Echo Dot Smart Speaker
Smart speaker for streaming music. Listening is part of a musician's life.
I suggest it for streaming music around the house; it is not a monitor for a piano.
Check today's price on AmazonMusic is not only something we practice. It is also something we live with: a record on in the evening, good headphones on a train, a book that explains why a melody moves us. This page gathers listening gear and reading that I think suit people who love music. I make no medical claims here, and none of it replaces practice at the piano.
Why trust a concert pianist's picks?
This page belongs to the Online Piano University shop because the people who learn with me, in my free 41-lesson course and later with my upcoming method books, are also the people who love music, and they are often the ones receiving or giving these gifts.
What makes good listening gear?
- Honest sound. Choose listening gear that lets the music through.
- Comfort for long listening.
- Simplicity. The best setup is the one you will switch on.
- Books that reward rereading, on music and the brain.
- Purpose. Singing bowls are sound-practice items, not pianos.
How does listening help you learn piano?
How this helps you learn: listening is part of a pianist's education, and living with music keeps the reason you started alive.
Which listening gear or book should I choose?
Budget picks
6 picks
Handcrafted Tibetan Singing Bowl Set
The listing says singing bowl set for sound practice. A good way to live with music.
I suggest it for a quiet moment of listening before or after practice.
Check today's price on AmazonTibetan Singing Bowl Set, 4-Inch Brass
In short, brass singing bowl set. Choose what you will really switch on.
I suggest it for a quiet moment of listening before or after practice.
Check today's price on Amazon
Musicophilia: Tales of Music and the Brain
Book on music and the brain. Music belongs in the evening as well as the practice hour.
I suggest it for a music lover who reads, or a teacher's bookshelf.
Check today's price on AmazonThis Is Your Brain on Music
Listening is part of a musician's life. Here: book on music and the brain.
I suggest it for a music lover who reads, or a teacher's bookshelf.
Check today's price on AmazonI Heard There Was a Secret Chord
In short, book on music and the brain. A good way to live with music.
I suggest it for a music lover who reads, or a teacher's bookshelf.
Check today's price on AmazonMid-range picks
7 picks
WH-1000XM4 Wireless Noise-Cancelling Headphones
The listing says noise-cancelling wireless headphones. Choose what you will really switch on.
I suggest it for listening on a plane, a train or in a busy home, rather than piano practice.
Check today's price on AmazonQuietComfort Wireless Headphones
Music belongs in the evening as well as the practice hour. Here: noise-cancelling wireless headphones.
I suggest it for listening on a plane, a train or in a busy home, rather than piano practice.
Check today's price on AmazonFlip 6 Portable Waterproof Speaker
Portable waterproof Bluetooth speaker. Listening is part of a musician's life.
I suggest it for music on the go; it is not a speaker for a digital piano.
Check today's price on AmazonSoundLink Flex Bluetooth Speaker, 2nd Gen
The listing says portable Bluetooth speaker. A good way to live with music.
I suggest it for music on the go; it is not a speaker for a digital piano.
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AT-LP60X Automatic Belt-Drive Turntable
In short, fully automatic belt-drive turntable. Choose what you will really switch on.
I suggest it for a music lover with a record collection, or one who is starting one.
Check today's price on AmazonEra 100 Smart Speaker
Wi-Fi/Bluetooth smart speaker. Music belongs in the evening as well as the practice hour.
I suggest it for streaming music around the house; it is not a monitor for a piano.
Check today's price on AmazonTibetan Singing Bowl Set
Listening is part of a musician's life. Here: singing bowl set.
I suggest it for a quiet moment of listening before or after practice.
Check today's price on AmazonAT-LP120XUSB Direct-Drive Turntable
In short, direct-drive turntable with USB output. A good way to live with music.
I suggest it for a music lover with a record collection, or one who is starting one.
Check today's price on AmazonAT-LP120XBT-USB Wireless Turntable
The listing says direct-drive turntable with Bluetooth and USB. Choose what you will really switch on.
I suggest it for a music lover with a record collection, or one who is starting one.
Check today's price on Amazon432Hz Crystal Singing Bowl
Music belongs in the evening as well as the practice hour. Here: crystal singing bowl.
I suggest it for a quiet moment of listening before or after practice.
Check today's price on AmazonWhat do music lovers ask?
Which headphones are best for listening, not practice?
Noise-cancelling models suit travel and busy rooms; the listings below describe which ones offer it. For piano practice I prefer wired studio headphones.
Why does a piano teacher list turntables?
Listening to recordings is part of a musician's education, and a turntable is one pleasant way to do it.
Are singing bowls musical instruments?
They make sound and are used in sound practice. They are not a substitute for learning an instrument.
Which book should I start with?
The books listed here discuss music and the brain; pick the subject that interests you.
Where should you read next?
- Piano for Stress Relief: Why Playing Quiets a Busy Mind
- Is Playing Piano Good for Your Brain? What Research Says
- Hanukkah Gifts for Music Lovers: Eight Nights
- Give online piano lessons as a gift
- Private online piano lessons with me
What else might you need?
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Gifts for Music Lovers
Music gifts for adults who love to listen.
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Headphones
Practice any hour without disturbing anyone.
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Music Home Decor
Gifts, textiles and decor with a musical touch.
Would you rather learn than buy more gear?
The shop exists to support your learning. The learning itself can start free: all 41 lessons of my beginner course are published, and I give feedback on your playing at no charge. When you want a teacher, I take private students online.
▶ Start the free 41-lesson course Private online lessons Send me your playing for feedback → Give online piano lessons