Tag Archives: #giftsForHurdyGurdyPlayers

🎁 Why This Is the Perfect Hurdy-Gurdy Christmas Gift

Christmas is a time for reflection, renewal, and inspiration. This book fits naturally into that spirit.

The Secret Life of the Hurdy-Gurdy

Rather than offering surface-level instruction, The Secret Life of the Hurdy-Gurdy invites readers to stand on the shoulders of giants and enter the instrument’s deeper, more meaningful world. It’s ideal for:

  • Dedicated players seeking artistic growth
  • Experienced musicians wanting fresh perspectives
  • Folk musicians who value tradition and innovation
  • Anyone who loves reflective, story-rich music books

If you’re looking for one of the best books for folk musicians, this belongs at the top of the list.

📖 What’s Inside the Book?

The book is structured so that each chapter features a single player, offering focused, personal insight rather than generic advice.

Across its 245 pages, contributors explore:

  • Musicality and expressive depth
  • Playing technique and sound production
  • Theory and practical understanding
  • Practice habits and long-term development
  • Teaching and pedagogy
  • Performance mindset and confidence
  • Social and cultural context of the hurdy-gurdy

The result is a book that delights, enthuses, enlightens, and inspires — even the most experienced hurdy-gurdy players.

As the saying goes: knowledge is power. This book gives every reader more power in their music-making.

🌍 32 World-Class Voices, One Essential Book

One of the book’s greatest strengths is the breadth and diversity of its contributors. Featured players include:

Bruno Andersen, Patrick Bouffard, Nicolas Boulerice, Quentin Budworth, Gilles Chabenat, Germán Díaz, Oscar Fernandez, Abel Garcia, Sergio Gonzales, Stephan Groth, Thomas Hoste, Peter Kanssen, Nicolas Koch Simms, Nicholas Konradsen, Matthias Loibner, Michalina Malisz, Scott Marshall, Rafa Martin, Christian Mohr Levisen, Ruben Monteiro, Ariel Ninas, Sam Palmer, Isabelle Pignol, Etienne Pinoteau, Benoît Roblin, Clare Rose, R.T Taylor, Paul Sherwood, Steve Tyler, Pablo Caamiña Ursusson, Mary Vanhoozer, and Alex Zwingmann.

Together, they represent decades of global hurdy-gurdy experience, condensed into one accessible, readable volume.

⭐ What Readers Are Saying

This is not just a well-researched book — it’s a deeply human one. Reader feedback highlights how inspiring and motivating it is:

“It was really interesting to read about the philosophy and approach to playing the gurdy of such a variety of musicians, and it inspired me to play my gurdy, which is never a bad thing!”
— Wolfie Fiddler

“I’ve skimmed through it and think it’s fantastic.”
— Angel de la Calle

“It’s an excellent book. I learn something new from every chapter!”
— Kevin Holland, multi-instrumentalist

“A fascinating read… with insights from 32 leading players from around the world for anyone who likes people’s stories. Recommended!”
— Lou Dufy-Howard

These testimonials make it clear: this is one of those rare Christmas music books that players actually return to.

🎄 Better Than Generic Music Gifts

Why choose this book over novelty items or mass-market music titles?

  • ✔ Deeply specific to hurdy-gurdy players
  • ✔ Inspires practice during the quiet winter months
  • ✔ Supports an independent author and niche music community
  • ✔ Offers lasting value, not a one-day thrill

Wrapped under the tree, it sends a powerful message: “I see your passion — and I support it.”

📬 How to Order (Direct & Personal)

Ordering directly from the author helps everyone — except Amazon 😉

Price:

  • £24.99 (UK)
  • Delivery in 10–14 days
  • No duty for UK, EU, US, or Canadian customers

How to order:
Email quentinbudworth@yahoo.com with:

  • Your postal address
  • Preferred payment method (PayPal or direct bank transfer)

By ordering directly, you:

  • Increase the author’s royalty
  • Reduce Amazon’s 60% cut
  • Support future hurdy-gurdy publications

And yes — it gives Jeff Bezos a small festive kick in the shin.

