We know that as a musician, you’re a busy person who’s always on the go, and with this in mind, we’re going to make sure you don’t miss a beat!
It’s no secret that musicians are some of the most hardworking people, and you deserve to do what you love without having to worry about transportation or equipment. As a response, we compiled a list of the top necessities for you that will help you keep track every time you have a gig!
Instrument
Your instrument is your life, so this is on our list. Whatever your instrument is, we believe it is a vital part of who you are. It allows you to express your creativity and is an essential tool for learning. A good instrument can improve your skills, help you become better at what you do, and make you feel more confident when performing on stage.
So you must check your instrument regularly to ensure it’s in good condition.
Instrument accessories
Instrument accessories are a must for musicians. These items are the ones that will help you achieve the best performance of your instrument. There are various instruments worldwide, and each has its own accessories that make it easy to play. Instrument accessories can be classified into two types such as percussion and stringed.
Percussion instruments need accessories such as drumsticks, mallets, and more. Meanwhile, stringed instruments need accessories like picks, bows, and more. But aside from that, a case is also an important accessory you must invest in.
For example, a bam violin case would be perfect for a violinist because it offers the utmost protection.
Music and Instrument stand
Music and instrument stand to allow you to display your music sheets and instruments for a hassle-free performance. You might choose a stand with a sturdy base that is strong enough to support the weight of your music and instruments. Likewise, it should also be collapsible so that it can easily store away when not in use.
Sheet music
Another essential item for musicians is sheet music. It’s not just a book to read. It’s also a way to teach yourself more about music. If you don’t have any sheet music, you will be limited in what you can and how well you can play. Music sheets are also handy for learning songs by ear, so you can play them easily.
Laptop
A laptop is an excellent tool for musicians because it allows you to record, edit, and play music anywhere in the world. This is especially helpful if you’re always on the go and still want to be productive on your recordings.
There are affordable laptops out there, and you don’t need to spend too much on high-end equipment if you don’t want to.
Headphones
Headphones are not just for listening to music, either. They can also be used to record your own performances or troubleshoot your sound system when you’re in a concert. Besides, headphones have a lot of benefits. They’re comfortable, isolate sound from the outside world, and can be used for long periods without fatigue!
Microphone
A microphone is a crucial piece of audio equipment for any kind of artist or singer. A microphone allows the sound to be recorded and amplified so it can be heard by an audience or recorded onto other devices. Depending on the kind of music being played, different types of microphones might be needed.
Audio interface
Finally, recording or streaming audio from an instrument or computer requires some form of an Audio Interface. This usually comes in the form of either an external box containing jacks or ports to connect devices like microphones, instruments, and headphones; or as external software installed on a laptop/computer with its own series of controls and effects units available for use by music producers at home or in the studio.
Music Theory Books
For any musician, whether you’re just starting out or a seasoned pro, music theory books are invaluable as a tool for advancing your craft. Music theory is the way in which we understand and create the music we know and love. Developing your skills in reading and understanding notation is essential to any musician, so taking time to explore different genres of music through theory can expand your horizons and help impart extra character into your performances.
Some titles to consider include:
- The Complete Musician by Steven Laitz
- Music Theory For Dummies by Michael Pilhofer & Holly Day
- A Creative Approach to Music Fundamentals by William Duckworth
- The Oxford Companion To Music by Percy Scholes
Tuning Device
Keeping your instrument in tune is vital for accurate playing and good quality sound. A simple electronic or chromatic tuner, like an app on your smartphone or tablet, can be very helpful in making sure all of your notes sound perfect.
Metronome
This device keeps you on tempo when practicing as well as live performance. It’s a precision timing machine that keeps a strong, even beat while you practice scales and rhythms and beats per minute (BPM). More advanced versions come with more features, such as accents and adjustable speeds.
Gig Bag or Case
These cases provide protection for expensive instruments from dust, humidity and common bumps that happen during transport as well as storage. Cases with dividers can also help keep all of the accessories with the instrument at all times such as strings, picks, music stands etc.
Music Production Software
Music Production Software is a must-have for any serious musician. With a wealth of features and capabilities, these programs allow users to create and manipulate sounds in ways that previously weren’t possible. With the help of music production software, producers and musicians can record their own instruments or use samples from existing songs to create dynamic new compositions. These programs also facilitate collaboration by allowing musicians to easily share files online.
Summary
The best part of being a musician is the freedom to create and play, but it’s no easy feat. Your instrument and its accessories are essential to a great performance, which is why we’ve put together this list of the top things every musician should have in their bag. You’ll never know when you might need something like these items.