What if the venue doesn't have a piano?
In situations like this I usually bring one of my
digital pianos which can even be used outside. My digital pianos
are ideal when playing for events that require music in more than
one location. I can usually relocate and set up within twenty
minutes or set up piano in one location and set up another somewhere
else. If I set up two pianos I can just move from one to the other
without a there being too much of a break in the music.
Does a digital piano sound as good as a proper
piano?
It does depend on the quality of the proper piano
that you are comparing the digital piano with. A digital piano
is nearly always better than the piano that you will find at a
venue. You can hear the quality of the instrument I would bring
by listening or downloading the music on this site.
Does a digital piano look like a normal piano?
No, it doesn't but it definitely does look neat
and tidy. Please see picture at the top of the page.
How much space do you need?
As a solo pianist, using my digital piano, I can
fit into the tiniest of spaces - a space of 1 metre X 1.5 metres
being more than adequate. As a duo (piano and bass or piano and
vocals) we would only need an additional 1 square metre which
brings the performance area needed up to a meagre 1 metre X 2.5
metres. Space for larger line ups takes a little bit more working
out as the musicians can be placed in a line or any number of
other formations.
If
we hire a bass player will he play a proper bass?
No offence to bass guitar players, but most people
refer to a double bass as a proper bass. The bass players I use
(mainly Mike Porter-Ward) always play a double bass which you
can see in the photograph to the right.
Will it be noisy if we have a drummer in the line
up?
No, the drummers I use (usually Dave Trigwell) are
skilled jazz drummers and are capable of playing very quietly.
They are also masters of the long lost art playing with brushes
which is ideal for background music. Also, the drum kit that they
use is different from that of a rock drummer - one of the key
differences being the diminutive size of the bass drum. A jazz
kit does not produce anywhere near the same volume level as a
rock kit.
What Happens When You Take A Break?
This isn't usually a problem as I usually have a
CD player or MP3 player with me which I can plug into one of my
compact PA systems.
Can you send us a playlist?
I don't usually work from a playlist. I prefer to pick the songs
I am going to play at the time of the performance. This enables
me to select material that matches the mood and the ambience of
the event.
You can see a list of songs I play on the repertoire
pages.
Do you need some sort of cover if you are
playing outside?
Protection from the elements is vital. The heat
from the sun can be very harmful to electronic equipment and a
sudden downpour could be disastrous. I can provide a gazebo for
outside protection which is more than adequate for most situations.
Is it necessary to meet up with you before the
event?
This isn't necessary as nearly everything has to
be sorted out on the day of the event. No meeting beforehand can
really help with the decisions that have to be made on the day.
Music for ceremonies and other requests can usually be sorted
out by email or telephone.
How do I secure the booking?
After I've given you a quote and presuming that you have decided
to go ahead with the booking: I'll send you a letter of confirmation.
In order to send you this letter I need to make sure that I have
all following information:
- The type of event (Wedding, engagemant party, corpoorate
dinner etc.)
- The date of the event
- The address of the venue including postcode
- The line up (piano and bass, solo piano etc.)
- A start time and a finish time
- A contact number for if I have any queries
- On the day emergency contact number (best man's mobile or
similar)
- Dress code (lounge suit, black tie etc.)
- Any other requirements (music for ceremony, gazebo, radio
microphone for speaches, extra long extension lead etc.)
I send two copies of the letter and all I ask you is to check
all the details carefully and send a signed copy back to me. The
booking is then secured.
So How Much Will It Cost?
Prices are from £240 (for me as a solo pianist) depending
on distance from venue and other requirements. Please contact
me for a quote for your individual requirements.
How would you like to be paid?
Cash or a cheque on the day is fine if you are hiring me as a
solo pianist . I would, however, prefer cash, rather than a cheque,
if you are hiring me in a larger line up such as a duo, trio or
band. This enables me to pay the musicians straight away - rather
than making them wait for the cheque to clear in my bank, before
paying them.
Is it OK to pay you beforehand just to get it out of the way?
If this is thats what you prefer then its OK with me.
Can I hear you play live?
Throughout the year I do play for quite a few events that are
public, but Most of the work that I do consists of weddings, corporate
events and private parties. Public events will always be advertised
on this site here,
or alternatively you can fill in my mailing list form on the left
and I'll keep you informed of anything that is public. If you
do join my mailing list it will entitle you to a free CD ROM of
all the music on my site.
What about Public Liability insurance?
I have public liability insurance which is provided
by the musicians union. The certificate can be viewed at here.
Could I ask, in the interest of safety, that all children
are kept out of the performance area. Also, they do like to twiddle
knobs and press buttons which can make things very difficult for
me.
Yes all my equipment has been tested by a qualified
electrical engineer. The certificate can be viewed at here.
Once again, in the interest of safety could you please
do your part by keeping children away from the electical items in
the performance area.
