FAQ
(Frequently Asked Questions)

Here are some answers to the most frequently asked questions with regard to hiring a Professional Pianist to play at a special event such as a Wedding, a Wedding Anniversary Dinner, a Birthday Party or a Corporate Event.

If the answers to your questions aren't here, or should you need further information, please get in touch via the CONTACT section.

1. Can we hire you to play the piano for our civil wedding ceremony instead of playing tracks from a CD?

A professional wedding pianist will add a very special touch to your civil wedding ceremony - live piano music is far more effective and reliable than playing pre-recorded music on a CD or MP3 player, both of which are prone to malfunction due to either technical or human error.

2. How much do you charge for performing live piano music at a civil wedding ceremony?

Prices start from £200.00 for the standard package, plus travel expenses. This package includes playing 15 to 30 minutes of Preludal Music (approximately 10 pieces of music), followed by the Processional Music (one piece of music), then up to 15 minutes of background music (two or three songs) whilst the register is being signed, and finally the Recessional Music (one piece of music).

3. Are there any other charges?

There may be additional charges for anything you ask for that's not included in the standard package. Naturally, your specific requirements will be discussed in detail at the planning stage, so your total fee will be calculated accordingly in advance. There is a minimum charge of £200.00 per booking.

4. Our wedding venue doesn't have a piano so will we need to hire a piano?

There's no need to hire a piano as a state-of-the-art Yamaha portable electronic stage piano will be provided free of charge. All that's required is access to a mains power supply. If you would rather have a grand piano played at your function, this also can be arranged on your behalf and the cost of supplying the grand piano (from approx. £600.00) will be added to the fee.

5. How do I make a firm booking?

A 25% deposit is required in advance, payable online by BACS or by PAYM using a smart phone; the remaining balance is payable one week before the date of the event.

6. How much do you charge for performing live piano music at a champagne drinks reception?

Prices start from £150.00 for 90 minutes playing time, plus travel expenses. Discounts apply if you require piano music for the ceremony as well as the drinks reception. There is a minimum charge of £200.00 per booking. Please get in touch for an exact quote.

7. How much do you charge for performing live piano music during a wedding breakfast?

Prices start from £200.00 for 2 hours playing time, plus travel expenses. Discounts apply if you require piano music during the ceremony, the drinks reception and the wedding breakfast. Please get in touch for an exact quote.

8. Can you play any special requests for songs during our drinks reception and wedding breakfast?

Requests for a specific song or songs of a particular artiste are welcome, subject to the music being suitable for the event and whether or not piano arrangements can be obtained or written in time for your wedding reception.

9. How much notice should we allow to book you to play the piano at our civil wedding ceremony and wedding drinks reception?

It's best to make a firm booking as soon as possible, as most weddings and other special events occur on Fridays and Saturdays which get booked up well in advance. Also, by booking early the fee for your live wedding music will be fixed at the price quoted and secured by your 25% deposit that you pay at the time of booking.

10. How many songs will I need to choose for you to perform on the piano at my civil wedding ceremony?

The usual format is to have background music playing for about 15 to 30 minutes (approximately 5 to 10 songs, based upon an average of three minutes per song) as guests are seated (Preludal Music) just before the start of the ceremony, then music to announce the arrival of the Bride and to accompany her procession (Processional Music), there's usually time for two or three songs during the signing of the register (about 5 to 10 minutes), then exit music (Recessional Music) for the Bride and Groom and their guests as they leave the ceremony room.

11. Can you play traditional and/or classical wedding music on the piano for our civil wedding ceremony?

Traditional and/or classical wedding music can be played on the piano at your civil wedding ceremony, provided that the music does not have any religious content.

12. Can you play modern songs on the piano for our civil wedding ceremony?

Modern songs can be played on the piano at your civil wedding ceremony, provided that the music does not have any religious content. Though, some styles of modern music don't transfer well to being played as a piano solo, for example Hip-Hop, Heavy Metal and Rap.




Contact

For further information or to check the availability of your function date please complete and submit the form below or send an email.

Get in touch

Phone: +44 7966 452688

Email: info@markreeves.co.uk

Mail: 13 Clarence Road

HORSHAM

West Sussex

RH13 5SJ

England