Pianist Available For Events

Q. What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?

A. Years of experience does not necessarily mean good pianist. If you have a song you would like played that the pianist does not know, verify with them that they have good sight-reading skills and can learn quickly. It is absolutely possible for a person to learn a song excellently in a short amount of time; however, not everyone has the skills to do this. If you are hiring someone to play along with a singer, verify that they have good accompanying skills. Someone who plays regularly in this type of situation, such an a church accompanist, will generally have good accompanying skills due to their frequent practice.

Q. What important information should buyers have thought through before seeking you out?

A. Buyers should have a time, date, and location set for the event. You should know if whether or not you have preferences for music selections, and if so, know what you would like. You should have an idea of the musical setup of the location-i.e. whether or not there is a piano/keyboard available, availability of usage of the facility's sound system, etc. You should have an idea of how long the event will be. You should know what you would like in addition to keyboard-other instruments, a singer, etc. The more information I have about the event, the more likely I can commit to it.

Q. Why does your work stand out from others who do what you do?

A. Besides having stellar piano skills and years of experience, I have the unique talent of being able to sight-read just about anything. This gives me an advantage when I need to learn a song on short-notice, as I am able to still provide a piece of music that you request at a quality that you would want.

Q. What do you like most about your job?

A. I like being able to contribute positively to an event. I have been to so many events where the music is so absymal that it not only detracts from the event, but distracts from the event. I want, if nothing else, for at least the music to be wonderful for you.

Q. How did you decide to get in your line of work?

A. As Director of Music for a church, I naturally fell into playing for events because of the nature of my job. Because we have an aging population, I play for a number of funerals every year, as well as weddings and other events.

Q. What are your most common types of jobs?

A. I frequently play piano for funerals and memorial services, as the parish I work for has an aging population. I do weddings somewhat frequently and occasionally receptions as well.

Q. If you have a complicated pricing system for your service, please give all the details here.

A. My base rate for funerals, weddings, and liturgical services is $200. If there is no keyboard/piano available and I have to bring my own, the rate is $250. Great distances of travel are negotiable. The fee for these services includes 1 rehearsal (optional) and the service.

My rate for other events (i.e. receptions, background music at an open house, etc.) is $75 per hour. If there is no keyboard/piano available and I have to bring my own, $50 will be added to the total price.

Q. If you were advising someone who wanted to get into your profession, what would you suggest?

A. I would suggest amassing a decent amount of repetoire-classical music, jazz/popular standards, Catholic/Christian music, etc. It is essential to have good sight-reading skills in order to be able to take on short-notice jobs. Additionally, learning to accompany a singer is important-it is much different following someone else than playing on your own.