F.A.Q

 

 

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:

1. The type of event (Wedding, engagemant party, corpoorate dinner etc.)
2. The date of the event
3. The address of the venue including postcode
4. The line up (piano and bass, solo piano etc.)
5. A start time and a finish time
6. A contact number for if I have any queries
7. On the day emergency contact number (best man's mobile or similar)
8. Dress code (lounge suit, black tie etc.)
9. 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.

Any cheque can be posted to my home address at:

Semper Fidelis
Wiremill Lane
Newchapel
Lingfield
Surrey RH7 6HJ

 

Can I hear you play live?

Throughout the year I only do a handfull of events that are public. About 99% of the work that I do consists of weddings, corporate events and private parties. However, 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 you can come along to. Another alternative is to make an appointment to visit me at my office at the following address:

110-112 London Road
East Grinstead
West Sussex RH19 1EP

 

What about Public Liability insurance?