|
Andrew covers all styles of music, including pop, rock, musicals, film, jazz, classical and many more : so there's something for everyone! His recordings on Youtube and digital platforms attract a constant stream of positive comments : take a look, or listen, for yourself. Andrew has never had a disappointed customer, and always achieves 5-star ratings in his reviews.
Just as important as great music, is great communication with you, the customer. Andrew is happy to discuss anything and everything in advance, either by email, phone, Zoom call, whatever suits you. He will always make sure to get in touch with your wedding co-ordinator beforehand, to check about practicalities, and ensure that everything runs smoothly on your special day. |
FAQ
Can you tell me more about playing for our ceremony?
Andrew plays for all types of ceremony, including religious, civil and humanist. Andrew will discuss all aspects of the music and the timings well in advance, to make sure your ceremony-music is uniquely tailored to you. Just as a rough guide, here's how it usually works : Andrew can be there and set-up 60 mins before the start, ready to start playing as your first guests arrive in the ceremony room, which usually happens around 15-30 minutes beforehand. Andrew will play a selection of music in the background, to create a lovely relaxed atmosphere. He can then play something of your choice for the entrance of the bride and bridal party, usually one or two pieces for the signing of the register, and some more music special to you for the exit.
Andrew always has lots more music to hand than he really needs, so there's no need to worry about things not running strictly to time! For the bridal entry, Andrew is highly experienced at "making the music fit" : either lengthening it or tastefully shortening it, so that the bride can reach the front at her own pace and without any worry... with the music concluding shortly afterwards, so that everyone has a few quiet moments to breathe, and relax!
Andrew always has lots more music to hand than he really needs, so there's no need to worry about things not running strictly to time! For the bridal entry, Andrew is highly experienced at "making the music fit" : either lengthening it or tastefully shortening it, so that the bride can reach the front at her own pace and without any worry... with the music concluding shortly afterwards, so that everyone has a few quiet moments to breathe, and relax!
Can you tell me more about playing for our drinks-reception, and/or wedding meal?
For your drinks-reception and/or wedding meal, Andrew can put together a programme of music which fits any taste and style. You can, of course, be closely involved in choosing your music (see below). If you'd also like your guests to be able to make choices on the day, Andrew can provide a copy of his repertoire list in the form of a stylish "menu", which your guests can pick up and browse, and make requests from there.
If you would like piano-music for multiple parts of your wedding, in different rooms, then Andrew is very happy to accommodate this. If your venue has a piano in each room, then Andrew can simply use those. If there is no piano in one of more of the rooms, then Andrew can supply his own high-quality digital piano and PA system, for a small additional fee. Andrew is also happy to move his piano and PA system from one room to another, for no additional fee : please bear in mind that it typically takes 20 minutes to do this, so there would be a short break in the music while this is done. Andrew would also discuss moving the equipment with your wedding co-ordinator, to make sure there are no issues with health and safety.
If you would like piano-music for multiple parts of your wedding, in different rooms, then Andrew is very happy to accommodate this. If your venue has a piano in each room, then Andrew can simply use those. If there is no piano in one of more of the rooms, then Andrew can supply his own high-quality digital piano and PA system, for a small additional fee. Andrew is also happy to move his piano and PA system from one room to another, for no additional fee : please bear in mind that it typically takes 20 minutes to do this, so there would be a short break in the music while this is done. Andrew would also discuss moving the equipment with your wedding co-ordinator, to make sure there are no issues with health and safety.
Can I be involved in choosing the music?
Yes, absolutely! Andrew has an extensive repertoire list, covering all sorts of styles and decades, and he is happy to send this to you, so that you can choose as many songs/pieces from there as you like. You can also say if there's anything in there you definitely don't want to hear! In addition to this, Andrew is happy to learn up to three new songs which aren't yet on his repertoire list, for a small additional fee of £20 per song, with a little advance notice. For example, if the ceremony is included, then you may wish to choose something special to you for the bridal entry, signing or exit. Finally, if you'd rather not have to worry about selecting the music, and you'd just like a general mix of styles with something to please everyone, then of course that's fine too!
My venue has a piano, are you happy to use that?
If your venue has a piano in good working order, regularly maintained and tuned, then Andrew is very happy to use it.
