Top Ten Gift Ideas for the Aspiring Musician

Those who can create should, and for those of us who can't, we can always do our part by giving the artists in our life a little boost. Music is one of the art forms that, in some way, shape, or form, can be enjoyed by everyone in the world. With roots from any and all of the four directions, music finds its way into every aspect of our life. Show the musician in your life that their talent is appreciated this holiday season. The following is a list of gift ideas that will make them smile and perhaps give them at creative spark to produce the next great anthem for the ears of the masses.

1. Homemade Sheet Music: Every musician has their own flair and many of the greats prefer to write their musical ideas out to remember later. Show them your support with their own personalized sheet music, complete with anything you know that may spark their creativity. Don't make it too busy though. A clean canvas is usually better for the working mind's focus. Homemade sheet music can usually be found at your local music shop, but, with a few samples from the internet, can easily be made with your own printing program at home.

2. Digital Recording Software: Nothing is more satisfying for someone than to be able to play back their own music and work with it to make a finished product. If your musician also happens to be somewhat tech savvy, they'll enjoy hours spent on the computer recording and playing back their music, as well as discovering new things to do with their lyrics and adding elements for fuller sounds. Don't forget a pack of CDs for them to burn their work on. Who knows? Chances are you'll get your very own personalized piece from them as thanks.

3. Concert Tickets: Every great musician has gotten interested in what they do just by finding another artist that has impacted them heavily. Find out what their favorite style or band is and get them tickets to the next performance in your area. Local colleges usually have orchestra performances for the community for those who love a concert with a more classical flair. Popular bands are on tour all the time and give info about their concert venues way in advance. Price ranges depend on the popularity of the band and the seats. If you can splurge, but your musician front row center for an experience they'll never forget.

4. Musical Biographies: Though originality is important for anyone wanting to break into the music biz, it never hurts to learn where the greats got their starts. Many famous stars have their own bios, complete with artwork and quips from their "harder times and younger days" and not all of it is fluff. Many of the seasoned artists' stories have been written with great care and respect, the volumes of their lives being a work of art in themselves. Give your's a book about one of their favorites or someone that has even inspired you. They'll appreciate the reading material in their "down" time and may even try a different style that they enjoy.

5. Set Their Stage: If your musician is someone who likes to show off their work, this gift is something that will take a little bit more time and effort than just surfing the web or walking the aisles, but will be a gift they'll never forget. Organize their own private concert. Send invitations to a few friends and fellow music lovers and set up one room for a small performance. Serve dinner or hors d'ouvres before hand and offer cocktails for afterwards. Set the mood in the same theme as the music and ask guests to dress accordingly. At the end of the night, have pictures ready for your musician to sign for their guests. After all, you never know when they'll make it big!

6. Instrument Supplies: Even if you're not in the know of musical equiment, chances are you've heard your musician talking about needing reeds, brass cleaner, or a piano tuner. Do a little detective work and find out the main things needed for their instrument of choice, then head down to the local music store and make them an "instrument care package" that will last time at least through half of the next year. Is your musician a singer? Stock up on teas and herbal throat soothers for those times when their voice has become strained. Having the things they need already there will give your musician more time to work on their art.

7. Rare CD Collections: Most musicians that have been out there for awhile have at some point produced a record that maybe didn't make it into the mainstream for one reason or another. These rarities are always a great find for collectors, but can be an excellent gift for the aspiring music maker. Whether it's a rare CD from one of their favorites or one from someone they've never really listened to before, a true musician will appreciate the value not only of the CD itself, but also of the quirks from the artist that produced it. Plus, it makes a great conversation starter in the musical community.

8. Odds and Ends: There are a great deal of small tools that most of us don't even think about when we think about musicians and their art. The truth is that there's hundreds of little things he or she may need to help them in their venture. Metronomes are great for keeping time, especially for someone just starting out who still needs to find their rhythmic ear. Music stands and stools provide comfort for the musician when practicing their art. And the right instrument case can make the musician feel classy and important, even on the days when their productivity seems a bit low.

9. Musical Décor: Sure it's kitschy, but what aspiring artist doesn't like to surround themselves with things that spark their muse? A musician is no different. Posters portraying musical notes or lyrics, coffee mugs with a musical theme, or any photo frame, stuffed animal, or coffee table book that your musician can put somewhere to remind themselves of you and their passion are always a good bet for a gift.

10. The Gift of Time: Ever notice how when you want to work on your hobby, there never seems to be enough hours in the day? Those hoping to write, sing, compose, or play often have the same problem. If you can't find the perfect gift in a store, offer something of yourself: your time. Offer to watch their kids, clean their house, or run their errands for a certain number of hours or days on the condition that they take that time to work on their art. They'll be grateful for the offer and might start their own habit of making their own time to produce something great.