Gifts For Music Educators

Teachers are such an everyday presence in our lives, it can be easy to overlook all they do and take them for granted.

They share their talents and gifts daily with students who have no idea how to play their instrument. They remain patient and supportive throughout your struggles and are excited over your triumphs and successes. 

During the holiday season you have a chance to let your music teacher know how much they do for you. It’s difficult for any gift to thank them sufficiently for all their hard work. However, finding the perfect gift for your music teacher doesn’t have to be a challenge. Here are 23 music gift ideas that are unique and offer options for selecting a gift that reflects your teacher’s tastes. 

Crystal Apple Keepsake: As an exceptional gift, this apple can stand on their desk at work or be placed in any room of their home as a reminder of your gratitude. You get to choose the one-line engraving and add your teacher’s name on a gift that they will absolutely treasure. Other gifts at this site you can personalize include the Music Teacher Personalized Clipboard ($22) and Music Teacher Maple Drumsticks ($20). 

This jar candle has a quote expressing appreciation for all music teachers do ($17). You can have a personalized message added to the other side of the jar for $20, but you don’t have to personalize it. It’s a soy-based candle that comes in a variety of scents. 

Sheet Music Coasters: These coasters feature aged sheet music on a stone base, and they make a lovely addition to any room. Perfectly appropriate and affordable (at under $20), your teacher will be touched at your thoughtfulness. If your teacher has an environmental streak, you can get these upcycled record coasters. A set of six of these recycled records costs $18; the records have been cut down to a 4-inch diameter and plasticized for use as a coaster. 

Without music life would B flat: Ah, who doesn’t love a good music pun, especially when it has the woodcraft charm of this handmade print. Prices range from $15 to $34, which includes the frame, depending on size. You can also choose between a light or a dark stained version. 

Gift Cards: It may seem impersonal, but you can give your music teacher a gift card for something they often buy (say, their daily visit to Starbucks), helps them defray the costs of all their holiday spending (like a big box store or Amazon card), or forces them into some well-deserved fun (movie site Fandango sells gift cards) are all welcome, useful gifts. Check out these sites (CardCash and CardPool) for gift card idea. 

Yeti Cups: Speaking of coffee, these are a wonderful gift for anyone on your list. There is simply no other cup that retains hot or cold temperatures longer, and if your teacher doesn’t already have one, they will unquestionably adore it. This 20oz rambler is $30 and comes in colors from stainless steel to pink. 

If you know your teacher likes to cook, you might consider one of these Musician T-shirt Aprons, where you can find inspirational music teacher quotes, instruments, or music notations. These aprons are made of heavy, high quality cotton twill and are machine washable. They range between $18 and $20. 

Music Notes Wall Clock: This novelty clock is a great addition to any music teacher’s classroom or living areas. For under $18, it features music notes instead of traditional numbers, making it a fun time-keeper and a super gift. 

Teacher Wall Print: This unframed, dictionary wall print gives the definition of music teacher as “One who is noteworthy.” The background is a reproduction from an 1887 Webster’s dictionary, which adds an extra charm to the quote, rather than just printing up the definition. It’s available in two standard sizes (5 x7 version is $14.50; and the 8 x10 version is $21.5), which will make adding a frame to the print easy and inexpensive. 

Band Director Personalized Binder: What band director or school orchestra director isn’t constantly walking around with their binder? Now they can have this music-themed binder with their name and the school’s name emblazoned on the front and the spine. The $20 binder is designed to hold 400 pages of standard sized paper (8.5 x 11); but the shop has a variety of binder and notebook sizes with the same music design and personalization options. 

Musical Note Cuff Links/Jewelry: If you really want to give your teacher something special, you can choose sterling silver cuff links that have been treated to create a weathered look ($80). Or, you can choose a black and white diamond music note necklace ($74), that will be sure to show how much you appreciate all the work that your instructor does. 

Cool Rock Posters: If your teacher likes a certain rock band, or would absolutely adore some vintage posters from concerts attended years ago, this site has tons of prints. Understand that originals are very expensive, typically running in the hundreds of dollars range. You can purchase replicas at this site for under $10; the site also has posters for other music genres including classical, latin, and jazz. 

Ticket Stub Diary: This unique music teacher gift is perfect for instructors who attend lots of concerts. It includes clear pockets for holding the ticket stubs, and a place in the margin to make notes. The acid free pages make it a lasting gift that you can give for only $14. 

Bach by Bach Tie: This is a great gift for your music teacher, especially if he likes to look sharp. It features sheet music images from Bach’s repertoire that are hand drawn by designer Josh Bach. Get this extremely nice silk tie for $49. 

Vinyl Record Cupcake Stand: This is a great gift for any music teacher who enjoys baking, or who just enjoys cupcakes. With three tiers, your teacher can load it down with goodies and use it for any type of entertaining. You have a variety of options, which range in price from around $18 to $30. 

Big Bach Bobblehead: This bobblehead is an awesome gift for your music teacher. For only $22, their desk can be graced with this adorable figurine. It’s over 8” tall and features an oversized, bobbly head. If Bach isn’t your teacher’s bag, you can also find a Mozart, Beethoven or Brahms bobbleheads, as well as busts of all the most popular composers for under $10. 

Treble Clefs Door Hanger: For $25, give this metal door hanger that is useful and pretty. It’s perfect for closet doors or any other door for hanging robes, towels, or other items. 

If your teacher has joined the de-clutter or minimalist trend, they may not want “more stuff.” You can make a charitable donation in your teacher’s name. Sites like GuideStar provide a directory of nonprofits, including music organizations. You can make a donation to your area’s local symphony or other music performance organization. You can also find organizations like Hungry for Music, that provide instruments to disadvantaged children, or Musicians on Call, which subsidizes programs that send musicians into healthcare facilities to deliver “the healing power of music.” 

It’s always the right time of year to show your appreciation for your music teacher, but never more than during the holiday season. These gift ideas will make them smile and let them know how much you care.