40+ Unique Christmas Gifts for Musicians

40+ Unique Christmas Gifts for Musicians Natalie Hagen Looking for Christmas gifts for musicians? You’ve come to the right place. The holidays are upon us and it’s time to do some shopping! No matter what instrument your favorite musician plays, they deserve a gift just as unique as their hobby. We’ve compiled a list of the best Christmas gifts for musicians to make finding the perfect present a little easier. Whether you’re shopping for stocking stuffers or a bigger, more impressive gift, there’s something for everyone on this list! 40+ Unique Christmas Gifts for Musicians Stocking Stuffers for Musicians Musician’s Dice, $19 If the musician in your life loves spontaneous jam sessions, or has ever experienced a roadblock when composing, then this is the perfect gift. These dice are a fun way to help musicians improvise and get their creative juices flowing. Music Magnets, $2-10 Their small size makes them perfect for a stocking, and with all the unique designs available you’re sure to find one for your favorite pianist, flutist, or guitarist!   Vinyl Record Cufflinks, $60 Do you have a stylish musician friend or relative? Help them show off their musical style with these cufflinks! This accessory is as unique and funky as your favorite musician. Guitar String Bracelets, $14 Fashion forward musicians will also love these creative bracelets. They can display their love of music on their wrists by wearing repurposed bass guitar strings as a fashion statement. Music Score Removable Tape, $8 Composers can cover up mistakes or change a passage with this removable tape. No damage will be done to the original, and the musician can easily add to any piece of music! Premium Dark Rosin with Case, $10 This premium rosin will not only produce less dust but the stylish and convenient case makes one-handed application easy. Viola, cello, bass, and violin players will thank you. “Rock On” Iphone Case, $18 You can tell a lot about someone’s personality by the way they accessorize their phone. Give your favorite musician another way to express themselves with a cool phone case that shows off their love of rock! Ear Plugs, $20 These ear plugs are perfect for musicians in loud environments because they reduce volume but still let the sound in. Your musician can enjoy the music while protecting their hearing! Christmas Gifts for Musicians’ Homes DIY Music Ornament, $6-20 Cut up strips of sheet music and stuff them into clear ornaments from your local craft store. Bonus if it’s their favorite song! Record Clock, $38 All musicians need to be good at keeping time (literally)! They’ll enjoy looking at this clock so much they’ll never be late for band practice again. Framed Music Quote, $34 These elegant wall hangings give musical quotes an artistic flair. They can be easily displayed in a musician’s home as a decorative yet meaningful piece. Guitar Flipper Spatula, $12 Whoever said musicians can’t cook has never seen these cool spatulas! Your favorite musician will be more motivated to make breakfast before band practice with this fun kitchenware. Life Without Music Mug, $18 Give a gift that combines their love for music and coffee! This cute and funny mug is perfect for any musician who appreciates a hot drink. Sound Waves Print, $45 Give that musician you love a sentimental gift with these customizable sound wave prints. Use their favorite song or first dance to turn a memory into a piece of decor! Guitar Amp Keyholder, $35-40 Modeled after a real amp, this keyholder will add some musical flair to any home. Your favorite musician will never lose the keys again! Art Vinyl, $52 Their favorite vinyl record can double as an art piece and stay protected from damage. Bonus if you give this gift with a record already inside! Portable Bluetooth Speaker, $60 Every music lover will appreciate a good speaker. These portable speakers make it easy to take music wherever you go, just use the Bluetooth to connect a phone or Ipod! Vinyl Record, $20-35 Oh how music has evolved! For the friend or relative who loves music and all things vintage, records are a perfect gift if they own a record player. SEE ALSO: Best Last Minute Gifts Ideas for Musicians Practical Christmas Gifts for Musicians Bright Hammerhead LED Music Light, $22 This ultra bright light is compact and portable. The gooseneck also twists and will attach to anything, so all the musician has to worry about is playing music! Pick Punch, $25 Now string instrumentalists can make their own picks out of anything they want. This is a fun gift for the creative musician who always loses picks! Roadie 2  Automatic Guitar Tuner, $129 Tuning a guitar just got a thousand times easier! Roadie 2 directly connects to the tuning peg of the guitar and once the string is strummed, it automatically  gets it into perfect tune.  