Top 6 Gift Ideas for Musicians 2021

Looking for some of the best gift ideas to give your musician or music lover this holiday season? We asked around here at The Brooklyn Music School and put together a selection of our top 6 best gifts ideas for 2021.

Disclaimer: we’re not partnered with any of the vendors listed below. In fact, we’d encourage you to shop locally as much as you can this holiday season! These links are merely for reference.

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For those about to rock:

Zildjian Dave Grohl Signature Drumsticks

Ever wanted to rock out like your favorite drummer? Zildjian’s new Artist Drumstick Series lets you play like your percussion idols, from Ringo Starr to Travis Barker. Check out their whole collection!

Pick-a-Palooza DIY Guitar Pick Maker

Never run out of guitar picks again with this great DIY gift for your guitar player. Don’t know what to do with that expired credit card, gift card, hotel room key card, school ID, or even old driver’s licenses? Turn them into an endless supply of guitar picks!

For the aspiring music producer:

Akai MPK Mini MK3 MIDI Keyboard Controller

If you’re just starting out on your digital music production journey, consider this great all-in-one Midi Keyboard Controller by Akai. Make beats and melodies with one touch of a button using your favorite DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) software. Plus, it comes with 1500 pre-set sounds, so you can get to making music right away!

Keep in mind you will need a DAW to use this controller. If you’re on a budget, you can use a great and economical DAW like Reaper, or a more standard program like Pro-Tools, Logic, or Ableton Live.

The “All Inclusive” Gift:

Focusrite Scarlett Solo Studio (3rd Gen) USB Audio Interface and Recording Bundle with Pro Tools

This fantastic bundle by Focusrite includes a Scarlett Solo USB audio interface, condenser microphone, headphones, 10’ XLR mic cable, mic stand clip, and even FREE software and DAW programs from Focusrite, Softube, Splice, Avid, and Ableton. If your musician wants to get into home recording and production using their laptop or computer, this is a great and cheap way to get them started.

The Coolest DIY Gift:

The Fretwire’s DIY Build your own guitar kiT

Like Legos, except you get your own rockin’ electric guitar at the end! The Fretwire has dozens of different guitar body styles, ranging from Les Pauls and Semi-Hollows to the iconic “Flying V”. This kit contains everything you need to build your guitar, with custom fit parts to ensure a good, snug fit and quality build. Plus, with some models starting at $169, this is a great price for an entry level electric guitar.

The Most Impactful:

Music lessons

Whether you got them a guitar last year that hasn’t seen the light of day, or they’ve got a few years on their instrument and want to take it to the next level, giving the gift of music lessons can make an impact on someone for the rest of their life. Consider supporting small businesses in your community by purchasing gift cards or registering them for private and/or group classes.

If you’re looking for online or in-person private lessons or group classes in the Brooklyn, NY area, Brooklyn Music School’s got you covered! Click below to learn more about our private lessons, group classes, and gift certificates!

Looking for a gift for the person who has everything? Consider making a donation in their name to Brooklyn Music School and help give the gift of performing arts programming to Brooklyn students and residents who might otherwise be unable to access it.

Miss Playing Music in Person?

We’re back and doing it safely! Join us in-person at BMS and perform with others in ensembles, group classes, and private or semi-private lessons (private lesson tuition includes one free ensemble!).

Looking to keep learning online? Many of our group classes and all of our private lessons are available online as well.

Use the links below to learn more about our Fall Classes and Private Lessons:

Ensembles

Group Classes

Private Lessons

Summer Private Lessons

Now is the time to fill your Summer with music! Register today for Summer Private Lessons online and in person for all ages. Allow our world-class curriculum and masterful instructors to help you achieve your musical goals with sessions designed perfectly for your individualized needs!

SUMMER PRIVATE LESSON PRICING

• Rates are subject to our normal peak and off-peak times.

• Enroll for all 8 weeks of the Summer and receive the off-peak rate for ANY lesson time.

• Receive a 5% discount on Summer Private Lessons when you pay in full.*Pay in Full discount will not be given to anyone who does not enroll for the full 8-week Summer Session.

• A minimum of 5 lessons need to be booked.

