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Frequently Asked Questions

General   Wedding   Events   Planning   Rates & Booking   Forms   Harp   Piano   Organ   Sound System   Music: Sheet Music and CD's   Website   Other 

These are the answers to many frequently asked questions. If you have a question not addressed in this section, feel free to submit a question or to contact me by e-mail or by phone.
Colored items are the Top 10 Frequently Asked Questions.

GENERAL   [Top]

Q.  What places have you played at?
A.  I have played harp, piano, and organ at many of the finest venues, churches, and hotels throughout the Bay Area. Some of the locations that I've played at include:


Mountain Winery, Saratoga
Photography by Graceful Studios

Q.  Will you travel outside of the Bay Area ?
A.  Even though I am based in the Bay Area, I would be delighted to consider traveling to your wedding site. I have played in weddings from San Diego to Amsterdam. However, because my schedule fills quickly (some dates are booked 18 months before the wedding), it's a good idea to contact me as soon as possible.

Q.  What will you wear to my event?
A.  Depending on the occasion, I will dress appropriately for a musician. For a church wedding, or a formal event, I usually wear a black or dark dress or skirt. For a garden or outdoor event, I may choose a lighter attire. You may request a specific attire, which I would be happy to accommodate when I can - but I may need to also consider the other events I have scheduled for that day.

Q.  Can you play a song that is not in your repertoire list?
A.  Absolutely! I love special requests. I actually do have an extensive sheet music library beyond the 'playlist.' (For the file, click here for Excel or here for pdf.) If your song is not available in my library, all I ask is that you provide the sheet music and a copy of the song. For your convenience, I'd be happy to do that for you, and let you know the cost (about $4-7 if it is available as a single sheet music, more if it is part of a book/collection ($15-20); and $1 to download a sound recording of the song). I do not charge for the time involved in learning new music.

In the case where sheet music is not readily available, I may be able to transcribe your special request by ear. However, since this requires about 3-7 hours of extra work, this decision will depend on schedule, time constraints, and appropriateness for the instrument.

WEDDING   [Top]

Q.  Why should I have a live musician at my wedding?
A.  A live musician will add a touch of elegance and set the mood for your wedding. Transitions are smoother and music sounds better than recorded music. For instance, a live musician can extend or end a piece gracefully depending on when the bridal party arrives at the altar. It will sound like the piece was written perfectly for your procession! With pre-recorded music, you may end up with awkward silence or an abrupt ending in the middle of a piece of music. Make the comparison−a live musician will be comparable to (and in many cases, cheaper than) hiring a DJ for your ceremony!

Q.  What makes your services unique from other wedding musicians?
A.  When looking for a wedding musician, you will find that there is a range of services and quality. You will find that my music services meet the high standards and quality required for weddings and receptions:

First and foremost, as a picky and discerning musician, I own and use high-quality musical instruments. My harp is a semi-grand pedal harp made by Lyon & Healy, the Steinway of harp makers. (For more information about types of harps, please see below.) I use professional grade sound equipment, even down to the connector cables. You and your guests will hear the difference.

I offer an in-person consultation in which I take the time to get to know your unique needs for your wedding ceremony. You are not limited to a short list of available music or just a cd. I will learn new music for your ceremony, and I will customize each piece for your particular needs. I have the skills to transcribe and create my own arrangements of your favorite songs (often for pieces that do not have sheet music available), and can compose original pieces. I take the time to tailor and design ceremonies that guests will remember.

You have incredible flexibility and variety for your ceremonies: I am able to play the harp, piano, and the organ. You have the ability to use one or more instruments (depending on the venue) for your ceremony−perhaps the elegance of the harp for the prelude, the beauty of the piano for your processional, and the grandeur of the organ for the grand exit. 

With my extensive experience with weddings, I can anticipate many of the unexpected things that can happen at weddings. Groom forgot the right shoes and needs to run back home to get them? Grandparents lost on the way to the church? Your favorite uncle's plane is delayed? No problem−I continue to entertain the guests by extending the prelude music. Flower girl needs a little more coaxing? The minister inadvertently switches the order of events, or adds something new? Caught up in the emotion and need a little more time for composure? You will find that the music will ease the transitions so that guests won't even realize things didn't go as planned!  (All of the above have happened in the weddings I've played for, by the way.)