Roadie 2 works on most string instruments including  electric, acoustic, classical, 7 and 12-string guitars, ukulele and more. You can tune to standard or switch to any alternate tuning in just seconds. Roadie 2 also comes with a built-in wind/unwind feature for easy restringing. Music Stand, Music Sheet Clip, and Light, $35 This collapsible music stand comes with everything a musician needs to ensure they have an amazing performance or practice session. The best part: it all fits into one nifty carrying case that’s included! Moleskine Music Notebook, $13 This notebook is perfect for musicians, songwriters, and composers. The right page consists of eight staffs and the left is blank so they can write down and brainstorm new ideas. Swirly Gig Drink Holders, $26 Staying hydrated is a necessity for many musicians, especially singers. These holders clip onto most microphone stands so a beverage is easily accessible during  jam sessions. Mic Stand Ipad Holder, $20 Put the music and lyrics right at their fingertips! This tablet holder fits onto most mic stands and is perfect when trying to learn a new song.   Headphones, $25 A musician can never have too many pairs of headphones! Durability and excellent sound quality make these headphones perfect for any music lover.   Guitar Center Gift Card, $5-500 Guitar Center has something for every musician, not just guitarists! If you’d rather send a quick e-gift card, you can even customize it with a personal photo. Fun Christmas Gifts for Musicians Spontuneous: The Song Game, $30 What better way to spend cold winter nights with friends and family than by playing a singing game! Don’t worry no talent is required, just a knowledge of song lyrics. Itunes Gift Card, $10-$200 An Itunes gift card is perfect for music lovers because it allows them to download their favorite songs or music-related apps. The best part is you can choose whatever amount fits in your budget.   Guitar Case Lunch Box, $22 Do you know any young musicians who are still in school? This fun lunch box will help show everyone in the cafeteria what a cool musician they are. It even comes with stickers to customize it! Mini Portable Karaoke Machine, $28 Take the show on the road, literally. This portable karaoke machine will let your favorite musician have fun singing wherever and whenever their heart desires! Playable Electronic Guitar Shirt,  $30 Whats more fun than a vintage t-shirt featuring a playable musical instrument? This shirt hooks up to a mini amp and allows the wearer to actually play their favorite song. Mechanical Music Box Set, $7-$22 This creative gift is extra unique. Based off the old classic music boxes, this set lets the music maker punch holes onto paper which is fed through the box to make beautiful melodies! TakeLessons Live Subscription, $0-20/month For the musician who is still learning, or wants to explore new instruments, a subscription to online music classes is the perfect fit. TakeLessons Live offers more than 300 classes on a variety of subjects, from singing to piano to ukulele. Impressive Christmas Gifts for Musicians USB Mix Tape, $26 Make your special someone their very own mix tape, well sort of. This unique gift lets you add the playlist to a USB in cassette-like packaging. So 80s rom-com! Mahogany Ukulele, $79 The ukulele is an excellent gift for new musicians, or experienced ones who want to broaden their skillset. This mahogany ukulele is a great option because it’s both high quality and affordable. Pocket Synthesizer, $89 It may look like a strange calculator, but this small synthesizer allows a musician to make beats in the palm of their hand! Of all the Christmas gifts for musicians, this one is sure to be a favorite. Concert Tickets, $30-$1000 Is there a band in town they’ve been dying to see? This is the perfect opportunity to surprise your favorite musician with a night they won’t forget. Medium Sized Cajon, $129 Have a drum enthusiast in your life who doesn’t have the space for a full set? A cajon is the perfect marriage of chair and drum. It’s also a great new instrument for musicians who want to branch out and try something new! Portable Cube Amp, $180 This small amp is battery operated and can be taken anywhere. It works with guitars, keyboards, MP3 devices, and more.   Crosley Keepsake Vinyl Record Player, $169 Few things are as cool as a vintage record player. With all the options of vinyl record players out there, this keepsake is a must-have. Portable Digital Audio Recorder, $160 Don’t let its small size fool you. This little audio recorder has amazing sound quality and is the perfect Christmas gift for the creative songwriter. Computer DJ System, $70 This USB powered DJ system hooks right up to a laptop so the DJ can scratch, mix, fade, and more all of from one device like the disc jockeys of old. Music Lessons with a Private Instructor, $50-$5,000 A private instructor is the best way to learn a new instrument or improve musical skills. Surprise the growing musician in your life and purchase private lessons as a gift! TakeLessons has thousands of teachers to choose from. Finding Christmas gifts for musicians doesn’t have to be a challenge with these creative and unique ideas! When ordering online, don’t forget to account for shipping costs and the length of time your gift will take to arrive. Checking for coupon codes and discounts is another helpful tip if you’re sticking to a shopping budget. Whatever gift you decide on, remember it’s the thought that counts and the musician in your life will appreciate it!

