You've decided that having live music at your special event is the perfect finishing touch, but now what? How do you go from a great idea to a great performance? Here are some points to keep in mind and help you with your search.
What Kind of Music Would You Like to Hear?
Does classical music suit the occasion better than jazz? Different groups perform different types of music.
Where Will the Musicians be Playing?
- Will they be playing indoors, in a small room, or a large room?
- Will they be outdoors?
What's Your Budget?
Musicians are professionals, and must be paid for their services. Most performers set their own rates, and these rates depend on factors such as time requirements and out-of-town travel cost.
- A good rule of thumb is to expect between $100 and $150 per hour per musician. Most groups have either a minimum fee or first hour rate.
- Musicians are very punctual, and expect to start and finish at the times for which you booked them. They may have accepted another engagement following yours. If your event goes overtime, feel free to ask the musicians if they can accommodate you, but be prepared to increase their fee accordingly.
When should I Hire Musicians? It depends on the time of year.
- from May to October musicians are heavily booked for weddings and receptions;
- December is a high demand month for holiday parties and events.
Do Musicians Have Any Special Requirements? Yes, and this varies from group to group.
Outdoors, you should consider:
- String instruments should not be exposed to direct sunlight because it melts the delicate varnish on the instruments. An area with shade is suggested. Flat ground is essential too, musicains can't play on a hill.
- Nobody wants to play (or listen) in the rain, and temperature extremes either way aren't good for musicians or their instruments, especially the cold.
- adequate space to set up and perform where they won't be bumped into by other people (be aware that larger instruments require more space)
- comfortable seating (straight-backed chairs without arms)
- access to power for evening functions to power stand lights.
Whom Should I Call?
Start with referrals from other professionals or musicians on Venue referral lists. Generally the venue co-ordinators are familiar with them and can advise you on their experiences with various groups.