LIVE MUSIC
*F.A.Q.*
*F.A.Q.*
Expand topics for frequently requested information.
MUSICIAn PrICIng
We understand hiring musicians isn't something you do every day! Consequently, most aren't sure what to expect when it comes to musician pricing. On the one hand, considering most pro musicians have invested a lifetime studying, practicing, and perfecting their craft - often including years of formal lessons, expensive instruments/equipment, and even formal undergraduate or graduate music degrees, then it makes sense musicians might charge similarly to, for example, a lawyer fresh out of only three years of law school training. On the other hand, please don't think you can't afford professional musicians before you even contact us, as there is nearly always a great live music option within your budget! We especially want to do our best to work with those whose hearts are set on live music because they understand and appreciate its value, yet who might be limited by a tight budget - even if it means sometimes working for less than our standard rates. This is why, while of course we happily quote standard rates, we also encourage our potential customers to consider providing a target or max budget or budget range, whereupon we'll determine and describe the maximum services we can pack into that range. Providing your target budget can also make the process go more smoothly for you, helping us to quickly refine our extensive options to those we can fit into your price range, and saving you from the cat & mouse part of negotiating (yes, there is often room for negotiation!). For standard rates, typically the most determinant factor will be the number of musicians you choose to hire (the more musicians, the greater the total price). Sometimes, however, we gradually reduce the per musician rate as you increase the number of musicians, so that the more you hire, the less you will spend per musician. We do this to encourage our customers to help us provide work to more musicians! The per musician rate is determined by factors such as: relative popularity or demand for the specific musicians; amount of equipment, production, set-up & clean-up required for your event and the particular act; the location of your event/ travel time; peak demand times; performance conditions and duration, etc. (too many potential variables to list prices online!) - so please provide as much relevant detail as possible when contacting us for a quote; and yes, we are often willing to match or even beat other professionals' confirmed prices!
bOOKIng & Payment
Once the details of your event have been determined and a price agreed upon, we will then send a simple form - a performance agreement spelling out the details - and then require a signature and 50% deposit to reserve the date. Upon receipt of which, the musicians are booked and will hold the date for you regardless of other offers. The balance of payment is then due upon the completion of our music performance. We can accept most common forms of payment, including: credit cards, cash, check, ACH, PayPal, Venmo, and Zelle. We are happy to send formal invoices and tax documents. To secure your date we recommend booking as far in advance as possible (or as soon as the details of your event are known), but please do not hesitate to contact us as we are often able to accommodate you even on short notice!
Arrival, set-up, clean-up & departure
Unless requested otherwise, we will arrive with enough time to comfortably set-up and be ready to begin the music with a small cushion of time prior to the scheduled performance. Depending on which instruments and equipment are needed, set-up may take as little as 15 minutes or as much as a half day; however, an hour or two is usually an accurate estimate for most situations. Variability in time and effort required for set-up/take-down is typically factored into the original price we quote - again making it helpful to be as descriptive as possible about the amount of production your event might require. Occasionally our customers need us to begin our performance well after their event has started, or to finish prior to the end of the event. While it is often possible for us to arrive & set-up or to clean-up & depart very discreetly or even without being noticed, it is often best to do this before your guests have arrived and after they have left. We may seek a reasonable additional compensation for lengthier durations of time during which we are required to be present beyond what is actually necessary for set- up, performance, & take-down.
Equipment
We typically provide all of our own music equipment. Unless otherwise stated, the price we quote covers all equipment necessary to perform our music with the ideal sound and audio volume for your event. We use the highest quality electronic keyboards when a piano or organ is desired but cannot be provided on site. Though our business is not that of audio (or visual) equipment rental, we are happy to accommodate requests for additional audio equipment within our capabilities. We may add a small fee to provide equipment that otherwise would not be necessary for our performance (for example, if you have not hired a vocalist but still request that we provide a vocal microphone and sound system for making announcements). We do not provide portable stages, elaborate stage design (with the exception of some lighting options), portable dance floors, or power generators, but are happy to recommend a qualified outfitter.
Electricity, Space & Weather
When your event calls for sound amplification, we will need access to electrical power. This is almost never an issue except in cases where there is no power outlet within range of an extension cord. We try to keep extension cords on-hand at all times, but please remember to mention when your event will take place outdoors. Space requirements are also rarely an issue, as we are nearly always able to fit into the available space, but please feel free to mention space limitations if you believe it to be a concern. For outdoor performances, whenever possible we will set up in the shade, or when necessary we may ask that you provide a covering to protect delicate instruments from direct sunlight or precipitation, or that you have a contingency plan for inclement weather.
attire
We take pride in being dressed most fashionably and appropriately for the nature of your event; and we are happy to accommodate requests for specific attire. Absent such requests we will use our experience and best judgment to determine our attire, endeavoring to match the style, formality, and any other details you have provided about your event. There is no extra charge for attire unless it requires us to purchase or rent clothing not already in our possession.
breaks
It is customary for musicians to take a few minutes of break time per hour of performance. For example, if we are contracted for a two-hour performance, we will typically divide the two hours with a single break of about 10 ~ 15 minutes. For an event of three hours or more, we will typically take one 10 ~ 15 minute break between each hour of performance. We can plan our breaks around the schedule for your event (such as taking our break during a speech, video presentation, etc.), and we can also provide recorded music during our breaks when requested. It is our experience that a few minutes without music can refresh the ears of your guests and make the music performance all the more exciting when it returns.
Repertoire & song requests
When you need a special song or piece performed at your event, we will typically include one or two special requests at no extra charge. Most of our wedding clients use this for a bride/groom’s first dance and/or a father/bride dance. This means that, when our musicians don’t already know it, they will expend the extra time and effort to learn and prepare your special music just for your event (provided we are notified with sufficient time to prepare). We are also happy to learn and prepare more requests for a small additional price per request. We are able to accommodate giving our clients control over the entirety of a performance list and its order, so long as the amount of material a client might choose to eliminate from the musicians' typical repertoire does not render the musicians with material insufficient to fill the performance time. Most of our clients, however, are very pleased by leaving us flexibility to use our vast experience reading the crowd/room to choose the most fitting music selections for the moment.
Announcements, Speeches/Toasts & mC
When we have brought a vocal microphone and PA (public address)/sound system for our performance, we are happy to use it to make announcements on your behalf, or to allow you to use our system for announcements, speeches, toasts, etc. There is no extra charge for this service unless we are bringing the equipment solely for this purpose (see the Equipment section). Many of our musicians possess excellent oration skills and a superb sense of humor, so we are willing to fulfill basic Master of Ceremonies duties; however we pride ourselves in our musical talent rather than our comedic skill, so we recommend contacting a professional MC when you desire something elaborate.
TravEl & accommodations
Travel costs are typically factored into the original quoted price. Lodging and other accommodations may be necessary for events which end late and require extensive travel. Arrangements are negotiated on a case by case basis.
additiOnal COsts?
As can be gathered from the previous information, we do our very best to include all costs in the original price quote and to avoid any additional charges, provided we receive all pertinent details and no changes or additional services are requested or necessary. The price we quote reflects reasonable compensation for a live music performance and that which is customarily incident thereto. In rare cases and with advanced notice, we may require an additional per-hour fee for excessive administrative services.
Please contact us if you have any other questions!