US Trailing In Higher Education

US Trailing In Higher Education The United States is no longer the global leader in postsecondary degrees, according to an article in the The Washington Post. A postsecondary degree is any degree that one attains after high school. It could be an Associates Degree, Bachelors Degree or Masters Degree. This trend is consistent with other findings that k-12 students in the United States are lagging behind many other foreign students. The Washington Post cited a recent report from the College Board, stating that the United States has fallen from first to 12th in the number of adults aged 25-34 with a postsecondary degree. Only 40.4 percent of adults in the aforementioned age range hold degrees, as of 2007. The report stated that Canada is now the global leader in adults with postsecondary degrees. 55.8 percent of Canadian adults have a postsecondary degree, also as of 2007. This report was presented to Capitol Hill on Thursday, July 22nd. Politicians and upper-echelon educators have posted a goal of becoming the global leader in education by 2025, with 55 percent of the adult population holding a postsecondary degree. President Barack Obama, however, has slightly different goals. His American Graduation Initiative aims at reclaiming global leadership for adults with postsecondary degrees by 2020. This report only considered young adults aged 25-34. The United States ranks sixth, globally when older adults are considered. The College Boards report is creating concern among politicians and educators because Generation Y (age group 18-34) is speculated to be the first generation in the modern era to be less-educated than their parents. However, the percentage of young adults with postsecondary degrees has actually risen from 38.1 percent in 2000 to 41.6 in 2008, according to The Washington Posts citation of census data. The report also ranked the most educated states. The District of Columbia was considered a state, and it is the most educated with 62.2 percent of adults aged 25-34 holding a postsecondary degree. Many policy-makers and education administrators are implementing programs to foster stronger education in the United States. They are recommending that state and national leaders implement universal pre-kindergarten education programs, even for low-income students. Policy-makers are pushing for more efficient college counseling programs that significantly reduce dropout rates and more streamlined college admission programs. It is believed that some of these programs could produce more college graduates.

How to Understand Math Effectively

How to Understand Math Effectively 0SHARESShare Flicking through the maths guide to get an answer for your problem? Or calling your friend for help? Well, not anymore. With the online math tutorial coming in trend these days, you don’t have to run for the solution but let the solution come to you. Math questions are often tough and confusing; moreover there are multiple methods for one answer. A large number of mathematical formulas are seen in every topic that’s impossible to mug up. The only way is to have a good tutor. When the tutor explains you the basic concepts, the questions become really easy. You get the answers in one hit! Math is best understood with a proper guidance from the tutor. Once when you build the concept in the high school with the techniques of math solver, you can easily get the solution. Complicated problems comprising of fractions, median, mathematical charts, forum are often found tough. Moreover, math consists of geometry with questions of trigonometry, perimeter etc. all the topics are interlinked and can be learned best with online math. Online math tutoring comes up with various interesting communicative methods to learn the complicated formulas at any hour of the day! Many tutorials can be reached for free without paying a penny and get help from them that too for free round the clock. With the long list of online tutorials, math can be understood easily. Math tutors are available 24/7 to give you the help you need in any area of the SAT Mathematics section. Each one is certified to be able to help you with every type of question you will encounter, including:          Numbers and operations          Algebra and functions          Geometry and measurement          Data analysis, statistics, and probability A special attention should be paid by students of grade seventh as here the basic concept starts getting built and the students should approach the online math tutors for help. It’s as simple as a click! Look for online tutors available on the internet and approach the one as per your needs.   Go for the best online tutor and let your knowledge flourish! It doesn’t matter if you need help in just one area or all of them. Tutor Pace has the tutoring you need the minute you need assistance. [starbox id=admin]

