FAQ

The market for wedding musicians is a crowded one and, of course, it’s entirely unregulated. Search for “wedding pianist” or “wedding violinist” and you’ll find hundreds of musicians who might just be able to put two notes together. Their demo might sound polished, but you have no idea of the quality of the performance you’re going to get. Other musicians play the same, tired old music every time (they might just allow you a single request, if you’re lucky).

If you book me, you can be secure in the knowledge that I am a highly experienced and professional musician. I passed Grade 8 violin and piano with distinction at age 15, and have played solo on some of Europe’s most respected concert stages. And before you book me you can audition me. You can hear me play live, either in person or using Skype. You can pick every song, every piece, every note (if you prefer), and I’ll give your wedding the same musical attention to detail I would give my own.

I prepare individual quotes so they can be as low as possible. My prices are fully inclusive and take in travel, music and instrument hire and preparation fees, insurance, and a full consultation with the venue.

Yes - I have three digital pianos I regularly use, and depending on the size of your room, and access, I can choose the most appropriate one. The smallest of them (a Yamaha) takes approximately 5 minutes to set up and can fit in the back of a Corsa, yet still produces the beautiful sound of a Yamaha concert grand (and always in tune!).

You can make an appointment to hear me play live, either in person or over Skype or FaceTime. Face-to-face appointments can take place in Buckinghamshire (I can supply tea and coffee!). Appointments can take place on weekday evenings, at weekends, or during the day on Thursdays. If you prefer to have an online consultation, simply send me your Skype or FaceTime username and I will do the rest.

I'll let you choose the music throughout! You can be as prescriptive as you like - list the songs and pieces you absolutely have to hear, or those you definitely don't want to. Or give me guidelines as to the genres, bands, styles and performers you like. In response to demand, I have published a list of recent repertoire on the site, but don't let that prohibit you from choosing other tracks. I have access to a library of 2,000 songs (on iPad Pro) and am quite willing to add to it. I'll also take requests on the day, if I know them or have the music with me.

Yes, this is no problem. If I am playing the violin I can move on the spur of the moment. If I am playing the piano I can disassemble and move and be playing again within 10 minutes. And I won't need any help.

Thanks for asking! I have played for many themed events. These have included a piano performance for a Valentine's meal in a restaurant, as a gypsy violinist (I have played with gypsy bands around Hungary and Slovakia and have my own costume), and in 40s and 50s rock and roll nights. I'd be happy to take on anything!

If you have your own piano I'd be happy to play it, or I can bring my own. A piano performance can really make a party special - whether background "cocktail piano" music, or something more centrestage like a mini piano recital. References from satisfied clients are available on request.

There are some very good agencies out there. Others are bedroom-based operations with a handful of not-very-proficient musicians. All of them, though, charge you or the musicians an agency fee which you will end up paying. Logically, if you book direct with the musician you select you won't have to pay that fee. You can also be sure that you will get the musician you have booked, with no substitutes, and, most importantly, you can speak to them before the event, not just to talk about your programme of music but also to have one less thing to worry about on the day!

I don't use them very often. Backing tracks are used by some singers and musicians and are a way for them to perform the same music every time with minimal effort - and if they're not particularly good musicians, they can be sure you won't notice. You might as well use an iPod! Every note I produce is live and carefully performed to the correct ambience for your occasion. This means you can choose your favourite music, not mine, and not have to wait for the track to finish or be faded down as the bride enters for the marriage ceremony.

If you would like to book me, a deposit of 50% of the total fee is paid at the time of booking. The remaining 50% is due a month before your date. You can pay sooner than that if you wish, of course. Full terms are included in the booking form I send you - so everyone knows where they stand. A receipt is provided on request.

I live and work in London and Buckinghamshire and travel all over the south of England and Wales. Recent bookings have included trips to Bridgend, Gloucester, Birmingham, Colchester and Southampton. All travel costs are included in my quoted price.

Yes. Communicate this to me and I'll pencil you against a date for a week. Saturdays in April to September, outside of school holidays, are very much in demand, so do make your enquiry as soon as you can.