❄️ A Christmas Invitation to Players

The wheel is infinite, and life is short. This Christmas, take time to pause, reflect, and learn from those who have travelled far along the path.

Whether you’re gifting it to a loved one or treating yourself, The Secret Life of the Hurdy-Gurdy is a book that can transform how you think, practice, and play — making it one of the most meaningful hurdy-gurdy Christmas gifts available today.

📧 Order now: quentinbudworth@yahoo.com

The Perfect Christmas Surprise for Your Hurdy-Gurdy Loving Partner: A Book That Reveals the Instrument’s Secrets

The Secret Life of the Hurdy-Gurdy

Finding the perfect Christmas gift for a musician can feel daunting—especially when their instrument is as wonderfully niche as the hurdy-gurdy. Strings? Rosin? Another case accessory? Chances are, they already have what they need. What they may not have is something that speaks directly to their passion, curiosity, and love for the instrument’s deeper world.

If your partner, spouse, friend, or family member plays the hurdy-gurdy—or simply loves its hypnotic sound—this Christmas could be your chance to give a gift that truly resonates. Enter The Secret Life of the Hurdy-Gurdy: Field Notes On Playing by Quentin Budworth: a beautifully thoughtful, 245-page book that goes far beyond a standard instruction manual and into the heart of what it means to live with this extraordinary instrument.

This is not just one of those Christmas music books that gathers dust on a shelf. It’s a gift that inspires, comforts, challenges, and delights—making it one of the most unique musician gifts you can give this festive season.

A Book That Speaks to the Soul of the Instrument

The Secret Life of the Hurdy-Gurdy is a carefully curated collection of reflections, advice, and stories from 32 internationally respected hurdy-gurdy players. Compiled by musician and researcher Quentin Budworth, the book captures voices from across traditions, countries, and musical backgrounds, offering readers a rare glimpse into the lived experience of hurdy-gurdy musicians.

Rather than focusing purely on technical instruction, this book explores why people play, how they develop their relationship with the instrument, and what the hurdy-gurdy gives back to them emotionally and creatively. It’s a book about craft—but also about identity, curiosity, and community.

That makes it especially perfect for gifts for hurdy-gurdy players from loved ones who may not know the technical details of the instrument but want to give something meaningful.

Why Hurdy-Gurdy Players Love This Book

One of the book’s greatest strengths is its human voice. Each chapter offers a different perspective, allowing readers to dip in and out or read cover to cover during quiet winter evenings.

The contributors include renowned musicians such as Patrick Bouffard and Matthias Loibner, who share insights on musicality, performance, creativity, and the personal journey of musicianship. These aren’t dry academic essays—they’re honest reflections shaped by years of playing, touring, teaching, and listening.

Reader responses highlight this perfectly. As Lou Dufy-Howard writes:

“A fascinating read with insights for anyone who likes people’s stories.”

That’s what makes this book such a special Christmas gift: even non-musicians can appreciate its warmth and storytelling, while players find ideas that spark new motivation and deepen their connection to the instrument.

A Thoughtful Gift That Inspires Passion

If you’ve ever watched your partner light up when talking about their hurdy-gurdy—or disappear into hours of focused practice—you know how deeply personal music can be. This book meets them where they are, whether they’re a beginner finding their footing or a seasoned player refining their voice.

Inside, they’ll discover:

  • Reflections on developing musical expression and confidence
  • Personal stories from players across different traditions
  • Ideas that encourage thoughtful, joyful practice
  • Perspectives that validate the challenges and rewards of playing

It’s the kind of gift that says: “I see how much this matters to you.”

Why This Beats Generic Christmas Gifts 🎁

Let’s be honest—musicians receive a lot of well-meaning but generic gifts. Novelty mugs, mass-produced music books, or accessories that don’t quite fit their setup.

This book stands apart because:

  • It’s deeply personal to hurdy-gurdy players
  • It can’t be easily guessed or duplicated
  • It supports an independent author and niche musical community
  • It offers lasting value, not just a momentary smile

Instead of another object, you’re giving inspiration, validation, and connection—things that musicians crave far more than clutter.