| Booking Information & How to find the right musician for your event: |
Choosing the music and ensemble for your event can seem a daunting task.
The use of music during the wedding ceremony is of critical importance and plays a
crucial role in creating the setting and mood which you will treasure in your heart and
memories. Over 70% of your wedding ceremony is actually music!
Reputable professional musicians with strong credentials and a wealth of talent can be
difficult to find. This guide will help you find the most appropriate musican for your
event, and help you prepare for basic information and questions you will need to ask.
Availability -The first thing every musician will want to know is your specific date
and time frame. Requesting a quote before you have chosen a specific date and time
frame for your event is not advisable since musicians' schedule change dramatically and
frequently. Book Early! Don't wait untill the last minute to reserve your date! In many
cases, particularly holidays and summer events, dates can fill up a year to eighteen
months in advance. As soon as you know your event date and time, call for availability
information.
Holding/Reserving Dates - Dates are reserved for those who contract the
players first. Requesting quotes, discussing details, etc. will not reserve your date and
time frame. The only way for a musician to hold a date is to actually compile a
performance contract for your event. Once the contract and deposit fee have been
received signed by the hiring party, the date is officially "booked".
Hiring Duration - Have in mind the hiring length needed. If you are hiring music
only for the wedding ceremony, most musicians consider ceremonies a package and
the price is not based on the actual length of the ceremony. Please be sure to let any
musician know what type of ceremony you will be having so they can allow enough
time in their schedules. Usually the players will have several other engagements lined
up on the same day, demanding punctuality.
In-Person vs. Phone/Email - Requesting a direct in-person interview is
unnecessary. All the questions and concerns you may have can easily be handled via
telephone or email, if you are so inclined. Agencies may grant or offer interviews upon
request, but the interview will be with the agent, not the actual players. Musicians may
choose to offer a private consultation to select music (either at an additional cost or
included in a package price) once you have hired them.
Quotes/Fees - The quoted fee should be the total up front fee devoid of hidden
additional charges such as travel or cartage. Be sure to verify this with any musician
you are receiving a quote from. It should be expected that any overtime playing will be
charged at the agreed rate mentioned in the contract, and is not covered by the quoted
fee.This is true even in the event of a delayed start to the proceedings. Hiring for the
first hour will always be at the higher rate. The fee will cover playing, travel, contracting
and materials (if needed). Additional hours will be at a significantly lower rate, covering
only additional playing time. Therefore it is wise to hire for at least one additional hour,
to provide other background music.
"You get what you pay for!" - When collecting quotes from various
musicians/ensembles, you will encounter a range of prices. What may not be evident is
the level of the musicians behind the quotes. Generally wedding musicians fall into three
categories: Student, Amateur, and Professional.
Student - This includes undergraduate music students from various
conservatories/colleges. Student musicians may offer the lowest price but there are
some considerable disadvantages. You may encounter a wide and unpredictable range
of abilities, even at a conservatory. Many students may lack experience performing for
weddings and may struggle with the logistics of timing, cues and proper etiquette.
Amateur - Amateur musicians can be difficult to recognize. It cannot be assumed that
all wedding musicians advertising are professional musicians. They may play weddings
as a hobby and additional source of income to their everyday non-musical job. Just
because they advertise extensively, does not mean they are professional players...you
may have to dig deeper.
Professional - These players are full-time musicians leading careers in solo, orchestral
and chamber music performance as well as playing weddings and other services. These
musicians can provide biographies with impressive advanced degrees and have
extensive concert and wedding event experience. Additionally, they can give expert
advice as to what music and combination of instruments would be appropriate for what
setting or mood.
Hiring Musicians Directly vs. Agency - Many individuals would fee better
knowing they are hiring a musician from a company rather than through an individual.
Many agencies are merely individuals that present a strong company-like presence.
They are promoters of musicians, and many are not professional musicians and cannot
give you the best advice. Today, they are an unnecessary third party who will charge
you for their services rendered. Their fee is usually hidden in the rendered quote and
differs from agency to agency. The amount of money that actually reaches the musician,
is unknown or unclear to the client and is usually sub-standard and unfair. It is actually
advisable to speak directly with the musicians instead of going through an agency
because no one cares more about the success of the music at your event, than the
musicians who are playing it and representing themselves to all who hear!
Instrument Combinations - Knowing how many musicians to hire and which
combination of instruments would sound best together can be difficult. The musicians
should be willing and able to discuss your needs and provide some ensemble options
for you to choose from. It is not necessarily true that more players means more sound
or vice-versa. Different instruments have very different characteristics in terms of
volume, brilliance and tone color. The musicians will be able to recommend an
appropriate ensemble for your situation.
