Christmas gift ideas for musicians
With Christmas 2021 around the corner, and following our popular 2020 Christmas gift guide, the ISM team has once again been on the lookout for some of the best gifts out there for musicians. No matter your budget, we've found a great gift - from quirky present ideas, to really useful pieces of equipment.
1. Music manuscript paper book
RRP: £4.08
Sometimes there is nothing quite like putting pencil to paper. This 64-page manuscript book from Hal Leonard is perfect for jotting down those compositional ideas and is a super-affordable gift idea that will come in very handy.
Find it on musicroom.com.
ISM member? You can access exclusive discounts at Musicroom.
2. Lamicall Gooseneck Tablet Holder
RRP: £23.99 (often found cheaper)
From use in remote teaching, to providing convenient access to sheet music and charts at gigs, tablets have become common tools in the musician's arsenal. This tablet stand offers users great flexibility, plus peace of mind that your tablet is secure.
3. Marquee TV subscription gift card
£62.99
Marquee TV is a video streaming platform which offers subscribers access to live and on-demand performances from world-renowned orchestras such as the London Symphony Orchestra and Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, plus other great arts organisations including The Royal Shakespeare Company and Scottish Ballet.
Purchase a digital subscription gift voucher, and ensure the musician in your life can enjoy and get inspired by the performances.
4. Music Declares Emergency merchandise
Music Declares Emergency is a group of artists, music industry professionals and organisations that calls for action on climate change. As part of their #NoMusicOnADeadPlanet campaign, they have a range of sustainably created merchandise, designed by a number of high-profile artists including The 1975 and Hot Chip.
Discover their range of merchandise and help to support their cause.
5. Professional Music Technology (PMT) gift card
From £10
PMT are one of the UK's leading music retailers, stocking everything from guitars and drums, to studio equipment, accessories, and more. If you're stuck for present ideas, a gift card is always a great alternative.
6. Schaller guitar strap locks
RRP: £21.99 (often found cheaper)
Put simply, strap locks are an essential piece of equipment for any guitarist. As the name suggests, they'll ensure your strap is secured to your guitar, helping you to avoid any on-stage mishaps and damaging your instrument.
7. Mark Allen Group publications
ISM corporate member Mark Allen Group produces some of the top music-related publications. From Songlines and Jazzwise to International Piano and Choir & Organ, there is something for everyone.
Their magazines include the latest news, features, and interviews with high-profile musicians. Purchase either a physical or digital subscription, and ensure your musician friends can enjoy them throughout the year.
Find full details on the Mark Allen Group website.
ISM member? You get 20% off a number of magazine subscriptions, including many in the Mark Allen Group range.
8. Yamaha HS5 active studio monitors
RRP: £289 (often found cheaper)
With a sleek design and an unrivalled clarity for the price point, Yamaha's HS series studio monitors are iconic. The HS5s, whilst being the smallest of the range, pack a mighty punch and will make a great addition to any home studio set up.
Find them on the Gear4Music website with a pair of isolation pads included.
9. Custom yellow cartoon character artwork
For just £27.86, Etsy artist Andrew from CartoonPortrait will create a fully custom yellow cartoon-style artwork design of your musician friend.
Simply send Andrew a picture of your friend and tell him the instrument they play and he will create the design. The artwork can then be added to an item of your choice to gift as a present.
10. ISM membership
From just £17
With musicians facing uncertain times, ISM membership offers unparalleled security and support. From legal advice and insurance cover, through to wellbeing services, promotional opportunities and more, our comprehensive member benefits provide vital stability to musicians at all career stages.
