Frequently Asked Questions / Behind the Scenes!
"Do I need to provide anything for you?"
Nope! I'll bring all the equipment I need to perform, including a chair!
However, I will need to be there thirty (30) minutes in advance to tune and set up, with at least 5 minutes to set up in the performance area, so guaranteeing that I have access to the venue and performance space in advance will help everything flow smoothly according to schedule.
"I’m worried that the harp might be too quiet by itself- can it be amplified?"
Short answer: Yes! I have both battery-powered amplification (~300 or fewer people & outdoor events), and wireless amplification connectivity to a DJ/House Amplification system (+300 guests/wireless aesthetics)!
Long answer: The acoustic, concert pedal harp is roughly comparable to the piano in volume, though a little quieter. For ceremonies/services where there will be silence during musical portions, the harp can be heard loud and clear!
For social gatherings where people would be conversing (cocktails, dinners, parties, etc) larger than 50 people, amplification is recommended for the ideal experience. While a standard microphone works in a pinch, I do have amplification equipment specifically designed for the harp!
Between my various amplification options, I have been able to perform for events of over 1,000 people with luscious sound coverage!
"Do you take music requests?"
Included in all of my quotes is a “Preferred Song List” from within my repertoire — think of this like creating a musical “pinterest” board that helps me to get a feel for your style and theme!
I’m very happy to explore custom songs not in my repertoire! I normally require a month prior to the performance date to guarantee custom songs, so let’s start brainstorming early on if you have a special song in mind!
If you (or your guests) have a special request in mind at the performance, if I already have the sheet music with me and I can perform it to quality standards (and if it’s within your theme, of course!), then I LOVE taking requests!
"I don't know anything about harp music!"
No worries! I do! :-)
The harp repertoire is quite vast and has a LOT of good music! If you want instrumental music but are at a loss for what to select, please ask me!
While the harp CAN play just about anything, I can also recommend some wonderful pieces that were composed and specifically intended to showcase the harp!
Whether you're looking for a genre or a specific style of piece - or even a musical piece that "sounds like ___, but isn't!" (Looking at you, “Here Comes The Bride!”)- consider me your talking “smart” library!
"Will you need to take any breaks?"
Due to the physically demanding nature of harp-playing, I will need to rest for five minutes per fifty-five minutes of constant performance, with a thirty-minute rest after four hours.
Requests for blocks of more than four hours of playing will be taken on a case-by-case basis.
"How do you figure out how much to charge?"
Good question!
I am a full-time, professional musician; the entirety of my career revolves is oriented around performing and teaching harp! In order to be able to be able to do this to the best of my abilities, here are some of the factors that go into my pricing:
Harp & tool/vehicle upkeep:
I want to keep my instrument in peak performance quality for your event! This means yearly harp regulations, string replacements (a full set costs $500+), equipment insurance, repairs for regular wear-and-tear, and other structural, lifespan-related considerations of the instrument.
Amplification in various scenarios, and this electronic equipment/cartage also requires upkeep/upgrades.
Gas/Travel — harp transport requires a large vehicle, which of course has its own cost “galaxy.”
Advertising/Marketing:
Yay! We’ve found each other! That probably means that GoogleSearch, or my membership profile one of several platforms (eg, WeddingWire/TheKnot, and more!), or a business card has been the bridge to making this connection! ….In order to maintain a significant presence online, all of these advertising platforms require membership and booking fees.
YouTube and Instagram! I love being able to offer a visual/aural “Taste Test” of who I am as a musician and what I can bring to your event! My video recordings include arranging music for harp, writing it down, practicing it, recording it with professional equipment, editing the recording with elite software, and then posting it online! PHEW! :-)
Background work: A lot goes into providing a stellar performance at your event! This of course includes prompt communication as you plan your event, 3-4 hours of practicing per day to maintain my vast repertoire, time spent traveling and setting up for your event, and other special requests!
Quality & Length of time: When you book me to play for your event, you are hiring a Master of Music. You are receiving not only consistent quality and playing endurance, but the ability to have your cherished song brought to life on the harp, adaptability to the circumstances, and, of course, all the skill of having played for over 18 years and studying at some of the best music schools in the nation.
My quotes account for all of this. I pride myself on being able to offer clients a fair and - above all - consistent price while being able to maintain the level of professional quality I offer.
"Can you play outside? What sort of set-up conditions do you need to play?"
I've heard it said, "If you're comfortable in shorts & a t-shirt in this weather, the harp's also comfortable," and that's a fairly accurate - if over-simple - guide!
My concert harp is gilded in fragile 23+ karat gold leaf and weighs 86lbs without transport covers/other equipment. Underneath this beautiful exterior is a primarily wooden instrument which will be damaged in extreme temperatures, with over 3,000 internal metal parts (which can wear and need to be replaced), and is under a huge amount of tension (2,000 lbs!)!
I try to make sure that it enjoys as long a lifespan as possible by not subjecting it to conditions outside the manufacturer’s recommendations. This means that for ALL performances:
I need wheelchair-friendly access to the performance area. This means a reasonable walking distance from parking (since I’m unable to leave my harp unattended), flat pathways, and ADA-compliant means of navigating floor changes/stairs/ramps & hills
The performance area itself will need to be well-lit, with a clean solid (engineered) level surface on which to perform
I’ll need at least 5'x5’ to set up, but possibly more to make sure that the harp won’t be in guest walkways or pose a tripping/bumping hazard
The harp needs to be kept between between 60°F and 85°F, and kept away from direct sources of temperature (such as a heater or drafty entryway), precipitation, and direct sunlight.
If playing outdoors, the harp must be protected from outdoor elements by overhead shade and be on a solid, engineered surface. I can offer a platform and canopy to enable MOST outdoor performances!
If inclement weather threatens, even with this equipment, I'll need to stop playing and move to a safe location for the harp.