📝 My Top 25 Music Essentials for Writing, Recording, & Performing

Music is at the heart of my journey as a singer-songwriter, and over the years, I’ve discovered the tools that make creating, performing, and traveling as a musician much easier. Whether you’re writing your next song, setting up a home studio, or taking your music on the road, these essentials will inspire and support your creativity.

⫸ Instruments & Recording Gear

1. Guitar Center
Guitar Center is my go-to for everything music-related—guitars, drums, keyboards, and more. Their wide selection and reliable service make it perfect for beginners and pros alike.

2. Sweetwater
Sweetwater is where I turn for high-quality musical instruments and gear. Their exceptional customer service and expert advice have transformed my music journey.

3. Sam Ash
Sam Ash is a trusted family-owned music store with decades of experience. Their incredible selection of instruments and accessories makes them a top choice for musicians of all levels.

4. Thomann
Thomann offers unbeatable deals on musical instruments and gear. As Europe’s largest online music retailer, their variety and pricing are perfect for budget-conscious musicians.

5. zZounds
zZounds stands out for its flexible payment plans and wide range of instruments. It’s a fantastic option for anyone wanting to invest in quality gear affordably.

6. Musician's Friend
Musician’s Friend has been my go-to for music essentials for years. With over 85,000 products and frequent deals, it’s perfect for everything from guitars to recording equipment.

⫸ Loops, Samples & Production Tools

7. Unison Audio
Unison Audio offers top-notch sound packs and MIDI files that elevate my music production. Their unmatched quality and variety spark creativity every time.

8. ADSR Sounds
ADSR Sounds is my favorite source for diverse production tools. From samples to plugins, they provide everything needed to enhance creativity and workflow.

9. Prime Loops
Prime Loops delivers high-quality sample packs that bring fresh energy to my tracks. They’re a go-to for unique sounds that inspire new ideas.

⫸ Music Classes & Online Courses

10. Music Courses at FAVIE Academy
FAVIE Academy combines music and performance lessons tailored for creatives. From songwriting to stage confidence, these courses help you grow wherever you are on your journey.

11. MasterClass
MasterClass brings industry legends like Hans Zimmer and Alicia Keys to teach their craft. Their insights are a game-changer for musicians seeking to elevate their skills.

12. Udemy
Udemy offers an incredible selection of music courses covering everything from music theory to production techniques. Their affordable classes are perfect for expanding your knowledge.

13. SkillShare
Skillshare provides a wide range of music classes, from songwriting to production. Expert-led and flexible, it’s ideal for leveling up your skills at your own pace.

14. Coursera
Coursera partners with top universities to offer music courses for all levels. Their structured paths have deepened my understanding of music theory and practice.

15. Singorama
Singorama is a vocal training program that has helped me improve pitch, range, and confidence. Its step-by-step approach makes singing easier and more enjoyable.

16. Pianoforall
Pianoforall is a fun and accessible online piano course. Its practical approach helped me play my favorite tunes in weeks instead of months.

17. TrueFire
TrueFire’s extensive library of interactive guitar lessons is second to none. World-class instructors have helped me refine my skills across multiple styles.

18. ArtistWorks
ArtistWorks provides personalized video lessons from master musicians. Their interactive platform has been a game-changer in helping me improve through expert feedback.

⫸ Music Apps & Software

19. Flowkey
Flowkey is an intuitive piano learning app that adapts to your pace. It’s made practicing both effective and enjoyable for me.

20. Guitar Tricks
Guitar Tricks offers structured, easy-to-follow guitar lessons. Their vast library is perfect for mastering new techniques and styles.

21. Jam Play
JamPlay provides diverse guitar lessons with live feedback and community support. It’s been invaluable in helping me progress across genres.

⫸ Music Distribution & Licensing Platforms

22. Distrokid
DistroKid is my top pick for fast and affordable music distribution. Releasing music to platforms like Spotify and Apple Music has never been easier.

23. Epidemic Sounds
Epidemic Sound provides royalty-free music for videos, podcasts, and creative projects. It’s my trusted source for high-quality tracks that elevate my work.

24. Artlist
Artlist offers an expansive library of royalty-free music and sound effects. It’s perfect for licensing tracks that make any project stand out.

25. Soundstripe
Soundstripe provides unlimited music licensing for creators. Their catalog of high-quality tracks is my go-to for finding the perfect sound for my projects.

These music essentials are more than just tools—they’re companions on my creative journey. From writing songs in my van, Komali Chai, to performing live, they keep me inspired and focused on my craft. I hope they bring the same spark to your musical adventures that they’ve brought to mine!

With love,
FAVIE

I’ve personally tried and tested these tools, and they’re part of my everyday life. Some links are affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

⫸ Loved these music essentials?

Explore all my must-haves across other categories! From van life tools to beauty favorites, you’ll find curated picks to elevate every aspect of your lifestyle. Check out all my must-haves HERE.

⫸ Looking for more? Visit My Shop!

Discover my curated collection of unique products designed to elevate your lifestyle. From music tools, van-friendly essentials, and fashion to Ayurveda and more, discover everything in my shop HERE.

What Are Your Favorite Music Tools?

Share your must-haves in the comments—I’d love to hear from you!