We are very fortunate in the Bay Area to have many very talented and exceptional musicians. I like to think that I can add "creativity" to the mix by offering musical blends, flexibility in instrumentation as well as a broad range of repertoire.

Finally, I am in this business because I LOVE what I do. I love playing for weddings and special occasions. I love getting to know each couple personally; I feel privileged to have a front-row seat to experience such a tantamount event in their lives. I love to play the beautiful music that accompanies weddings. Even though I've played at so many weddings, I still find myself getting caught up in the emotion of such beautiful and joyous events. You can be assured that you will receive the highest level of service in the wedding and event industry.

Q.  What do I need to provide during the ceremony?
A.  It depends on the instrument that you have requested. For piano and organ, it is expected that the venue will have the instrument available and already set up as desired for the ceremony. For outdoor venues, a shaded, level, dry area is expected. I will provide my own music stand and chair. In case of inclement weather, it is required to have an alternate location that is indoors. Please understand that even if it is just drizzling or slightly sprinkling, I will need to move indoors to protect my expensive instruments and equipment.

Q.  When will you arrive?
A.  I will arrive about 30 minutes before the prelude begins to set up and tune, and coordinate cues with the officiant and wedding coordinator.  I generally start playing prelude about 15-30 minutes before the ceremony, while guests start arriving.

Q.  What if the ceremony starts late and goes past the hour?
A.  I will stay until the end of the ceremony if I have not booked another event after yours.  I do not book my events too close together due to the flexible nature of wedding ceremonies. However, I do need to be mindful of time constraints. If you think that the ceremony may be late, it may be a good idea to allow extra time at the time of booking. Any overtime charges will be billed in 15-minute increments.

Q.  Where will you travel for weddings?
A.  Generally, I play for weddings in the San Jose and San Francisco areas. Travel time is included in the fee for the first 25 miles from my home in Los Gatos. Any weddings beyond that will incur a travel fee and/or a 2-hour minimum.

Q.  What happens in case you cannot make it?
A.  In the very unlikely circumstance where I cannot make it, I have a network of accomplished musicians who are able to take my place at the last minute.

Q.  Is it important for you to be at the rehearsal?
A.  I have found that it is not absolutely necessary to attend the rehearsal, if details are communicated accurately to me prior to the wedding day.

On the wedding day, I will coordinate cues with the officiant and wedding coordinator when I arrive. During the ceremony, I will customize the music specifically for your wedding−extending or shortening the music gracefully as needed. 

However, some couples would prefer to have the musician attend the rehearsal (if the officiant requires it, to practice with other soloists or musicians, or if a ceremony is particularly complex), and I am happy to do so, depending on availability (*additional fees apply). The more complex the wedding, the better it is for me to attend the rehearsal.

Q.  Are you able to accompany/practice with my soloist(s)?
A.  I would be happy to accompany singers or other instrumentalists. The performance is included in the basic wedding rate, however, a charge will apply for rehearsal if it is necessary. For basic and common music and for experienced musicians, a simple run-through before the ceremony would be adequate and no charge will apply. However, for complex music, or for soloists/singers with little experience working with an accompanist, a rehearsal may be necessary (*additional fees apply).

Q.  Do you smoke?
A.  No.

Q.  Are there other skills that help you as a wedding musician?
A.  I have a working knowledge of Chinese (Cantonese and a bit of Mandarin)−and a little Spanish. This helps me in bilingual ceremonies because I understand what is going on and can play on cue.

Q.  I do not live in the Bay Area. Will you travel to my location?
A.  I will consider your request based on my schedule. Just contact me for more information!


EVENTS   [Top]

Q.  Do you play for events other than weddings?
A.  Yes, I do! I have played for holiday parties, cocktail hours, VIP dinners, afternoon teas, grand openings, birthday parties, anniversary dinners, memorial celebrations, and many more special events. The harp highlights the elegance of your event: It is a versatile instrument that can add sparkle to your splashy event, or enhance the setting for your special event. I have played for intimate events of 20 guests up to over a thousand guests. The great feature of the harp is that guests can hear the music without needing to compete with it, and yet still can have conversation with others.