Special Summer Offers

Summer Intensive Promo Pricing

• Current Private Lesson students will be able to enroll in the 2021 Summer Intensives for $400 per week (normally $450 per week).

• Current Private Lesson students who also enroll in Summer Private Lessons will be able to enroll in the 2021 Summer Intensives for only $375 per week (normally $450 per week).

Summer Intensive - Private Lesson Bundle

• For beginner students who need to learn an instrument, in order to join an Intensive:

  • Four 30-minute lessons for a total of $160.00.

To inquire about special Summer Private Lesson Offers, please contact our registrar team at registrar@brooklynmuiscshcool.org or by phone at (718) 638-5660.

Announcing the new Artist Certificate Summer Intensive

We are excited to present the 8 week 2021 Artist Certificate Summer Intensive! This program offers a condensed sample style version of our AC Program which provides an affordable alternative to music college and a bridge to a career in music performance and education. The goal of this program is to to encourage the development of your unique artistic voice in every way possible, as well as to build skills for working as a 21st century artist. Subjects covered will include Performance (Pop/Rock, Jazz, Classical, World), Professional Music (Integrated Track of Performance, Business, Education), and Composition (Jazz, Classical, Electronic).

DETAILS

Session Duration: 8 weeks

More details to be announced soon.

To register and for more information, please contact us by email at badamczyk@brooklynmusicschool.org or by phone at (718) 638-5660.

Take a virtual step inside the BMS Theater!

BMS Theater: Where Magical Events Happen

The Brooklyn Music School's 250-seat, Spanish style theater provides a unique and historic atmosphere for student productions, community interaction, and third-party productions.

Our heritage and pedagogy places performance at the center of BMS's approach to music, dance and theater. The intimate scale and historic charm of our theater make it ideal for a range of artistic and community-oriented events, and BMS tech and support team are here to support your vision. Reach out today to see how we can work together.

String & Orchestra Recital

Join us on June 3rd at 6pm at 126 St. Felix St. for a special recital by our string students, and featuring our orchestras led by Michael Vannoni! See the culmination of all of their hard work and dedication over the Spring semester!

BMS Masterclass: ARKAI Music

Join us on May 22 @12:30 in the BMS Theater to catch the genre-defying violin/cello duo ARKAI for an inspirational workshop and performance about life as a 21st-century musician, finding one’s creative voice through curiosity and innovation, and how to take music from passion to profession!

We're deep into Jazz. Can you dig? The 2021 Summer Jazz Workshop is here!

Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

Register today for the 2021 Summer Jazz Workshop happening from 7/26/21 - 7/30/21! This week-long intensive class for intermediate and above musicians aged 11 and up focuses on honing skills for improvisation and small group playing.

Participants will explore the world of jazz improvisation and ensemble playing as they develop their abilities to hear jazz, learn basic scales and chords, build a jazz vocabulary for improvisation, and become familiar with harmonic devices to give them the keys to a new world of musical self-expression.

Register today for the 2021 Summer Vocal Arts Program!

Registration is now open for the 2021 Summer Vocal Arts Program! Experience the SVA Opera and SVA Cabaret programs which provide comprehensive instruction revolving around Voice and performance.

The SVA Opera program is a a five-week online/in person hybrid workshop in the study, preparation, and performance of opera. This course is designed to accommodate both promising student performers and accomplished adults. The course will culminate in a live, socially distanced public outdoor performance of arias, staged and costumed with artistic and technical support from the faculty.

The SVA Cabaret program is an innovative, four-week workshop for both aspiring student performers and accomplished adult professionals. Over the course of the class, each artist will coach their cabaret selections and prepare for a final live cabaret showcase in one of NYC’s most prestigious cabaret bars!

Chamber Music Ensembles are here!

Chamber Music Ensembles at BMS are a compliment to private instrumental lessons and the BMS orchestra, winds, percussion, and other programs. For now, string and woodwind players, and pianists, are actively encouraged to participate. As the Chamber Music program at BMS grows, brass and percussion players will be welcomed to participate by Fall 2021, based on demand.

Each chamber music group will have weekly coachings with a member of the BMS faculty.  Additional non-coached rehearsals are encouraged if the students' schedules allow but they are not required.

