This holiday season, The Singer's Newsletter's subscribers like you are in for a treat! This is the first ever holiday gift guide! When family and friends ask you (or the singer in your life) what gift to get - you'll be prepared with your ultimate list!
10 Best Gifts for Singers
- A Performing Microphone - this is basic. A gift of this would make any singer jump for joy. Every singer needs their own microphone! Please, please, please, free singers from depending on the "club" microphone. Our sponsor, Sennheiser, offers amazing mics at an affordable cost. The Sennheiser e835 or e935 (for bigger venues and bands) are excellent vocal mics, and the e935 is a standard professional vocal mic. Their wireless mics are exceptional, affordable and dependable. Amazing sound, great price, and the company continues to push the edge on all of their products.
- A Keyboard - It can be small and portable or a full 88 keys, but without one, it's difficult to know where you are in your range, what key you're in, etc... Every singer needs this as a tool. We're thrilled that Casio is onboard as a sponsor. They have a range of great products from beginner to professional (check out their award winning Privia Line).
- A Digital Recorder - From Tascam to Zoom, this is an essential part of a singer's arsenal. You have to record yourself to know what you sound like, and not only that, what you sound like when you do certain things.
- A Wireless Bluetooth speaker - A speaker is another go-to. Many recorders don't have speakers or their speakers are too small to hear clearly. The Jawbone Jambox speaker is awesome to amplify your recording. It's clear, plenty loud and easy to use! It's made playback a dream (mine is in purple/white). Plus, it's offered through Groupon for a steal.
 Other brands are available also. Bose has its SoundLink Mini; JBL has The Flip and The (larger) Charge; and of course, the Beats Pill by Dr. Dre.
- A New Mic Stand and/or Cup Holder for it - If you have to bring your own equipment, this is a no brainer.
 Mic stands have come of age - lightweight and sturdy, and gone are the days where you have to reach for a water bottle on the stage floor (and drop it)or behind the mixer, etc...
- A Vocal Exercise CD - Vocal exercises are key in any singer's arsenal - for warming up, expanding range, clearing congestion, maintaining vocal health. Your New Best Vocal Exercise CD is a basic (see below), but for more advanced CD's, check Amazon for pop vocal technique - no opera or classical. Pop technique is a very specific way to train your voice and your range.
- A Vocal Lesson, Vocal Package, or Workshop Gift Certificate - You, your band's or choir singer friend may not think they need lessons, but I guarantee you, if you buy them, they will come... and be grateful.
- A Working or Studio Session with an Arranger, Guitarist or Keyboardist - I know I would be thrilled to receive (yes, still!) a session to work out songs with a professional musician. You can never have too much help, input or time with your music. Sing Like A Pop Star Live! Workshop co-founder, Gaku Murata, offers sessions for singers on the both the musical and production sides. He does music charts, too! Local recording studios offer deals during the holiday, so look for them as well.
- A Massage Gift Certificate - Yes! As a singer, your body is your instrument. Taking care of it is a top priority. Rest and rejuvenation is essential to a great performance.
- A Vocal Primer! Of course, now's a great time to get your favorite singer a vocal book with basics! Vocal Essentials for the Pop Singer: Take Your Singing from Good to Great (by yours truly!) - buy at Hal Leonard and Amazon.
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Your New Best Friend Vocal Exercise CD
Includes pop technique basics, strength, stamina and range building exercises, specific directions on correct placement. |
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Vocal Essentials for The Pop Singer: Take Your Singing from Good to Great
This is my philosophy of singing and an excellent primer for singers. Includes exercises, music theory, and need-to-knows for singers. |
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Sing Like A Pop Star Live! Vocal Performance Workshop
Work on songs of your choice, be coached by a pro, and accompanied by guitarist, Gaku Murata at a Los Angeles rehearsal studio. Starts in January! Register now to reserve your spot. |
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