PLANNING   [Top]

Q.  I don't know what music I want at my wedding. What should I do?
A.  You may listen to the sound clips on this website to get an idea of what pieces you like.

Q.  Where can I get some ideas?
A.  To get started, read through my article on unique weddings. For ideas, look at the page of stories, which has sample programs or look through the piano playlist or the harp playlist. In addition, I'd be happy to play any music that is not on the playlist—just provide the sheet music (If the sheet music is readily available on-line, I'd be happy to purchase it for you. Typical costs would be $4-7). You should consult with your wedding officiant, as some houses of faith may have certain requirements regarding music.

Q.  What happens during a consultation?
A.  The consultation is a time for us to finalize the music for the wedding. If you already have ideas of what pieces you'd like, we can talk about how the music fits into the flow of the ceremony. If you'd like some ideas, I can play through some pieces or give you some suggestions. The consultation is also a chance for you to hear what the music would sound like at the wedding. The consultation is usually half an hour to an hour long, and it can be done over the phone, over e-mail, or in person at my home in Los Gatos. If you already have an idea of what music you'd like, a consultation may not be necessary.

Q.  What do I need before the consultation?
A.  Before the consultation, please check with your officiant about any musical guidelines. Please bring your wedding program (list of what will happen during the ceremony) to the consultation.

Q.  When should I schedule my consultation? How early/late before the wedding?
A.  Once you have an idea of the program, you may schedule a consultation. You may schedule a consultation as early as several months before the wedding. However, please finalize the music at least one month before the ceremony, especially if you will be requesting music not on my piano playlist or the harp playlist.

Q.  When do you hold your consultation appointments?
A.  I generally schedule consultation appointments on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday evenings at 7 pm or 8 pm. Consultations are about one hour long and are held at my home in Los Gatos. Weekend appointments may be possible, but since I have to work around the events I have scheduled for the day, availability may be sporadic from week to week. For weekend dates, it is a good idea to schedule your consultation several weeks in advance.

Q.  Do you play for full Catholic mass?
A.  Yes, I do. However, there is a minimum 1.5 hour booking for ceremonies that include full Catholic mass, as it is significantly longer than other ceremonies, and requires much more musical coordination. Many times Catholic weddings can even require 2 hours.

Q.  What if I'm too busy/stressed with all the other wedding details?
A.  No need to worry! Just give me your program for the ceremony and I will make all the musical selections for you. You may specify whether you'd like classical, or contemporary, or a mix of both.


RATES & BOOKING   [Top]

Q.  What are your rates?
A.  My rates depend on a number of factors, including instrument(s) requested, location of wedding, length of time required, to name a few. To see my fee schedule, click here for the Rates Page.

Q.  Do you accept credit cards?
A.  New! Yes, I do! I can accept credit card payment for deposits, balance payments, sheet music or custom cd's through Google Checkout. If you would like to pay by credit card, please let me know. I will send you an e-mail invoice, which will detail the payment process.

Google Checkout Acceptance Mark

Q.  What is included in your wedding fee?
A.  My wedding fee is inclusive of a consultation: in-person at my home in Los Gatos, through e-mail or on the phone. Set-up and take-down time is included. Amplification for harp is included, as needed (based on the information provided at the time of booking). Extensive amplification may incur a fee. Parking fees are not included. Attendance at the rehearsal is not included.

Q.  How much is your deposit?
A.  A $100 non-refundable deposit (per performer) is required at the time of the booking. The balance is due 10 days before the event. At the time of booking, please make out two checks: one for the deposit and one for the balance (post-dated for 10 days before the event).

Q.  What is your cancellation policy?
A.  If in the unfortunate circumstance that you will need to cancel my services, the $100 deposit is not refundable. Cancellations within 10 days of the event will require full payment.

