The MUSIC of LOVE

Band

Small (1-3 musicians)

50s, 60s, 70s, 90s, Acoustic, Classic Rock, Oldies, Pop, R&B, Rock

Yes

Why do you cost significantly less than so many other musicians and DJ's?For one thing, I do not use an agency to book gigs so there's no agency fee included. Also, I promote myself with little expense and mostly utilize word-of-mouth to obtain new and repeat business. Finally, I enjoy what I do and don't do it for money. It always gives me great personal pleasure to be part of important moments in the lives of people. I can't tell you how many times I shed a tear of joy listening to someone toast the newlyweds or make a speech about someone's 90th birthday or see a couple on the dance floor celebrating their wedding anniversary.How long have you been performing?I've been playing a variety of musical instruments for more than 40 years: drums, keyboard, guitar, harmonica, clarinet and a few others. For most of this period, I was part of various rock bands. Recently, however, I retired from a rock band and decided to play music on my own. Today, I enjoy being a one-band band and love the opportunity to make people happy with my music. I also write and produce my own original music.How much experience do you have with weddings?As the lead singer in a rock band in New Jersey (some 10 years ago), I was always the Master of Ceremonies when performing at wedding receptions and parties. Today, after relocating to the Washington, DC area, I played with another rock band that decided not to do weddings. I left this band and started my own music business because I really enjoy playing at weddings and receptions. Today, I've played at a limited number of wedding rehearsals and receptions because I'm just getting started in this area. However, with my extensive past experience, I know the protocol for music at weddings and I appreciate the importance of working with the wedding planner to customize my performance to meet the specific needs of the engaged couple and their families. Incidentally, my rates are extremely low (for now) because I'm starting to build a new customer base in a new area. What is a "Full Sound Keyboard Performer?"I play and sing LIVE MUSIC with keyboard, percussion and guitar for background as well as for dancing! My keyboard is really a synthesizer which can make a variety of sounds, such as drums, bass, strings, brass and piano. Also, I play many different musical instruments both separately and at the same time. So, for example, while my right hand is playing a traditional keyboard, my left hand may be playing another keyboard for the sound of strings or brass. I do utilize a drum machine, but also bring conga drums to play along when there’s a drum solo. There are many songs which require me to play a real guitar or harmonica. Very often, I’ll use my own backing tracks which are created in my own sound studio. These are the musical backgrounds for songs which I cannot reproduce in a live setting, such as the sound of an orchestra or brass section or bass guitar. Incidentally, I can also arrange for a guitar player or singer to perform with me.Why is a "Full-Sound Keyboard Performer" better than a DeeJay?If you want someone to play pre-recorded music and make announcements, then a DeeJay is exactly what you need. Very often they will have an extensive collection of songs and can play whatever your guests request. They cannot, however, provide the dynamic feeling associated with the performance of live music. The music I perform sounds almost like a full rock band, because that's the sound I try to create. Very often, people start their wedding planning by searching for a rock band and then end up hiring me. My clients have also told me they believe that I'm a cross between a DJ and rock band. They're correct. What's challenging for me to convey in a web site is my personality. Next to the music I play, a good personality is one of my strongest attributes. I know how to relate extremely well with people and audiences. I know how to get people to dance and to become involved in the music. I know how to help make your wedding or event very special without me standing out. In my experience, DJs tend to stand behind the music and aren't really a significant part of the music. How accessible are you for consultation and planning?Many musicians have actually stopped performing at weddings because they are frustrated by all the phone calls and meetings with the wedding planner, or engaged couple. I actually enjoy being part of the planning for an event -- even if I'm not the musician selected. In fact, I have even recommended other musicians that I thought would be better suited to the event. I'm always very open to understanding the engaged couple's vision for their wedding. And I'm always honored when they include me in their planning. Usually, I'm available to talk by phone or to attend a meeting at no extra charge. I'm also a member and abide by the principles of the Wedding Musician Association. What kind of music can you play?Because I'm called TheMUSICofLOVE, I mostly play great love songs from the past 70 years. However, I also play a full range of other songs from Jimi Hendrix to Bob Dylan to Frank Sinatra. I particularly enjoy songs from the Sixties and Seventies, but play music from a number of decades. For example, I may play quiet piano or guitar (with no vocals) during dinner or a reception. After dinner, I can play and sing many of the songs people always love to hear. Then, as the night proceeds, I crank up the volume and play traditional dance music. While I'm not the sort of musician who can play everything that anyone requests, I will certainly try to learn any songs requested in advance by the bride and groom. Of course, I'll bring plenty of music books so I can play songs I don't know very well. I'm also happy to play a pre-recorded