FAQs
- What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
I ask for a 25% deposit and have a simple contract to secure the date. The reason I have a deposit is because once I have committed to perform for an event I will turn away other perspective clients who ask me to perform on that date. Therefore the deposit is non-refundable. The remaining balance is due the night of performance.
- What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
Typically, once contacted I will ask for specific details about the event to create a quote: i.e. timing, location, how many locations music will be played from (such as ceremony on the lawn, cocktails on the terrace, and reception in the banquet hall). After the client requests to book my services, I will send a simple contract, which the customer returns electronically or via snail mail, along with the 25% deposit. Once I have received the deposit and signed contract, I will send the client my music questionnaire which goes over their music preferences for the event. We will also discuss in person, over the phone, or via email what kind of music they would like for prelude to ceremony, and the various stages of the event. On the day of the event I will arrive 1.5-2 hours before music is to begin (depending on logistics of setup). I have music playing as guests arrive and throughout each stage of the event, including if there are multiple locations. My clients know that I will keep the music flowing throughout the event without breaks. I am there to provide microphones as needed for speeches and toasts, to MC the event as needed ("Ladies and gentlemen, It is my pleasure to introduce for the first time as a married couple, Mr and Mrs ______") and take music requests during the dance party. I coordinate with photographers and other event staff to ensure each moment goes perfectly, from ceremony to family, bridal party, and Bride entrances, to coordinating movement from ceremony to cocktails, cocktails to diner, couple's entrance, cake cutting, first and parent dances, and final sendoff. After the event I follow up with clients to see how I can improve and ask for feedback. I am constantly adapting to new trends and because I do this 3-5 times every week year-round I have run into almost every possible situation and have come up with creative solutions, from hotel-wide power outages to family meltdowns. I can confidently say that you are in capable hands when I am involved in your event.
- What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I performed in many music groups growing up and in college. I was the youngest member of my jazz band starting in 7th grade rather than high school. I started performing regularly in night clubs at 15 years old. I performed in the local university jazz band as a junior in high school, and graduated early to move to London with its thriving club scene. I subscribe to many music blogs and also check the music charts often. I am constantly remixing new songs to play at events, and also via social networking follow and interact with many people in the event industry. I often discover and invest in new technology to keep up with DJing. I recently watched a video of Armin van Beurin (one of the top EDM DJs in the World) doing a tutorial with his large bulky books of cds for use while he DJs. This was filmed only 4 years ago, now I don't know any DJs who dj with actual CDs anymore. I use high quality .wav files on a dedicated hard drive when I am mixing, for best quality and least chance of equipment failure. Because I am involved in the club scene and also do many events and private parties (weddings, corporate functions) I can bring the new sounds and music which people would like to have at their wedding or event, but also with the professionalism, customer service, and quality of an event musician. We are constantly updating our song list as new songs come out. Rob has the latest DJ turntables (Pioneer Nexus 2000 CDJs) the same used by top 100 DJs Hardwell, Martin Garrix, Avicci, Calvin Harris, etc.