Q.  How do I book your services?
A.  First of all, fill out an enquiry form or call me at (408) 656-3344 to check availability and get a quote. I can e-mail you a contract or I can send one to you by mail (you may also download a copy here). Let me know that you will be sending in a contract so that I will hold the date for up to 5 days. Please send me a signed contract, and two checks ($100 for the deposit dated for today, and a check for the balance post-dated for 10 days before the event). It is also helpful to include a map to the location (if it is a new location to me) and a venue map indicating where you would like me to set up (for the harp). At your convenience, you can schedule the consultation where we can discuss and finalize the music for your wedding.

Q.  How early should I book your services?
A.  It's a good idea to book soon after confirming availability. Just think: if you are looking for musicians for your date, chances are that others with the same date are as well. It's not uncommon to have multiple enquiries for the same date within a couple days or hours of each other.

For popular dates or during the wedding season, I can be booked over one year in advance (sometimes even 15 months ahead). In general, wedding musicians tend to fill their schedules quickly and can be difficult to find at the last minute, especially during wedding season (May - October in California).

Note: Please check to make sure your contract has accurate information. I am not responsible for inaccurate information. I've received contracts with the wrong date/month before (which thankfully, I was able to accommodate, but please double-check your information to alleviate stress for both parties!).

Q.  How long do you hold a date?
A.  I operate on a first-come, first-serve basis. I may receive several enquiries for a particular date at any one time. From the time that you notify me that you will be sending me a contract and deposit, I will hold that date for 5 days (meaning that I will not accept any contracts for that date). However, after that 5-day window, I will open that date for other contracts. This does happen on occasion. I receive hundreds of enquiries a year, and I may not always have time to keep track of and notify you if your wedding date is about to be booked. "Losing a date" has happened before−don't let it happen to you! It is a good idea to send in your contract and deposit as soon as possible.

Q.  How is the first hour for the Basic Rate calculated?
A.  I charge by the hour (please see fee schedule), and the first hour starts when I start playing the prelude, generally about 15-30 minutes before the ceremony begins. When I begin playing prelude is entirely up to you−if you anticipate guests arrive very early (this does occur on occasion), you may even consider having me start earlier than 30 minutes.

Q.  My event is next year. Will the rates change?
A.  My rates do change from year to year. The fees I quote by e-mail or phone are good for 2 weeks, even if the rates do change in the meantime. However, it's always a good idea to book early, because you can book next year's event at this year's rates. Rates are subject to change at any time.

Q.  How are fees calculated if I want to book you for the ceremony and reception?
A.  The Basic Rate is charged from the start of prelude for the ceremony, and the remaining hours are charged at the Additional Hours rate up through the end of the reception. Overtime hours would be charged beyond the time specified in the contract.

Q.  May I pay the full amount at the time of booking?
A.  Yes, I accept full payment at the time of booking.

Q.  Will I get confirmation or a receipt when I send in the contract?
A.  I will send an e-mail confirmation when I receive your contract (if by mail). If you would like to have a paper receipt, please indicate so, and I would be happy to mail a receipt to you.

Q.  I want to book you but cannot decide between harp or piano (or any other instrument). What should I do?
A.  Rather than wait, you should book my services as soon as possible with a signed contract and a deposit, thus ensuring that you will have beautiful music for your event (dates fill quickly!). Generally, the final decision about the instrument should be made at least one month before the wedding.

Q.  Do I need to provide food and drink for you?
A.  Whether you are requested to provide food will depend on the type of event and length of service. For most receptions or events that serve food, though it is not required, it would be much appreciated. If you have booked me for more than 2 hours for a reception or event, and will not be providing food, please let me know so that I can come prepared. Check with your caterer, for they may include vendor meals or provide the meals at a discount. I do not require the same food as the other guests. At minimum, I will need water (especially for hot days), juice, or soda. I do not drink alcoholic beverages while performing at your event.


FORMS   [Top]

Q.  What forms do I need to book you for my wedding/reception?
A.  These are the forms needed to book a wedding/reception. Please contact me for my address. The Word document is a form that can be filled out electronically and printed out.
Wedding Contract
  [Word - (54kb)]
  [pdf - (37kb)]		 After we have agreed on a price, a copy of the signed contract and two checks (a $100 deposit, and a check for the balance dated for 10 days before the event) will reserve the date on my calendar.
Wedding Music Worksheet
  [Word - (55kb)]
  [pdf - (19kb)]		 This form is used to select the music for your wedding ceremony.  Please return this form at least 1 month before the wedding.

