Frequently Asked Questions
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How do I schedule you for a wedding or event?
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How much space does the harp require?
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Is your harp loud enough to be heard?
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Why pay money for a live musician when a CD will do?
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Who decides what music is played and when?
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What happens on the day of the event/wedding?
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Do you attend the wedding rehearsal?
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Do you play for/with a vocalist or other instruments?
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Can the harp be played outdoors?
Q: How do I schedule you for a wedding or event?
A: Call me at (517) 914-7088 or email me to determine if I am available for your selected date. If the date is available, a $100.00 deposit reserves the date and time. Complete and sign the "Music Agreement", then mail it to the address on the Agreement. Dates and times are held only with a deposit on a first come first serve basis.
Q: How much space does the harp require?
A: My Concert Pedal Harp is just over six feet tall made of a natural ("blonde") wood finish with gold accents. Because of its height, it is seen easily by guests from a good distance yet fits into a limited space of 40" x 60" that accommodates both harp and harpist.
Q: Is your harp loud enough to be heard?
A: A harp is a gentle sounding instrument. However, my particular harp model (Salvi's "Diana") is known for having the ability to carry a clean, controlled, and powerful sound. This concert grand harp is suitable for most churches, concert halls, etc. When necessary, I amplify the sound of the harp with a small amplifier. This device allows the sounds of the harp to be heard across a yard (sufficient for outdoor events).
Q: Why pay money for a live musician when a CD will do?
A: A live musician plays the music that you have selected for various parts of a ceremony. A live musician can make a wedding appear perfectly choreographed even when things don't go perfectly as planned. A live musician can slip from one song to another depending on what is happening at the time. Live musicians can also shorten or lengthen a piece so that everyone walks or moves with the music just as the wedding/event planners (you) envision it.
Q: Who decides what music is played and when?
A: You can have as much or as little to do with the decision making process as you would like. Some say to me, "You are the expert; I trust in your talent and experience. Please make the musical decisions for me." Others choose selections from my repertoire or make special requests that can usually be accommodated if given appropriate advance notice. After a deposit is made, you may come to my home to choose music for your event or wedding ceremony (no additional fee for this planning visit). Relax and have a cup of tea while selections are played for you to consider for your ceremony. This consultation is available at your convenience and at a mutually agreeable time and provides you an opportunity to hear and select music in a comfortable and unhurried atmosphere.
Q: What happens on the day of the event/wedding?
A: I will arrive 60-90 minutes before the event/ceremony so that I can set up and tune. I begin playing as soon as guests arrive (approximately 20-30 minutes prior to the ceremony). Guests enter into an atmosphere of elegant music being played that tells them something special is about to happen. For weddings, I then play the processional music for the bridal party and the bride. Another selection is often played during the ceremony for the lighting of the unity candle or other traditional portion of the ceremony. Then the recessional music is played for the wedding party, and I conclude with music while your guests depart.
Q: Do you attend the wedding rehearsal?
A: If available, I will attend a rehearsal for an additional fee of $100 plus mileage.
Q: Do you play for/with a vocalist or other instruments?
A: I will consider accompanying a vocalist or playing with other instruments. These arrangements can be made on a case-by-case basis.
Q: Can the harp be played outdoors?
A: Yes. However, for these events, the harp requires a flat and solid surface and a shelter of some kind if it is raining.