11 Hottest Gifts for Violinist and Fiddlers 2019 Edition!

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 #1HELICORE 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 #3BLUETOOTH 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 # 4A 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.

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HOT VIOLINIST GIFTS: IDEA #5HAND 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 #7PRACTICE 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 #8CARBON 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.

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HOT VIOLINIST GIFTS: IDEA #9A 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 #10SOME 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

Hottest Gifts for Violinists and Fiddlers 2018!

Happy Holidays! And welcome to my annual list of gifts for violinists and fiddlers.

I asked my students what items are secretly listed in their letters to Santa, and added some things I personally enjoy.

There are items in this year's list for every budget.

For the student suggestions, I'm including screen shots from the Group FB page to give credit to the idea person. 🙂

HOT VIOLINISTS GIFTS: IDEA #1 – SLEEK VIOLIN CASE WITH GOLD HARDWARE

Right up front I want you to know, this is not going to be the most durable, longest-lasting case you can get. But it looks like the old school ones the mafia would use to hide a machine gun, so it's making this year's list!

It would be great for someone on your list who doesn't do a lot of heavy traveling. And wants to show up to the occasional jam session with classic style.

I posted a pic with this yesterday on my Instgram, but here's one where you can see more of the case:

My violin case matches my belt! Weee fashion savvy!

 

HOT VIOLINIST GIFTS: IDEA # 2 – MICROFIBER CLOTH

Rosin build up. The struggle is real!

I'm a wipe-it-off-with-my-T-shirt-girl myself, so I appreciated Jim suggesting this.

HOT VIOLINIST GIFTS: IDEA #3 – IN CASE HUMIDIFIER

Good idea Steve! I'm always making these out of sponges and plastic bags when the humidity dips, but it would be better to have a nice one.

Another fellow hot violinist Derek recommended this one that seems pretty amazing. The gel packs hold much more water than the standard sponges and it comes with a Velcro strip that adheres to the inside of your case for primo placement.

 

Most geographic areas either get super dry in the winter or are dry in the first place.

Moisture is your violin's friend for staying in one piece and holding your tuning.

I linked to Amazon for the best price, but I always recommend going to your local smaller shop whenever possible. Shar has these too, so it would be a convenient stocking stuffer add-on if you wanna get the case I suggested in gifts for violinists suggestion #1.

(Btw I don't recommend buying a violin at Shar even though they are a decent back up plan for accessories when you can't make it to the local shop.)

HOT VIOLINIST GIFTS: IDEA # 4 – BOSS RHYTHM PARTNER

This is for the violinist that has all the necessities but loves toys. I found it while searching for a metronome solution for a student who hates her electronic metronome and doesn't wanna mess with the ones on the phone.

I watched the video on Boss's website and this thing sounds really nice! I like how it has a big loud speaker so maybe there's a chance of actually hearing it over the violin blazing in your ear.

More like a jam buddy than a metronome….

HOT VIOLINIST GIFTS: IDEA #5 – STRING SWING WALL HANGER

A couple years ago I first shared the Hot Tips Tuesday suggestion to practice 5 minutes a day minimum.

One of the newsletter readers pointed out that this is so much easier to do if your violin is already out and handy.

This is hands down the best $12.75 I've ever spent on my violin life. How amazing is that to give someone this stocking stuffer that means they'll be able to play violin more frequently next year!?

This pictures looks great and all, but it's actually not a good idea to hang your violin near a window. Opt for an interior wall for the most stable temperature and humidity.

HOT VIOLINIST GIFTS: IDEA #6 – ROSIE THE FIDDLER TEE SHIRT

Violin maker Andrew Caruthers makes some really cool stickers and shirts in his spare time.

I imagine it's an Edward Scissor-hands-like frenzy when he wields traditional violin carving on linoleum printing blocks. Viola! Unique art for violin related tee shirts.

I've seen a few of my students wear his designs for their own casual performances and out to see live music.

Adult learners… We can do it!

HOT VIOLINIST GIFTS: IDEA #7 – SAND PRACTICE TIMERS

Old school! 

Here's an elegant way to time your practice without getting interrupted or distracted by your stinkin' phone.

Phone on airplane mode and flip the timer over. And play!

The black sand is 30 minutes and the white sand is 5 minutes. I recommend using the big one for working on learning tunes and small 5 minute one for bursts of technique practice, for example keeping bow straight in the mirror.

One newsletter reader told me she gets more focused practice by thinking, “I only have 30 minutes to work on this so I better make it count,” rather than, “I will try to focus on this for 30 minutes.”

I thought that was a cool way to flip the script and trick your own brain into practicing good stuff.

Shoot for a minimum of 5 minutes per day with your violin and the small sand timer!

HOT VIOLINIST GIFTS: IDEA #8 – WITTNER GEARED TUNING PEGS

Gabs pretty much summed it up:

I'll say no more. Except that heads up, these require installation which can run about $100-$200 in addition to the cost of the pegs. So worth it, if you can swing it.

HOT VIOLINIST GIFTS: IDEA #9 – GIFT SUBSCRIPTION TO FIDDLER MAGAZINE

Thanks for letting us know about this Mary!