Q.  What forms do I need to book you for my event?
A.  These are the forms needed to book an event (non-wedding). Please contact me for my address. The Word document is a form that can be filled out electronically and printed out.
Event Contract
  [Word - (48kb)]
  [pdf - (36kb)]		 After we have agreed on a price, a copy of the signed contract and two checks (a $100 deposit, and a check for the balance dated for 10 days before the event) will reserve the date on my calendar.

HARP   [Top]

Q.  I'd like to have the harp at my event. What are some of the considerations?
A.  Here are some unique issues related to the harp:  

  • The harp must be located on a flat, even surface and not on dirt, grass, or rocks. 
  • My pedal harp weighs about 86 pounds and is quite large. Therefore moves from room-to-room or secondary locations must be well planned.
  • Carrying the harp on stairs and complex halls or entrances poses a challenge. So consider this when choosing where to place the harp and harpist. I will not take the harp up a flight of stairs (I need an elevator). I need to be adequately warned in case of difficult or tight spaces, so that I can ensure that I have an assistant available to assist me in moving the harp.
  • The harp is very sensitive to temperature. Even at temperatures that seem perfect it is too hot to have the harp in direct sunlight.  If the temperature is below 60 it will be hard to keep the harp in tune. A gazebo or even a shaded area with trees will usually provide enough shelter.  The wedding must be moved indoors even if it is only sprinkling. 
  • I have a 5'x5' minimum space requirement to give me enough room for the harp and equipment.
  • I am 'self-contained' and will bring all the equipment I need. I do not need a chair or other furniture. You may need to provide an umbrella if no shade is available.
  • I may have an assistant with me to help me move my equipment.
  • For evening events, please provide adequate lighting.


Photo Taken at Villa Montalvo
Photography by Graceful Studios

Q.  Do you provide amplification for the harp? Do you charge extra?
A.  I do provide amplification for the harp as needed. I use a small and discreet amp which will enable the music to be heard both indoors and outdoors. The sound system is self-contained and battery-operated, so there is no need to find a power outlet. I believe that it is important for the music to be heard at your wedding, so amplification is included as part of the wedding package−there is no extra charge!

Q.  What are the two different kinds of harp?
A.  Harps come in various shapes and sizes. There are two main kinds of harps: celtic (folk) harps and pedal harps. If the appearance of the harp is important to you, look for someone who plays the type of harp that you desire for your wedding. The celtic harp is smaller and lighter (and has less strings), and can be more easily brought to remote areas, like a cliff or beach area. The pedal harp is the type of harp you typically see in orchestras and the majority of weddings, and has a larger sound. There is also a significant financial investment needed to purchase a pedal harp. I play the pedal harp for weddings and events for its elegance, beauty and versatility in playing all kinds of repertoire.

Q.  I'd like to have the piano and the harp at my event. Is this possible?
A. If a piano is available at the venue, I would be happy to play a combination of harp and piano for your event.


PIANO   [Top]

Q.  What are my options if I'd like piano and there is no piano available?
A.  It is possible to have a piano delivered to the venue. There are local companies that will deliver a piano and pick up the piano after your event. The costs for a grand piano will run about $300-600. I can refer you to local businesses, just ask!

Q.  What do I need to do if I'd like to have you play the piano?
A.  First of all, please ensure that a piano will be available on-site and in the right location (many venues may move the piano to different locations depending on the event). Please obtain permission to use the piano, and ensure that the piano is not locked during your event.

Q.  Are you able to provide your own keyboard?
A.  I am sorry, but I no longer provide this service because of the work involved. Because my keyboard is a heavy-duty professional grade keyboard, it required significant work to move and set up. I was unwilling to 'downgrade' to lighter equipment because that would sacrifice sound quality. I'd be happy to refer you to other local pianists who would be able to set up their own keyboard.