Comma Rules and Errors

Comma Rules and Errors 7 Comma Rules There are 7 essential comma rules to learn. Learn when to use them, when not to use them, and how to avoid comma errors. 7 Comma Rules Learn the rules for using commas Comma Rule #1:Use a comma after the penultimate item in a list of three or more items, before and or or (e.g. an Italian painter, sculptor, and architect). INCORRECT: Da Vinci was an Italian painter, sculptor and architect.CORRECT: Da Vinci was an Italian painter, sculptor, and architect. Comma Rule #2:Use a comma to separate a prepositional phrase from the main sentence. INCORRECT: In my office everyone has their own little cubicle.CORRECT: In my office, everyone has their own little cubicle.Prepositions: in, at, on, to, by, for, etc. Comma Rule #3:Use a comma to separate an adverb from the main sentence. INCORRECT: Suddenly a chill went down my spine.CORRECT: Suddenly, a chill went down my spine.Adverbs: suddenly, all of a sudden, silently, quickly, angrily, fortunately, unluckily, etc. Comma Rule #4:Use a comma after time clauses that introduce sentences. INCORRECT: After I got home I went straight to bed.CORRECT: After I got home, I went straight to bed.Time clauses: After I got home, when I saw her, once I realized the time, etc. Comma Rule #5:Use a comma after introductory phrases. INCORRECT: In the morning I go for a jog.CORRECT: In the morning, I go for a jog. Comma Rule #6: Isolate interruptions with commas. INCORRECT: It would in turn lead to better health for people living in cities.CORRECT: It would, in turn, lead to better health for people living in cities. Comma Rule #7:Use a comma to separate two independent clauses joined by a conjunction. INCORRECT: The people on the boat were laughing and the people on the beach were watching. (Run-on sentence error)CORRECT: The people on the boat were laughing, and the people on the beach were watching.Conjunctions: and, but, or, so. BE CAREFUL: Dont put a comma before an and + verb without a subject. INCORRECT: The people on the boat laughed, and sang.CORRECT: The people on the boat laughed and sang. Comma Rule #8: Do not join two sentences with a comma. This is called a comma splice. INCORRECT: It was getting late, I was starting to panic.CORRECT: It was getting late, and I was starting to panic.CORRECT: It was getting late. I was starting to panic. Comma Practice Exercises Find comma splice errors Correct comma splice errors Missing comma before introductory phrase error correction exercise Comma error find. Comma error correction practice. Please follow and like us:

English Vocabulary Wreck and Wrench

English Vocabulary Wreck and Wrench Some English vocabulary words are confusing. This week one of my students told me he was having difficulty in telling the difference between wreck and wrench.Lets look at this now.WreckWreck means to ruin or to cause destruction to something.For example:The car was wrecked after the crash.A person who is physically tired or worn out can also be said to be wrecked.For example:I was wrecked after the weekend in Paris and didn’t go into work last Monday.Wreck also refers to the accidental destruction of a ship at sea. This is called a shipwreck.The remains of a wrecked ship or car is called the wreckage.Wrench Wrench means to turn something in a quick and sharp manner.For example:David wrenched the door open and pulled the dog out from the burning house.It can be used in reference to knee, shoulder and ankle injuries.For example:I wrenched my knee during the football game.Wrenched is also used to express emotionally difficult situations.For example:It was heart-wrenching seeing the tw o of them separate.Let’s not forget that the word wrench also refers to hand tools that are used to carry out repairs and turn objects such as   nuts and bolts.Let’s see how well you got that.Here are two pictures. One corresponds to the word wreck and the other to the word wrench. Which is which?Fill in the blanks in the following sentences with either the word wrench or wreck.The car _____ blocked the motorway and we were delayed by two hours.Dad always carried a _______ in his car in case it would break down and he would need to repair it.I am ______ today and can’t wait to go home and sleep.I loved the book but the end of it was gut ______.Davey has a lot of toys but most of them are _______ because he is very rough with them.Did you find this blog helpful? Please share it on Facebook and Twitter.

