FAQs

How much does it cost to hire you for a wedding ceremony or an event?

My price for wedding ceremonies and events varies due to many factors such as location, travel distances required, and the length of the ceremony or event. Please contact me with information about your event (including the date, location, etc.) and I’ll be happy to discuss my availability and give you a specific price quote.

Will you attend the wedding rehearsal?

I usually do not attend the wedding rehearsal, since the rehearsal is usually on a different day than the ceremony. However, for an additional fee and if schedules allow, I can make arrangements to attend the rehearsal if the client desires my presence - especially in the case of elaborate weddings with a lot of music and musicians where rehearsal is necessary.

Will you play for my wedding or event if it is outdoors?

Playing the harp outdoors rapidly adds to the wear and tear on the instrument. Extreme temperatures and humidity levels are not great conditions for stringed instruments, and in some cases the weather can adversely affect the quality of the performance.

Some harpists will not perform outdoors under any circumstances, and I do not usually perform outdoors in the winter months. I have a few special provisions for outdoor events including a large level surface to position the harp on, out of direct sunlight, and preferably under some type of shelter. Under no circumstances will I perform outdoors in inclement weather. I require all of my outdoor gigs to provide an alternate inclement weather site prior to my accepting the gig.

Does the client need to provide anything such as a chair or stand?

I bring my harp, harp bench, music stand, and music to every solo gig. Other equipment (such as amplification) needs to be discussed in advance as I do not always bring that equipment to every gig.

Do you play continuously for the entire event?

For events lasting up to two hours, I require one 10-15 minute break. For events lasting up to three hours, I require 30 minutes of break time either in two intervals of 15 minutes or three intervals of 10 minutes. Breaks are not an issue during wedding ceremonies as there are periods of rest for musicians throughout the ceremony. I do my best to take breaks at appropriate times, such as just prior to (and during) speeches or presentations. With a little coordination and planning between the client and me, breaks can become a seamless part of the overall atmosphere of the event.

How far will you travel for gigs?

I regularly travel to locations and venues in the areas surrounding Dusseldorf and Cologne, Germany. The cost of travel is included in my usual fees for locations within 100 kilometers of these metro areas. Travel to locations further than that may involve an additional mileage fee.

What will you do should something (i.e. an emergency) prevent you from performing?

I sincerely hope that nothing prevents me from performing at your wedding or event. In the unlikely event that an extremely urgent situation (such as an accident, death in the family, extreme sickness, etc.) prevents me from performing, I will arrange for a suitable and similar substitute based on availability. I know many other professional harpists in the areas where I perform, as well as numerous other professional musicians. I will do everything I can to find another harpist or professional musician to replace me. Should no other musicians be available on extreme short notice (i.e. car trouble en route), I will of course refund your money.