Sound Projection - Many musicians own their own amplifying equipment for the
harp. This is mostly necessary if your event will be held in a very large room with a
loud crowd of people. If your event will need amplification, please advise the musician
before the date of the event and as to the location of the nearest power outlets. If it is
father than 5', please supply enough extension cords to reach between your power
source and the location of the harp/amp.
Instrument Concerns - Issues such as having the wedding ceremony music
outdoors vs. indoors. Weather conditions are of paramount importance to the
musicians. The instruments they are playing on are extremely valuable and delicate.
Moisture and temperature are the two most destructive factors. If you are planning an
outdoor wedding, you need to provide a shaded/sheltered area for the musicians.
Direct sunlight can permanently damage the varnish of wooden instruments as can
moisture droplets from fog, mist and rain.
Outdoor vs. Indoor - When having an outdoor wedding, it is an absolute
necessity to have an alternate indoor location ready in the case of inclement weather.
Brides/Grooms must stay open to the possibility that the weather conditions at the
outdoor location may not be acceptable.
Making the Choice - Music shopping is a bit different than everyday shopping.
Modern day brides and grooms have noticed the world of difference a wonderfully
performed piece of music can have in creating a joyfully elegant atmosphere. The only
difficult part is choosing which musicians to hire. The budget is usually the major factor
in ultimately determining what goes forward and what is rejected in the planning.
Although, when it comes to having live wedding music and wedding musicians, looking
for the lowest price will not necessarily render the best possible outcome. After
the ensemble research has been done and the quotes have been collected, make your
decision based on quality, not price. This once in a lifetime event will remain in the
hearts and minds of the Bride and Groom throughout their lifetime. You should feel you
chose the highest quality you budget could allow.
Booking - It is always advisable to book the musicians earlier rather than later,
availability being the #1 reason. If you know that you intend to hire the players and they
are available at the time you inquire about them, you should initiate the contracting
process as soon as possible in order to reserve your specific date and time with them.
Dedicated professional musicians will only reserve the date and time when the
contracting process has been completed. Relying on a phone conversation for the
reservation of your wedding ceremony/reception date and time are unreliable
and not advisable. The agreement should be in writing with signatures of validation by
both parties involved.
The use of music during the wedding ceremony is of critical importance and plays a
crucial role in creating the setting and mood which you will treasure in your heart and
memories. Over 70% of your wedding ceremony is actually music!
Reputable professional musicians with strong credentials and a wealth of talent can be
difficult to find. This guide will help you find the most appropriate musican for your
event, and help you prepare for basic information and questions you will need to ask.
Availability -The first thing every musician will want to know is your specific date
and time frame. Requesting a quote before you have chosen a specific date and time
frame for your event is not advisable since musicians' schedule change dramatically and
frequently. Book Early! Don't wait untill the last minute to reserve your date! In many
cases, particularly holidays and summer events, dates can fill up a year to eighteen
months in advance. As soon as you know your event date and time, call for availability
information.
Holding/Reserving Dates - Dates are reserved for those who contract the
players first. Requesting quotes, discussing details, etc. will not reserve your date and
time frame. The only way for a musician to hold a date is to actually compile a
performance contract for your event. Once the contract and deposit fee have been
received signed by the hiring party, the date is officially "booked".
Hiring Duration - Have in mind the hiring length needed. If you are hiring music
only for the wedding ceremony, most musicians consider ceremonies a package and
the price is not based on the actual length of the ceremony. Please be sure to let any
musician know what type of ceremony you will be having so they can allow enough
time in their schedules. Usually the players will have several other engagements lined
up on the same day, demanding punctuality.
In-Person vs. Phone/Email - Requesting a direct in-person interview is
unnecessary. All the questions and concerns you may have can easily be handled via
telephone or email, if you are so inclined. Agencies may grant or offer interviews upon
request, but the interview will be with the agent, not the actual players. Musicians may
choose to offer a private consultation to select music (either at an additional cost or
included in a package price) once you have hired them.
Quotes/Fees - The quoted fee should be the total up front fee devoid of hidden
additional charges such as travel or cartage. Be sure to verify this with any musician
you are receiving a quote from. It should be expected that any overtime playing will be
charged at the agreed rate mentioned in the contract, and is not covered by the quoted
fee.This is true even in the event of a delayed start to the proceedings. Hiring for the
first hour will always be at the higher rate. The fee will cover playing, travel, contracting
and materials (if needed). Additional hours will be at a significantly lower rate, covering
only additional playing time. Therefore it is wise to hire for at least one additional hour,
to provide other background music.