song from my extensive collection of more than 20,000 songs if someone requests it. Incidentally, I put my own unique spin on many of the traditional hits of the 40's and 50's which almost everyone seems to enjoy. Finally, I can also play original music composed especially for your event. What kind of equipment do you bring to an event?I'll bring everything needed to provide music and sound for your event. Depending upon the type of event, it usually takes an hour or less to set up my equipment. I'll also bring all of the necessary amplification equipment and lighting. I have equipment suitable for any venue -- inside or outside. I'll also provide you with a guest microphone so you (or your guests) can make announcements or sing along to the music. I'll also bring conga drums and tambourines for your guests to play. What are the full range of services you provide for weddings and receptions? Take a look at some of my specific rate packages at this web site, but here are some of the services I can provide to you:a. Master of Ceremonies to introduce the wedding party or make announcements; b. Quiet instrumental music on the piano before the wedding ceremony begins;c. Pre-recorded music for more traditional wedding tunes, played before, during and after the ceremony;d. Quiet piano or guitar during the reception or during dinner;e. Live dance music (selected by you) for your wedding party;f. Musical instruments for your guests to play; andg. Microphone for your guests to sing or to make announcements.Of course, I can also help you select the right music or additional musicians for your event.Do you require a contract or performance agreement?Yes. I'd be happy to send you a copy of my standard Performance Agreement and I'm open to changing it based upon your requirements. Do you offer a money-back guarantee? Yes. I will do everything in my power to provide the best possible service and to exceed your expectations. My guarantee will be stated in writing in our agreement and if you’re not happy with my services, your money will be returned. However, no one has ever demanded their money back.Why should I put so much time and effort into selecting a musician? A number of surveys have revealed that, after the wedding is over, 4 out of 5 people report they remember the entertainment more than anything else. And 4 out of 5 couples also say they wished they had made the entertainment a higher priority in their planning and budgeting. Here's another overlooked tip - make certain that the musician you select has the right equipment for the venue, the right personality and plays the music you want to hear.How much pre-recorded music will you bring? I bring a variety of more than 20,000 songs. Remember, I perform live music, but try not to disappoint anyone who wants to hear a particular song that I don’t happen to play. That’s when I can easily play a pre-recorded song from my collection and make them happy.Will you bring backup equipment to my event? Yes. I always bring an extra keyboard, speakers, mixers, etc. Many musicians – especially DJ’s arrive in a car. I travel in a van which easily holds everything I require and more.Do you require a deposit, and when is the balance due? Depending on the magnitude of the event, I may ask for a small deposit. The balance is never due until after I’ve performed on the day of your wedding. However, many clients find it more convenient to pay the balance a week or two in advance. It’s up to you. What will you wear at our wedding and the reception? It’s your choice, completely. I can wear a tuxedo, business suit or a stage-type costume (like a rock star).How far in advance should we book you? It's entirely up to you, but please remember I’m usually booked many months in advance for the busiest months (April through October) and for most Fridays and Saturdays of every month. But you should always try to contact me – even if it’s the last minute – to see if I’m available. Should we meet with you in advance? Actually, I recommend that we meet before you decide whether or not to hire me. An in-person meeting will help both of us decide if we’re a good fit for each other. Later, after you’ve hired me, we can schedule an additional meeting or talk on the phone to go over all the details. We are going to have a wide range of people at our wedding – different age groups, different families, different musical tastes. How will you get them all to dance? You can rest assured that I know your guests comprise a wide range of ages and musical interests. Therefore, I mix together various types of music throughout the evening so that people can talk and dance. I’ll even play rock music that has a Cha Cha beat! And I also put a different twist on some of the older songs so younger people don’t get frightened off the dance floor. It’s important for any musician to “read” an audience and to know when they like a particular type of music and when they retreat from the dance floor to escape a dreadful song. More often than not, I know how to read an audience and will stayed tuned to their needs – and YOURS. What about music during cocktails or dinner? I do provide background music during cocktails and dinner. Even if the cocktail hour is located in a separate area, it is usually no problem for me to hook up an extra keyboard and speaker in that location. I can also play a mellow acoustic guitar during dinner. Or I can set up a system to play pre-recorded classical music. Can you provide music outdoors? Yes, and I do it often. My powerful sound system sounds great outdoors. I also can provide my own canopy, if necessary. Just be sure to check with your venue to make sure that amplification is permitted outside. What about music during the ceremony itself? Yes! I can provide all your ceremonial music – prelude, processional, and recessional – but it will be pre-recorded