Music could be the gift that keeps giving

As the exhausted masses trudge aimlessly from big box store to boutiques, armed with debit and credit cards, they often have only a faint notion of what to get friends and family.

One Windsor music store is suggesting an alternative gift — music lessons.

“The most recent survey done by the store said that there was definitely an uptick in not only children taking lessons but adults as well,” said Erik Ingalls, lesson coordinator at Long and McQuade.

And, of course, studies seem to indicate music has mental, physical and emotional benefits.

The instrument of choice is still guitar and drums. Vocal lessons are popular too, but the violin has moved up in demand for lessons, according to Ingalls.

American Idol, America’s Got Talent, The Voice and YouTube have all been catalysts, inspiring musicians.

For many people, their first taste of learning an instrument was in grade school. Those who took to playing, moved on to high school instruction complemented by private lessons.

Fifteen-year-old Jasmine Hicks is no exception.

“I saw it on TV shows and thought it was interesting. I’m paying for these lessons myself. That’s how much I wanted to learn,” said Hicks.

After mastering the alto sax, Hicks was looking for a quieter instrument. She wanted to play a stringed instrument and is trying the violin, because it’s “soft,” said Hicks.

She said it just makes her feel good.

For everyone else, the gift of music can even come with a return policy of its own – a song.