ORGAN   [Top]

Q.  What are some of the considerations for having organ at my wedding?
A.  Here are some issues related to the organ:
  • Please ensure that the organ is in good working order.
  • Please obtain permission to use the organ. Some churches have an organist on staff, and they have the "right of first refusal." Or, access must be obtained from the music director ahead of time.
  • Please make sure that the organ is not locked and access to the organ is available during your ceremony.
  • Sometimes visibility from the organ is limited, so I will need to work closely with the coordinator to ensure cues are clear.

SOUND SYSTEM   [Top]

Q.  I am having a garden wedding and I need a microphone. Do you provide this service?
A.  Yes! For a stress-free experience, I do offer a wireless microphone setup for use during the ceremony: for your officiant, for readings, or during your vows. This service gives a quality experience at a budget price:  

  • Comfort: Guests will be able to hear what is going on without needing to strain or guessing. I've attended enough outdoor weddings to know that entire ceremonies can be lost due to wind or background noise. Basically, guests had no idea what the officiant said, what the readings were about (unless printed in the program), or what was said during the vows. Experienced officiants may be able to project, but would you want to have to shout your vows so that guests can hear? A sound system is highly recommended for weddings with over 40 guests or locations that are susceptible to background noise (from a freeway, nearby roads, motorcycles, airports, or the ocean).
  • Professional: The wireless microphone is a high quality Shure wireless microphone that is valued at close to $500 (versus the cheap microphone that can be purchased for less than $20).
  • Convenient: Because it is a wireless microphone, you don't have to worry about tripping over unsightly cords. It is easy to pass around as needed.
  • Easy & Stress-free: No worries about having to set it up. I will set up the equipment and take it down.
  • Affordable: DJ's will charge several hundred to set this up for your ceremony. My service is less than $100 (see Rates).


MUSIC: Sheet Music and CD's   [Top]

Q.  Are all the sound clips played by you?
A.  Yes.

Q.  My wedding is not in the San Jose or San Francisco area of California, but I love your music. I'm looking for some of the music listed on your website. How come I cannot find it elsewhere?
A.  Many of the unique music suggested on this website are arranged by me. You will not find the same music or arrangements anywhere else. I performed all the recording on this website, and composed the original pieces. For the music that do not have sheet music available, I transcribed them by ear.

Q.  Do you have sheet music for your original songs available for purchase?
A.  New! Yes, I do. Sheet music for some songs are available for sale. Place your order here: Order Form

Q.  Do you have a CD available for purchase?
A.  I do not currently have pre-packaged CD's for sale. However, I may be able to create a custom CD for your wedding or event with specific parameters that you choose.

Q.  Do you have a CD with <name of song here> on it?
A.  I do not have pre-packaged CD's for sale, but I do offer custom cd's. Licensed songs have an additional fee (which goes to Harry Fox Agency). For orders beyond the US, please contact me for a quote. Order custom cd's here: Order Form.

Q.  What is a custom cd?
A.  Custom cd's are cd's that I create only for you. I will record the songs following your specifications: which song(s), the length of the song, and the specific instructions of how you would like it played. For instance, you can order a copy of "Seasons" to have a length of 2:30 minutes. It's like having a live musician playing for your wedding, except that the length of the song is customized to your needs.

Q.  How long does it take to get my custom cd?
A.  From the time that I receive payment for the order, it takes about a week for me to record the songs and ship the cd. Shipping time will vary depending on the shipping method requested. Within the US, First-Class shipping may take about a week, Priority is 2-5 days, and Express is 1-2 days (overnight for many locations). If you need to request a rush order (1-3 days to record and ship the cd, which requires my acceptance to ensure that I can schedule the studio time), there is an additional fee plus the Express shipping fee.


WEBSITE   [Top]

Q.  I have a question that is not answered on this website. How do I submit a question?
A.  For questions specific to your wedding or event, please submit an enquiry form. To submit a general question (to be included in the FAQ area), please fill out a question form.


OTHER   [Top]

Q.  Do you compose music for weddings?
A.  I have composed pieces for several weddings, as well as my own wedding. If interested in commissioning a piece, please contact me. For sound clips, click here.

Q.  Do you give piano/harp lessons?
A.  Currently, I no longer accept new students. For referrals, you may contact me.

 

Last Updated 7/30/2008

 

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phone: 408-656-3344  I   e-mail: alice@gracefulmusic.com