't?) Maybe you can actually gift them with more time in the day to play.

This thing really works to get stuff done. It’s like a day planner, life coach (a good one not a woo woo one), and a time management workshop all in one little black book. It has definitely helped me to beat procrastination, but more importantly brings peace of mind.

HOT VIOLINIST GIFTS: IDEA #9 – Matches in a Bottle

Combine these with a candle from your local candle maker for a unique gift that would make a nice finishing touch to a practice space. It's nice to have a routine to begin the set aside practice time, and lighting a candle is perfect for that.

HOT VIOLINIST GIFTS: IDEA #10 – The Man With the Violin

One of my violin students gave this to me, and I've since sent copies to two young maybe-future-fiddlers I know. It's a children's book based on the social experiment when world renowned Joshua Bell played his Strad in the DC Subway. Cute.

HOT VIOLINIST GIFTS: IDEA #11 – Bridge and Cross Bows T-Shirt

Violin maker Andrew Carruthers first created these designs in linoleum blocks cut with his violin making tools. Now the bridge and crossbows is available in a locally screen printed version to keep up with demand. Once you're on his site, take a stroll through the many shirt designs and posters.

HOT VIOLINIST GIFTS: IDEA #12 – Life Sized Chocolate Violin

WHAT?! Yes, this is a whimsical memorable treat to put a smile on the face of the violinist who already has everything else. Because I really don't think they have one of these. Made fresh to order in white, dark, or milk chocolate.

And since this is one of the best ideas I've ever heard of, it made it in as number 12 on my list of 11.

Did I mention it is life sized?

So that's my list for 2016! Please let me know the reaction if you end up getting any of these for your friends and loved ones.

And do you have any ideas of gifts for violinists and fiddlers? Lemme know in the comments below!

11 Hot Violinist Gifts for 2015!

Posted on December 8, 2015 by Jenny

I'm back with a fresh new list of fiddler and violinist gifts! I've personally tried and enjoyed everything on this list of my 11 favorite violin gift ideas.

Several of these are from small businesses (Yay! Let's send some Holiday cash their way!), a few are from right here in The Hot Violinist shop, and some link to Amazon. (A portion of sales from Amazon links comes back to help support thehotviolinist.com! Thanks!)

HOT VIOLINIST GIFTS: IDEA #1 – 5 Minute Journal

Okay, so this one is not violin-specific, but it's about being happy and happy is HOT! There's a page for each day, and it really does just take five minutes, and it really does make me a happier person. I use mine every day! (Almost…)

HOT VIOLINIST GIFTS: IDEA # 2 – Zafu

I love this small company and their meditation cushions! Practicing meditation helps me develop patience and observation skills which apply directly to my violin practice.

HOT VIOLINIST GIFTS: IDEA #3 – Bridge and Cross Bows T-Shirt

By violin maker Andrew Caruthers. I'm so geeked about his entire line! Andy is a violin maker based in Santa Rosa CA, and he has started this fun line of violin related shirts. He cuts the designs into linoleum blocks using violin carving tools and hand prints each shirt. So cool…

HOT VIOLINIST GIFTS: IDEA # 4 – Boscia Charcoal Skin Care Kit

I make a lot of my skin care from stuff found in the kitchen, but this is one commercial product I really like. I totally believe in the magic powers of charcoal. It's great for men or women because it smells good, not girly. My favorite is the cleanser, but the kit makes a fun gift.

Violinist Gifts boscia-charcoal-skincare

HOT VIOLINIST GIFTS: IDEA #5 – Bernadel Rosin

Okay, this is a repeat from last years list, but I had to post again because this rosin is the bees knees! A stocking stuffer for smooth full tone- yes!

HOT VIOLINIST GIFTS: IDEA #6 – The Hotter Fiddle

I'm featuring this violin because one of my students, Gabs, recently traded in her “Hot Fiddle” beginner model as an upgrade for this one and it reminded me how sweet it is. She is an advancing student and within a couple weeks of getting her new violin, she just happened to land her first professional public gig. Part of it is because the great tone of this fiddle gives a huge confidence boost. This fiddle is equivalent to the violin I am playing in the original “Hot Violinist” video. The Hot Fiddle has a solid good tone, but this one takes it to the level of artistry.

HOT VIOLINIST GIFTS: IDEA #7 – JonPaul Bravo Carbon Fiber Bow

I've always followed my teacher's advice to have one wood bow and one carbon fiber bow always in your case. Carbon fiber acts the same no matter what the weather and sounds really good for the price. I was amazed when I first learned that the bow choice is just as important to the sound as the violin and sometimes more! I've had this exact bow in my case since around 2006 and sometimes I even choose it over my German-made wood bow that cost me $1600. This one sounds really darn good for under $300!

Violinist Gifts jonpaul-bravo-carbon-fiber-bow

HOT VIOLINIST GIFTS: IDEA #8 – Evah Pirazzi String Set

A luxurious treat! I don't always use these strings because they are a little more pricey, but I treat myself to them every few string changes, and definitely go to them when it's time to record. If you put these in your loved one's stocking they will enjoy about 6 months or more of buttery smooth feel on their violin.

HOT VIOLINIST GIFTS: IDEA #9 – D'Addario Helicore String Set

A nicely priced set of great strings! They are bright and responsive, especially good for fiddle music.