music. It's less than the cost of live musicians and sounds just as great and sometimes better! I also have a smaller sound system that can be used for ceremonial music.If you like, I can create and play original music for your ceremony that’s written just for you. I can also play soft piano during the prelude. Or I can locate other musicians and save you money when booking them through me rather than through an agency that adds huge mark-ups.Whether or not I am providing music for your ceremony, I can provide microphones and a small sound system if you'd like your ceremony amplified so your guests can hear it better. Can we have a friend or family member be the Master of Ceremonies for our event? If you prefer that a friend or family member serve as MC, I am happy to work with them so that everything runs smoothly at your reception. I will want to meet or speak in advance with the MC so we can go over the agenda, together. What happens if you are sick? I have never missed a performance in the 40 years that I’ve been performing. My commitment to you and your special day is sacred to me. However, if I could not fulfill my responsibility to you, I would find you a replacement musician at no additional cost to you. How many breaks do you take? My performance agreement indicates that I can take a ten-minute break after playing every 1.5 hours of music. I try not to take breaks, however, because I like to keep the momentum and excitement going on the dance floor. So, if I have to take a quick 5-10 health break, I’ll put on ten minutes of dance music while I’m gone. How much space do you need to set up? Not including speakers, I can fit into a 4’ by 6’ space. I don’t even need to be close to an electrical outlet because I bring plenty of long extension cords. Don’t worry because I’m pretty good at fitting into just about any space, large or small. I’ll consult directly with the venue to be certain I’m familiar with the physical lay-out. Sometimes, I’ll actually visit the venue in advance.How to Find the Right Live Musician by John SchneiderOh, they’re out there all right just waiting to be captured. And they’re not too difficult to find when you take the time to look for them, but here’s the catch: Start looking for the music first and not for the musician.Music moves everyone in deep and mysterious ways. It is the harmony of love and life, together. It’s hard to imagine our world, or the special times of our lives, without it. There’s a melody and a rhythm to everything we do in our lives. Maybe it’s a symphony when we embrace someone we care about. I wonder if everyone hears the jazz of moving through a crowded street. Perhaps it’s a gentle lullaby as we drift off to sleep. If music is the soundtrack of our lives, why do so many people wait until the last moment to select a musician and the music that will punctuate their memories with the melodies of their emotions?Whether your affair is grand or intimate, the right live music will be an important ingredient to making it successful. So, here are five suggestions for making it happen. Don’t start with a budget for music. Instead, envision the kind of wedding, ceremony and celebration you want to experience -- not what your guests or family want, but what you want. Forget about the cost for now. Believe me, if your vision is strong enough and you’re creative enough, you will find a band or orchestra or guitar player or pianist within your budget. The supply of musicians far outweighs the demand for them. But if you wait until the last minute, you won’t have time to shop around.One size may not fit all. The musician you hire for the ceremony may be different than the musician for the reception. You could save a little money by negotiating with a band that can “break apart” to provide a pianist or acoustic guitar player for the ceremony and then joins back together for the reception and party. Another plus is when the front-person of the band can also be the Master of Ceremonies. If you get really lucky, you may even find a musician willing to write original music just for you. Be careful, however, that you’re not asking one musical group to do too much. Seek an agreement. Make certain the live musician(s) you select can provide you with a written agreement – even an e-mail message – confirming their price, services and length of performance. It’s also best if the musicians belong to a professional organization which sets forth principles to guide musicians’ behavior during their performance. For example, the Wedding Musician Association publishes Principles of Performance which states musicians should not set up or break down their equipment while guests are still in attendance. Other principles include guidelines about wedding protocol, safety and ethical billing procedures.Stick to your guns. Even though musicians may have a lot of great ideas for music, you are the one in charge of your own vision. Certainly, they can influence you with their experience and you should listen to their ideas. But this is your time, your life and your vision. Try to figure out -- in advance – all of the specific songs you want and then ask for samples so you can hear the music before the big day. Believe it or not, many musicians are happy to plan with you and some will even attend the rehearsal – and you should let them. In fact, don’t forget that many couples have live music for their wedding rehearsal reception.Ask for help, early. Just as it take some people a very long time to find the right partner to share their life, it could take a little time to select the right musician and the most appropriate music. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Share your vision of music with a friend and turn them loose. However, don’t let them make decisions without you. In the end, you’ll be glad you didn’t wait until the last minute.Happy hunting!