5 tips for stress management while applying to college

5 tips for stress management while applying to college 5 tips  from an Irvine college admissions consultant for stress management while applying to college Its very stressful applying to college in the first place but, when added to all of the other responsibilities a high school senior has, it can become overwhelming. Stress management is one of the most important tools young students can use to thrive through this challenging yet important time in their academic careers. Whether students are working on time management or a specific strategy to get into their dream college, there are several things both students and parents can do to make life easier our private Irvine college admissions consultants have a 97% success rate. 1. Get on the same page One really important thing for students and parents to do is to sit down and get on the same page in regards to the college application process. In many instances, students and parents have different ideas of when things should get done, how many schools they should apply to, or other important details regarding admissions. If possible, students and parents should sit down before they even start the process but, at this point in the year, its good just to have a chat about what still needs to be completed and within what timeframe. 2.   Prioritize applications by due dates At this point in the process, its also important for students to prioritize their applications by the due date. Most schools have a due date of December 1, but some will allow students to apply as late as January or even offer a rolling deadline. Parents can also help students stay on track by setting aside some time for them at the weekend where they can concentrate 100% on the college admissions process (READ: 4 Differences Between High School and College English Courses). 3.   Set aside a particular time during the week just for college applications Once a student sits down for their specified application time, its important that they start out by getting organized. Is there anything thats due within the next week? Anything they need to send to their college counselor? Any important revisions they need to make? After a student is completely organized, they can start working on their personal statements as well as their supplemental essays for each university. If students are using the Common Application, they will be able to write one main essay but may need to answer several supplemental questions that describe who they are as a student and person. Providing a separate time for these tasks allows students to focus totally on their applications and deal with other homework assignments later on. 4. Work with a college counselor Its imperative that students work with a college counselor at some point during the application process. Whether they work with the counselor at their school or with an independent consultant, these professionals have important up-to-date information that students may find difficult to locate and process on their own. Counselors can help students choose different types of colleges to apply to, help them fill out their various forms, and give them essential feedback on their personal statement. 5.   Have a backup plan (or two) Its also a good idea for students to have a backup plan. If a student has their heart set on just one particular university, parents can provide helpful suggestions for similar universities they can apply to â€" just in case. For the most part, students choose one or two dream schools that make up their primary plan, but they should have target schools, safety schools, and other options in the works so that they have the best chance of going to a great university after graduation, even if it wasn’t their first choice.

8 Qualities of a Great Tutor

8 Qualities of a Great Tutor What are the qualities of a great tutor?1. ApproachableA great tutor shouldn't be too intimidating to a student. They should be someone who they can open up to. A great tutor should be friendly and compassionate, and he or she should put people at ease. When a student feels comfortable around you they are going to accept your help and advice more readily, and thus they will improve more quickly. 2. SkillA great tutor should be a good student; that’s pretty obvious. They should have a good GPA, perform well in their courses, and should have a really strong set of study skills. However, they should also have a solid ability to teach. Not every straight-A student makes a good teacher, because they are not able to pass their understanding of a subject on to someone else. A great tutor should have the skills to learn the material, but it is just as important for them to be able to impart that knowledge onto others. 3. SupportiveThey’re your coach. Tutors are there to cheer you on and support you. They are happy when his or her student is succeeding. They are also not afraid to be too good. A great tutor’s goal should always be to give a student the skills to no longer need tutoring, and to be able to do the work on their own. A tutor should also be someone the student feels like they can go to if they have any issues at school, because he or she knows that the tutor has their back.4. AdaptableNot everyone learns the same way. A tutor must be able to see things from another perspective, and be able to come up with new approaches to teaching material if a student just isn't getting it. A great tutor will be a problem-solver, constantly coming up with new instructing methods and solutions to different difficulties. 5. PersistenceA great tutor has to be determined to get the student to his or her goals. If the student is struggling, the tutor should always be the one pushing for them to keep trying. If a student feels that you will give up on them, they will want to give up on themselves. The tutor should not be afraid to be tough if it means keeping the student on track. Some students will need an extra push, and seeing you put in extra effort will encourage them to do the same. 6. PatienceA great tutor is not easily frustrated. They must practice patience with their students and always be understanding that not everyone catches on to certain material quickly. In fact, it is most important to stay patient with the student if the he is already frustrated with himself. Keeping calm when the student is stressed will help them feel supported even when they are struggling.7. They've experienced failure.Failing at something builds character, and even maturity. Failing at something isn't what defines a person, but how they manage to get back up afterwards. A tutor needs to lead their student by example, and having been through a time where they had difficulty in learning something new is an important part of connecting with and relating to one’s clients. 8. IntegrityA tutor should be a leader and should uphold the values of the organization they represent, as well as an upstanding student. A tutor should enforce academic integrity in all of their own and their students’ pursuits, and as well put an emphasis on a good work ethic when interacting with their students. 9. PassionA great teacher genuinely enjoys teaching; a great tutor should be the same way. The job of a really involved tutor is a tough oneâ€"you are a teacher, a mentor, a coach, a friendâ€"and it can get pretty tiring sometimes. A tutor has to have the passion to keep going even on tough days, because they really want to make a difference in their student’s lives.