5 Stocking Stuffer Ideas for Viola Players in 2020

Metronome

Although a metronome isn’t the most interesting gift in the world, it’s important that your viola player has a few in their toolbox. Metronomes are considered to be an essential accessory by virtually every musician for one core reason: the entire point of playing an instrument is to play in tune and in time. Metronomes, like tuners and mutes, come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Some are smaller than a cell phone, while others are rather large and are intended to be kept in a recording studio or practice room. Some are super simple and produce a tick-tock sound at different speeds, while others are more elaborate and include tuners and/or other tech within them. Even better, metronomes are something every musician needs, so if there’s a pianist or guitarist on your list, buy them one, too!

Music Stand Light

If your viola player practices their instrument in one of the darker rooms of their home, they’ll appreciate the thought that went into this gift. A music stand light is an efficient way for your viola player to better see their sheet music they’re practice and, since they’re smaller items, most music stand lights run for a very long time on a set of batteries, which you can also throw into their stocking. If you’d like to combine a stocking stuffer with one of your viola player’s larger gifts, purchase them a music stand light in addition to a brand new music stands. Many music stands are portable in nature, so even on-the-go viola players can take both items with them whenever they please.

Christmas Song Book

If you don’t know the personal preferences of your viola player and are concerned about purchasing them the wrong thing, you can’t go wrong with a collection of Christmas sheet music. Available for a variety of skill levels, you can purchase a book of Christmas sheet music for everyone from a friend or family member who just started taking a viola lessons, to a family friend who has been playing the viola for years. When purchasing sheet music, pay close attention to the instrument. Many publishers print books of sheet music that’s arranged exclusively for different instruments. Alternatively, you can purchase them a book of sheet music from your favorite composer or music genre so the two of you grow closer in the process.

Gift Certificate

Still stuck? Worried about purchasing them something they already have, or don’t really need? Fortunately, there’s a way you can still purchase them something music-themed without buying them something they don’t want: gift certificates. Whether you purchase a gift certificate from their favorite retailer (may we suggest Music & Arts?) or a more general store, a gift certificate is truly the gift that keeps on giving. While the amount is purely up to you, here are some baseline prices to help you get started: mutes average about $6, a single string is about $10, and humidifiers are about $10. If you prefer to do the shopping yourself but still aren’t sure what to get, make them a card with an IOU and make a plan to browse Music & Arts with your viola player and purchase them exactly what they need.