Repertoire for each group will be determined by the coach and will be based on the interests and skill level of the group's players. Some standard repertoire will be learned but other non-traditional works and various styles will be coached as well. Regular performances will take place at venues throughout Brooklyn and at BMS; performances will be live, in-person, streamed, outdoors/indoors, based on presented opportunities.

The Private Lesson Audition Package

Are you looking to prepare yourself for your next big audition? BMS is excited to announce our Private Lesson Audition Package, with 5 sessions in the length of your choosing! This is the perfect way to ensure that you're in prime musical shape for NAILING your audition goals with the help of our world class curriculum and instructors. Inquire today by contacting our Registrar team at registrar@brooklynmusicschool.org!

Register today for Summer Intensives at BMS!

The 2021 Summer Music & Dance Institute for ages 5-8 is almost completely sold out - and our 2021 Summer Intensives for ages 9-12are filling up quick! Be sure to sign up for these exciting courses to fill your Summer with music, learning, and fun!

What are the Summer Intensives?

The 2021 Summer Intensives feature several music and dance courses including: Dance Intensive, Hip Hop Intensive, Orchestra Intensive, Jazz Intensive, and Rock Band Intensive. These courses are tailored specifically to engage older, more experienced students. Rather than sampling a variety of music and dance classes, students have the opportunity to delve deeply into one specific instrument or subject matter.

Orchestra Intensive

This program is perfect for budding and aspiring players. Students will participate in various classes that will focus on building student’s proficiency on their instruments as well as team building/ensemble play and performance skills.

Jazz Intensive

This program focuses on introducing the key components of jazz as well a cultivating an immersive jazz experience. There will be courses offered in harmony, improvisation, history and rhythm. Students will have the opportunity to engage with professional musicians in an engaging and interactive environment and discover what the spirit of Jazz is all about!

Hip Hop Intensive

This program focuses on one of the leading genres in music that has been integral to the Brooklyn music scene for decades. The Hip-Hop intensive is a comprehensive program that encapsulates the key elements of hip-hop, from dance to production. Student’s will have the opportunity to work in group based classes that will ultimately culminate in a performance.

Rock Band

During the course of the program students will work together as a group to select songs with a focus on preparing for a performance at the end of the program. Students will participate in the various workshops that teach other activities during the program and will focus on building student’s proficiency on their instruments team building/ensemble play and performance skills.

Dance Intensive

This program will cover various styles of dance. Children will engage in a curriculum that includes Ballet, Modern Dance , Hip-Hop and choreography. The dance intensive will be lead by experienced dance professionals that will be sure to offer invaluable insight into the world of dance and self expression.

6 Practice Tips to Make the Most Out of Every Session!

1. Create the Right Atmosphere

Make sure your space is quiet, organized, and free of distractions! Many times, our surroundings can effect our frame of mind. When your space is cluttered and noisy, it’s easy to lose track of the task at hand. Create an environment that will allow you feel comfortable and focused on your practicing!

2. Get Inspired

When we feel motivated, it’s so much easier to achieve our goals! Get yourself in the right frame of mind by listing things that inspire you on your musical journey. Are you eager to see your skills grow? Are you looking forward to sharing your progress with friends and family? Let these things be your driving force!

3. Warm Up

Take time before every session to warm up your skills! Just as you would stretch before exercising, warming up before practicing is the best way to improve your performance and get the most out of your practice session!

4. Record Yourself

Recording yourself is an excellent way to listen back and be able to hear where you are looking to improve and where you are growing! Listening back to our sessions allows us to be more objective when assessing ourselves. It also gives us the opportunity to share recorded sessions with others for additional advice!

5. Celebrate Progress

Making progress as a musician takes a lot of determination and effort, and it isn’t always easy! Celebrate everything you have achieved - even the simple act of making time to improve! Every single musician started off at one point not knowing how to do what they do. Every single step forward deserves celebration, and always look back on how far you’ve come!

6. Repeat!

Consistency is key! It’s so important to make practicing a regular habit. Determine which days of the week and times of day work best for you to practice. Before you know it - sitting down to practice will become second nature!

