For Immediate Release:
October 25, 2004

Ann-Marie Nieves (anieves@giles.com)
Giles Communications
(914) 798-4114

Finding the Right Holiday Gift for Your Musical Child

—Music Experts Offer Their Top Picks this Season—

CARLSBAD, CA (October 25, 2004)—If your child loved Lindsay Lohan in Freaky Friday, can’t get enough of Partridge Family reruns and religiously watches VH1’s Movies that Rock, maybe thermal pajamas and a chemistry set aren’t the right holiday gifts.

“All children have music inside of them; the idea is to let it out,” says Laura Johnson, associate executive director of the American Music Conference (AMC), a leading music advocacy organization. “Giving the gift of music isn’t like giving a toy or a pair of sneakers. What you’re actually giving—nurturing even—is the development of a lifelong passion that offers countless benefits. Studies show that making music helps young children perform better on standardized tests, and teens benefit academically and socially from active participation in music.”

For parents seeking the perfect holiday gift for their children, there are a variety of fun and age-appropriate musical instruments and related products. Experts advise that parents do a little research before purchasing to ensure a good musical fit. Most important, says Mike Blakeslee of MENC, the National Association for Music Education, is for parents to “lighten up and let their fancy run free. Music making isn’t and shouldn’t be perceived as drudgery—it’s a discipline, but it’s also a source of joy.”

If your child is already pursuing his or her musical interests, Amy Nathan, author of the Young Musician’s Survival Guide: Tips from Teens & Pros, suggests consulting with the child’s music teacher for specific recommendations—especially if you’re looking to buy an instrument.

“Adults who grew up using traditional instruments may not be aware of the different options the industry now offers,” says Steve West, an AMC member and owner of West Music retail stores in Iowa and Illinois. “For one thing, technology has expanded what instruments can do: today’s music store offers real string and brass instruments that can be played silently through headphones, digital pianos that have LCD screens and Internet connections, and top-quality drums that fit in a backpack.”

Here’s a list (that you don’t have to check twice!) of the top holiday gifts for young musicians—or soon-to-be young musicians—in your life:

1. A spanking new instrument. “If your child’s skills are better than the instrument they are currently playing, the holidays are great time to reward them for their hard work and efforts,” says Nathan. “Also, if you feel your child has shown a level of passion, maturity and commitment in playing his or her chosen instrument, buying may be an option, as it can engender pride and encourage parents to be more involved in their child’s music education.”

2. Music lessons. If your son has been caught one too many times playing air guitar in front of the mirror, maybe it’s time for lessons. “If you’re ready to sign your child up, you’re local retailer is a good place to start,” says West. “Most retailers have a music school or teachers on their premises. The most important thing is to choose the right teacher and instrument for your child.”

3. A gift certificate to a music retailer. When it comes to getting started or finding hot new gear to accompany your instrument, there is no better place than your local music store. The typical music store has a complete line of instruction books and all the other stuff a young musician needs such as drum sticks, guitar strings, reeds, instrument cases, electric tuners and learning aids. “For anyone above the beginning level, your buying decisions are very personal,” says Nathan. “Let your young musician decide what he or she wants.”

4. An acoustic guitar pack. A great way to start a child’s music making journey, this starter package usually includes a guitar, gig bag, beginning book, picks and a strap.

5. The ultimate drum package. If your child’s favorite Muppet is “Animal,” it’s likely that he or she has a hankering for a set of drum sticks. This package typically includes a five-piece drum kit with cymbals and hardware.

6. A bass or electric guitar pack. Made by several music manufacturers, these packages usually include a guitar, practice amp, strap and picks. Be prepared: a new version of the Star Spangled Banner will be heard shortly thereafter.

7. A soft padded instrument case or bag. There was a time when an instrument case was heavier than the young musician’s body weight. Today there are cases with nylon exterior and internal padding that protect instruments. Some even have backpack straps. “Kids need to save their energy for playing their instruments, not worrying about physically getting the instrument to rehearsal!” says Blakeslee.

8. A complete DJ system. If your child is more into turntables than trombones, then DJ gear is a must. A complete package might include a mixer, two turntables, headphones, slipmats, a microphone and connecting cables.

9. An instrument care kit. Whether your child plays the clarinet or the guitar, these kits provide the necessary accessories and cleaning devices to keep instruments in tip-top shape and playing enjoyable.

10. An electronic portable keyboard. These instruments make learning a breeze and, most importantly, fun. Tech-savvy kids will surely want a keyboard with MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) to connect to their computers.

Parents can also round out the holiday haul with sing-along DVDs or classical CDs selected specifically for a young audience. Nathan suggests Benjamin Britten’s The Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra, Camille Saint–Saens’ Carneval des Animaux or Sergey Prokofiev’s Peter and the Wolf. Also, Walt Disney Records makes a variety of sing-along products based on popular Disney animated films that kids will surely enjoy.

Great stocking-stuffers might include a week at band camp; tickets to a concert; sheet music; MENCs book the Student’s Guide to College Music Programs; a digital metronome or tuner; a music stand and light; a mini recorder to play back all those hours of practicing; and, for string players, a bow restrung with neon colored hairs. And gift givers might also consider visiting a local music retailer for advice on accessories for specific instruments including neck straps and flavored reeds, music-themed products and personalized items.

Johnson adds that the greatest gift is for parents to continue to encourage a child’s love of music.

The American Music Conference is a national non-profit educational association dedicated to promoting the importance of music, music-making and music education to the general public. For more information, visit www.amc-music.org.