I think any fiddler would love a gift subscription, plus the website offers a treasure trove of quirky fiddle gifts like these note cards featuring a vintage etching of fiddler dancing with dog.

How cool is that?

It's a good sign of progress when your pets are dancing instead of running away when you play.

HOT VIOLINIST GIFTS: IDEA #10 – MASSAGE GIFT CARD

What to get for the violinist who has everything?

Find me one violinist (or anyone who has a computer for that matter…) who doesn't have a bit of a stiff neck.

Boom! Massage gift card…

Violin is a tough sport!

HOT VIOLINIST GIFTS: IDEA #11FIDDLER CAP (OR SOME OTHER AMAZING AND/OR WEIRD HAT)

Because we all know and accept that fiddle music sounds much better when the fiddler is wearing a hat.

This website has a ton of variety from silly to serious in different price ranges including this one that is literally called the Fiddler Cap.

So that's my list for 2018! Please let me know 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? Let me know in the comments below!

5 Platforms That Help Musicians Make Money on the Side

I'm excited that this is my first ever guest written blog post to share with you guys.

I got an email a few weeks back from Sarah at a company called Fat Llama.

I've always thought Llamas were adorable, and I once had a bandmate who we all called The Llama.

But I had never heard of this website where you can rent gear from other musicians. It's kinda like calling an Uber, only they'll fill up your truck with what you need for a gig!

It's also a way to make a little side money on the gear that you have on the nights that it's just taking up space in the closet… I think it's a cool idea!

This is a special Fat Llama link for The Hot Violinist readers that gives you $25 credit to get started. They also give a small commission to me if you sign up and arrange your first rental.

They seem really on top of things! And I guess they've put a lot of thought into creative ways for musicians to make money.

My methods were always so low tech compares to this. Like put on an elf hat and burn diesel fuel all around the United States to play on dirt paths for anyone who will listen…. totally analogue!

So without further adieu, here is the guest post written by Sarah at Fat Llama!

Over the last few years tech has changed the music industry beyond recognition, but the musicians’ main concern remains the same as ever. How to make a buck?

There seems to be an unending stream of stories about the ways tech is taking money away from musicians. But on the flip side there are some platforms out there to help us out!

Here are 5 of the best:

Qrates

Vinyl doesn’t seem the most likely money-making avenue for the modern musician to explore. But, by using tech to bring it to music lovers on demand, Tokyo-based Qrates are reinventing vinyl for the 21st century.

The site can be used by artists to either take pledges for a crowdfunding project or preorders on a record that’s about to drop; all you have to do is upload your audio, design a label, and then Qrates will press and deliver the disc on your behalf. The site is designed to empower musicians, by giving them direct access to their backers, customers and Qrates support team.

Encore and Fat Llama

Peer rental was brought to transport by Uber, and to travel by Airbnb; now it’s being brought to the music industry by Encore and Fat Llama. Fat Llama is an online marketplace for lending and renting (almost) anything, which includes musical instruments and equipment of all kinds — from keyboards to omnichords, double basses to didgeridoos; Encore, on the other hand, connects musicians and event organisers (who can compare quotes, reviews and videos, and then book an act through the site);

Nuno Oliveira, who is a session drummer and member of bands Canoe Duo and RESET, uses both platforms. He says: “I use Encore because it’s a great way to get booked for gigs, speak directly with the customer and have all of the fees and gig details at the ready and organised. I use Fat Llama because it’s a fantastic way of getting stuff done, without having to buy certain products that would otherwise be a big investment.”

And if you’ve already made that investment in expensive music gear, which is now doing nothing other than gathering dust? List it for rental on Fat Llama, and you could earn the money back.

Artisound

Using Artisound to source royalty-free music for a media project means you can rest assured that the artist will be paid a fair 50% — regardless of the processes and costs involved. Musician and entrepreneur Yann Ireland created the site, hoping to bring a more human touch to a marketplace increasingly driven by algorithms. Yann continues to personally curate the Artisound catalogue, and he handpicks each of the tracks that go into it; submit your music for him to review here — although be warned that not everything makes it past his well-trained ears!

Musicoin

If you thought being a musician meant that you could avoid ever having to learn what the blockchain is, you were sadly mistaken. Musicoin is both:

a) a streaming platform that uses the transparency of the blockchain ledger system to streamline the process of musical revenue generation and distribution and

b) a currency designed for paying artists directly and instantly.

None the wiser? Put simply, the company promises “100% free streaming for listeners, industry best compensation for musicians” by eliminating the intermediaries between artists and their fans.

The finer details of exactly how this works aside, you don’t need to be a cryptocurrency expert to use the platform. Just get yourself verified as a professional musician on the site, upload your music and design your licensing agreement. And then, hopefully, the streams will follow.

-Sarah at Fat Llama


Jenny back again. I think this an important topic because the world is a happier place when artists don't starve.

I'm a big fan of author Jeff Goins who says the whole “starving artist” thing is an unnecessary myth, but I have to admit it's been a struggle at times along my journey of being a professional folk fiddler.

Please share in the comments below if you have any thoughts to share about your own struggles or successes in the land where art and money meet.