"You get what you pay for!" - When collecting quotes from various
musicians/ensembles, you will encounter a range of prices. What may not be evident is
the level of the musicians behind the quotes. Generally wedding musicians fall into three
categories: Student, Amateur, and Professional.
Student - This includes undergraduate music students from various
conservatories/colleges. Student musicians may offer the lowest price but there are
some considerable disadvantages. You may encounter a wide and unpredictable range
of abilities, even at a conservatory. Many students may lack experience performing for
weddings and may struggle with the logistics of timing, cues and proper etiquette.
Amateur - Amateur musicians can be difficult to recognize. It cannot be assumed that
all wedding musicians advertising are professional musicians. They may play weddings
as a hobby and additional source of income to their everyday non-musical job. Just
because they advertise extensively, does not mean they are professional players...you
may have to dig deeper.
Professional - These players are full-time musicians leading careers in solo, orchestral
and chamber music performance as well as playing weddings and other services. These
musicians can provide biographies with impressive advanced degrees and have
extensive concert and wedding event experience. Additionally, they can give expert
advice as to what music and combination of instruments would be appropriate for what
setting or mood.
Hiring Musicians Directly vs. Agency - Many individuals would fee better
knowing they are hiring a musician from a company rather than through an individual.
Many agencies are merely individuals that present a strong company-like presence.
They are promoters of musicians, and many are not professional musicians and cannot
give you the best advice. Today, they are an unnecessary third party who will charge
you for their services rendered. Their fee is usually hidden in the rendered quote and
differs from agency to agency. The amount of money that actually reaches the musician,
is unknown or unclear to the client and is usually sub-standard and unfair. It is actually
advisable to speak directly with the musicians instead of going through an agency
because no one cares more about the success of the music at your event, than the
musicians who are playing it and representing themselves to all who hear!
Instrument Combinations - Knowing how many musicians to hire and which
combination of instruments would sound best together can be difficult. The musicians
should be willing and able to discuss your needs and provide some ensemble options
for you to choose from. It is not necessarily true that more players means more sound
or vice-versa. Different instruments have very different characteristics in terms of
volume, brilliance and tone color. The musicians will be able to recommend an
appropriate ensemble for your situation.
Sound Projection - Many musicians own their own amplifying equipment for the
harp. This is mostly necessary if your event will be held in a very large room with a
loud crowd of people. If your event will need amplification, please advise the musician
before the date of the event and as to the location of the nearest power outlets. If it is
father than 5', please supply enough extension cords to reach between your power
source and the location of the harp/amp.
Instrument Concerns - Issues such as having the wedding ceremony music
outdoors vs. indoors. Weather conditions are of paramount importance to the
musicians. The instruments they are playing on are extremely valuable and delicate.
Moisture and temperature are the two most destructive factors. If you are planning an
outdoor wedding, you need to provide a shaded/sheltered area for the musicians.
Direct sunlight can permanently damage the varnish of wooden instruments as can
moisture droplets from fog, mist and rain.
Outdoor vs. Indoor - When having an outdoor wedding, it is an absolute
necessity to have an alternate indoor location ready in the case of inclement weather.
Brides/Grooms must stay open to the possibility that the weather conditions at the
outdoor location may not be acceptable.
Making the Choice - Music shopping is a bit different than everyday shopping.
Modern day brides and grooms have noticed the world of difference a wonderfully
performed piece of music can have in creating a joyfully elegant atmosphere. The only
difficult part is choosing which musicians to hire. The budget is usually the major factor
in ultimately determining what goes forward and what is rejected in the planning.
Although, when it comes to having live wedding music and wedding musicians, looking
for the lowest price will not necessarily render the best possible outcome. After
the ensemble research has been done and the quotes have been collected, make your
decision based on quality, not price. This once in a lifetime event will remain in the
hearts and minds of the Bride and Groom throughout their lifetime. You should feel you
chose the highest quality you budget could allow.
Booking - It is always advisable to book the musicians earlier rather than later,
availability being the #1 reason. If you know that you intend to hire the players and they
are available at the time you inquire about them, you should initiate the contracting
process as soon as possible in order to reserve your specific date and time with them.
Dedicated professional musicians will only reserve the date and time when the
contracting process has been completed. Relying on a phone conversation for the
reservation of your wedding ceremony/reception date and time are unreliable
and not advisable. The agreement should be in writing with signatures of validation by
both parties involved.
| Marguerite Lynn Williams marguerite@mlwharp.com 773-791-7520 Chicago Harpist ~ Marguerite Lynn Williams ~ Professional musician in Chicago, IL~ Providing elegant harp music for wedding ceremonies and special events. Harp Lessons, party entertainment, classical, jazz, Celtic and chamber music. |
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