Do you have any additional tips to share? Let us know in the comments!

Celebrate Women in Music this #WomensHistoryMonth

This #WomensHistoryMonth, we’re honoring the incredible women that have made countless vital contributions to music in its many forms! Who are some of your favorite women musicians? Let us know in the comments!

Missy Elliott is widely known for her transcendent career as a singer and rapper, but what many do not know is that Elliott is also a prolific record producer who has produced songs for Mary J. Blige, Ciara, TLC, and many more. Talk about a true legend!

Kathleen Hanna is regarded as a pioneer of the Riot grrrl movement, which focused on a combination of feminism, punk music, and politics. Kathleen’s has been a part of influential musical projects including Bikini Kill, Le Tigre, and The Julie Ruin.

Whitney Houston is revered as the most awarded female artist of all time as well as one of the best selling performers of both the 80’s and 90’s! Houston’s biggest hit “I Will Always Love You” became the longest running No. 1 Billboard Hot 100 single in history upon its release, spending 14 weeks atop the chart!

Joni Mitchell is considered one of the greatest songwriters of all time. She was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1997. Other major artists including Madonna and Taylor Swift consider Mitchell a musical influence and her songs have been sampled by artists including Kanye West and Janet Jackson.

Celebrate Black Excellence in Music this #BlackHistoryMonth!

This #BlackHistoryMonth, we're celebrating the astounding Black musicians that have shaped music as we know it! The list of Black musicians whose contributions have had in eternal impact on music as an artform is truly endless. Let us know in the comments some of your favorite Black artists and why their artistry gives you inspiration!

Miles Davis is one of the greatest Jazz musicians of all time and a pioneer of 20th-century music, winning 9 Grammys in his lifetime. Talk about influential!⁠

Aretha Franklin was an American singer, songwriter, actress, pianist, and civil rights activist who was known as the “Queen of Soul.” Franklin became the first woman inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame!

Lauryn Hill is often regarded as a pioneer in the Neo soul genre. She became the first woman to win five Grammy awards in one night with the debut of The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill.

Prince was one of the most innovative artists of all time, with his melding of styles including funk, R&B, rock, soul and much more. The prolific, once in a generation superstar released 39 albums during his lifetime.

The 2021 Valentine's Day Concert

BMS Musical Theatre Presents: Super Happy Awesome News!

Join the BMS Musical Theatre department for the premiere performance of Super Happy Awesome News, presented through special arrangement with Beat by Beat Press (www.bbbpress.com) at 5:00pm on Feb 6, and stream the event until Feb 9 at 11:45pm!

Two siblings launch rival good news networks and find themselves competing for the title of happiest news show. Soon, their correspondents are in a whirlwind of ecstatic musical reporting – from joyful weather forecasts, to cheerful cooking segments and blissful political updates! But, when vulnerability starts peeking through the euphoric facade, they’re left wondering: is there room for raw honesty on a super happy broadcast? This new virtual musical (designed specifically to be rehearsed and performed remotely), incorporates real stories from kids age 7-14, offering a positive outlet for them to express their emotions.

Purchase tickets here: https:bmsmusicaltheatre.anywhereseat.com

Take the 2021 BMS Strategic Planning Survey

The BMS family is a fundamental part of our beloved organization. That's why we want you to raise your voice and participate in the 2021 BMS Strategic Planning Survey! Help us to shape a path onward that meets the needs of our community and helps us to endure for centuries to come!

One survey participant will be selected to win a guitar from BMS!

The 2021 Winter String Recital

Get ready to be amazed by our incredible Orchestra students led by BMS String Department Chair Michael Vannoni! Tune in on our Instagram page to catch the event and be sure to follow us to stay in the know on all things BMS!⁠

Take the 2021 BMS Programming Survey!

The BMS Family is at the heart of everything we do. We're committed to ensuring that our programming meets our standards for excellence, our mission of affordability, and the needs of the students that make up the foundation of our beloved organization.

Please consider taking the time to fill out the 2020 BMS Programming Survey to make sure your voice is heard and that the Brooklyn Music School can excel at enriching our borough and beyond through music!

Your feedback is greatly appreciated!