Violinist Gifts d_addario-helicore-string-set

HOT VIOLINIST GIFTS: IDEA #10 – First Learn to Practice

I consider this a must read for any musician! My mom plays guitar and sings (Janet Darlene Drew, check her out!) and she brought a copy when she came to visit a couple months ago. It has a lot of nuts and bolts tips for happy, fun, productive practicing.

HOT VIOLINIST GIFTS: IDEA #11 – Hot Violinist Lessons

And don't forget Hot Violinist lesson packages are completely giftable! Purchase any of the lesson packages in the Shop and I'll send you a printable giftable voucher.

What are your ideas for gifts for violinists and fiddlers? Share them in the comments below!

11 Hottest Gifts for Violinists and Fiddlers

Posted on November 24, 2014 by Jenny

Are you scouting gifts for violinists and fiddlers? To help you with your search, here are some of my favorite things that will inspire and delight the violinists, fiddlers and music lovers on your holiday gift list. I just love the idea of channeling some of the season’s shopping mania to support local musicians, or to help create some new ones!

A couple of these come directly from my site, but the rest are available on Amazon.com. (A portion of each purchase made after following the links below will support thehotviolinist.com!)

GIFTS FOR VIOLINISTS IDEA #1 – THE HOT FIDDLE

If you know a violinist who is struggling to scrape by with a cheap fiddle and bow, this violin will change their life or at least totally alter the course of their violin learning. Several of my students have upgraded to these from eBay fiddles, and everyone loves them! The sound is pure and clear, it comes with a good bow, and the set-up from my friends at Terra Nova Violins of the bridge and strings is primo.

The Hot Fiddle

GIFTS FOR VIOLINISTS IDEA #2 – MUSIC STAND

I’ve done my fair share of propping up sheet music against stacks of books or inside a desk drawer. Once I got one of these foldable stands, I thought, oh my gosh… why didn’t I get one of these sooner?? Such a simple tool, but it totally changes the comfort of playing from a sheet of music. Adjusts from sitting to standing. Learning violin can be frustrating at times, so you might as well not have to worry about catching a book as it goes sliding off your desk. The little carrying bag is convenient and the different colors are fun for gift giving. If you're brainstorming gifts for violinists, this should definitely be on the list!

Guardian Portable Music Stand – Pink
Guardian Portable Music Stand – Blue
Guardian Portable Music Stand – Red
Guardian Portable Music Stand – Yellow
Guardian Portable Music Stand – Purple
Guardian Portable Music Stand – Black

GIFTS FOR VIOLINISTS IDEA #3 – TUNER

I’m offering two ideas for tuners, basic or fancy:

Basic: Snark

Clips onto the scroll so you can tune even with background noise at all the fancy gigs you’ll be booking. It’s fine for getting the strings generally in tune for fiddle music, but not as accurate or versatile as the Korg.

Fancy: Korg Orchestral Tuner

This is a super-advanced tuner with settings for different “temperaments,” or systems of intonation, that are available on violin. If you ever want to use a tuner to test your intonation on scales or double stops, a fancy tuner like this is a must. Relying on your ear is best, but these are still fun and enlightening to play with.

GIFTS FOR VIOLINISTS IDEA #4 – BERNADEL ROSIN

My favorite stuff for smooth playing! And it comes in a fancy velvety pouch!

GIFTS FOR VIOLINISTS IDEA #5 – STRINGS

Basic: D’Addario Helicore

Clear, bright, and great for fiddle playing styles.

Fancy: Pirastro Evah Pirazzi

Oooh la la, the luxury… I usually reserve these for recording because the price matches how rich they sound.

GIFTS FOR VIOLINISTS IDEA #6 – BAGGS BRIDGE

This pickup will turn any acoustic violin into an acoustic/electric with very natural sound. Great for the violinist on your list who wants to start performing soon. Must be installed by a trusted violin luthier.

GIFTS FOR VIOLINISTS IDEA #7 – JENNY'S DISCOGRAPHY

Listening to recorded violin music is very beneficial for learning the instrument and progressing in different styles. Plus, I won’t lie! I would love it if you would give my music to violin lovers on your list this Holiday season! The combo pack is a killer deal and it shows the progress along my own path of learning violin as an adult.

https://www.thehotviolinist.com/store/products/my-discography/

GIFTS FOR VIOLINISTS IDEA #8 – JOSHUA BELL ALBUM

I had to balance out the offerings of my fiddle discography with some work by a true virtuoso! He got together in his living room to record “At Home With Friends” with other musical bums like Sting, Regina Spektor, Josh Groban and more… It’s really good!!

GIFTS FOR VIOLINISTS IDEA #9 – SUZUKI BOOK 1 WITH CD

I studied fiddle for two years before I finally broke down and decided to study the Suzuki method. I credit this method as the foundation for every pretty sound I make no matter what the style. I recommend buying it with the CD because listening is really important.

GIFTS FOR VIOLINISTS IDEA #10 – MARK O'CONNOR FIDDLE METHOD

This is a well organized fiddle method using traditional folk music written by the famous fiddler, Mark O’Connor. No relation to me that I know of, but I do love how the books are titled, “The O’Connor Method”.

GIFTS FOR VIOLINISTS IDEA #11 – HOT VIOLINIST LESSON PACKAGES!!

I teach a combo of classical technique and world fiddle styles with an emphasis on training the body to play beautifully with ease. If you purchase one of my lesson packages as a gift, I will email you a printable voucher for wrapping as a scroll or stuffing into a card.

https://www.thehotviolinist.com/lessons/

What are your ideas for gifts for violinists and fiddlers? Share them in the comments below!