My venue doesn't have a piano, is that a problem?
No problem! Andrew can supply his own high-quality digital piano, plus PA system, for a small additional fee. All Andrew's equipment is PAT-tested yearly, and Andrew is covered by Public Liability Insurance, as all professional wedding musicians should be. Andrew can produce his PAT and PLI certificates on request.
Can you sing?
No, sorry - Andrew prefers to stick to what he is good at, which is playing the piano!
I'd like you to play with some other musicians I've booked, is that possible?
Andrew loves working with other musicians, and would be happy to do so for your wedding or event whenever practical. Please let Andrew know about this before making a firm booking, so that details can be discussed, and so that Andrew can quote accordingly. Playing with other musicians may involve extra time for rehearsals and working out arrangements, so this would usually add something to the price.
Can you play outdoors?
Andrew loves playing outdoors, and is very happy to do so - weather dependent, of course! If you'd like Andrew to do this, using his own equipment, then your venue would need to provide a power-source in the outdoor location, and ideally some cover against rain (e.g. a gazebo or similar). Please be aware that if there's no cover available, and there is an unexpected rain-shower on the day, then clearly for health and safety reasons Andrew would need to switch off his equipment and cover it up to protect it. We all hope that won't happen - but it is Scotland after all!
Should I have one or two songs, for the bridal entrance?
Ultimately, this is up to you! But Andrew recommends one single song, for the bridal party and bridal entrance. There are a few reasons for this :
1. From start to finish, the entrance of the bridal party and bride typically lasts between 1 min 30 and 2 minutes - a lot shorter than most people think! This is typically enough time for an intro, one verse, one chorus and an outro. With two songs, the music can feel slightly "bitty". Whether you go for one song or two, Andrew will make the music climax beautifully as the bride is entering, so that entrance will feel really special.
2. There are lots of piano videos on social media, which suggest using two songs for an entrance, and this works really well on social media, but perhaps less well in an actual wedding ceremony.
3. With two songs, it's important to arrange beforehand how a wedding musician will get a "cue", to transition from the first song to the second, as it's not always obvious when the bride is about to come in. Usually, your wedding co-ordinator at the venue, or another member of venue staff, will do this - but with the best will in the world, they do occasionally forget, as their focus is obviously on the bride. Whereas with one song, everything is nice and clear for everyone - the music starts when the celebrant gets everyone upstanding, it climaxes as the bride is entering, and reaches a calm conclusion around 30 seconds after the bride arrives at the front.
4. Whether you decide to have one song or two, remember the most important advice is this : go at your own pace, take your time, enjoy the moment, and Andrew will make the music fit!
1. From start to finish, the entrance of the bridal party and bride typically lasts between 1 min 30 and 2 minutes - a lot shorter than most people think! This is typically enough time for an intro, one verse, one chorus and an outro. With two songs, the music can feel slightly "bitty". Whether you go for one song or two, Andrew will make the music climax beautifully as the bride is entering, so that entrance will feel really special.
2. There are lots of piano videos on social media, which suggest using two songs for an entrance, and this works really well on social media, but perhaps less well in an actual wedding ceremony.
3. With two songs, it's important to arrange beforehand how a wedding musician will get a "cue", to transition from the first song to the second, as it's not always obvious when the bride is about to come in. Usually, your wedding co-ordinator at the venue, or another member of venue staff, will do this - but with the best will in the world, they do occasionally forget, as their focus is obviously on the bride. Whereas with one song, everything is nice and clear for everyone - the music starts when the celebrant gets everyone upstanding, it climaxes as the bride is entering, and reaches a calm conclusion around 30 seconds after the bride arrives at the front.
4. Whether you decide to have one song or two, remember the most important advice is this : go at your own pace, take your time, enjoy the moment, and Andrew will make the music fit!
I'm interested, how can I find out more?
Please get in touch using the contact form, or by calling 07392344868. Andrew will go over a few details, and then can give you a quote. Andrew's rates are highly competitive, and by going direct, you can avoid expensive agent-fees. Before going ahead, you can come back with as many questions as you like! If you're happy to go ahead, Andrew would require a 25% deposit to secure your booking, with the remainder being paid either in cash on the day, or by bank transfer within one month of the day.
Get in touch using the Contact form, or on 07392344868.