A: I can be contacted through the online form or by phone. Pending availability, I will then send you a reservation form via email (or standard mail, if you prefer) to be completed and returned. This will serve as a contract for the event in question. I can be consulted by phone or in person to discuss further details and musical choices.
Q: How early (or late) can a booking be made?A: I generally accept bookings for up to a year in advance. While it is common practice to book an artist five to seven months prior to a big event, I realize that last minute situations can come up. I am happy to accept last minute reservations, provided I am available on that date. However, certain musical requests might not be possible on late notice (less than a month). Please use the "check availability" form; I will try my best to help you!
Q: How long will you hold my reservation date?A: Your date is technically reserved after I send you the performer contract. You will then have two weeks to return a signed reservation form. I will always confirm the contract with you before responding to a new inquiry for the date in question. However, your initial inquiry of availability will not hold the date for you until I have received the reservation form and deposit.
Q: What is the required deposit?A: Typically, the deposit is 50% of the full contract amount. It should be returned to me along with the performer contract form. This will secure your reservation.
Q: What happens if the event is canceled?A: In the event of cancellation on the client's part, the deposit will be retained to compensate for holding the date. In the very unlikely event of cancellation on my part, I will accept responsibility to find a qualified substitute under the original contract terms.
Q: Is it a problem if the event is outdoors?A: It is not a problem to play outside in comfortable weather. However, the harp is a very expensive and sensitive instrument and cannot be exposed to extreme conditions. Direct sun, very high or low temperatures, rain, humidity, and wind are factors to consider. In the case of direct sun, it may be necessary to arrange for adequate shade to protect the instrument. If there is a chance of rain it is always good to have an indoor location as a plan B (or at least a big enough tent or roof arrangement).
Q: What kind of surface is necessary for your instrument?A: A dry, flat and sturdy surface is needed for placing the harp. The minimum playing surface is two and a half feet by four feet. A Harp cannot be placed on sand or loose gravel, or directly on grass and similar surfaces. Please ask me if you are still not sure about a surface requirement.
Q: How difficult is it to move the harp?A: Often, the reception is just a short walk away from the ceremony location. The harp easily travels over pavement and similar surfaces using a special wheeled cart, which I handle myself. If there are stairs involved or if the surface is not suitable for the cart, the harp can be easily carried by two persons. For a more distant location, the harp can be loaded back into the "harp mobile," or almost any vehicle under my supervision.
Q: What kind of music do you play?A: I have a large repertoire ranging from classical and celtic music to jazz, modern, and popular pieces. I'm always willing to discuss your preferences with you and find musical selections that will suit your taste.
Q: Do you take song requests?A: Yes! I am always happy to find or arrange a piece you love (this is how I keep my repertoire growing). Please keep in mind that not every piece will work on the harp, though few are actually impossible. I only ask that you try to get your requests in early so that I will have adequate time to prepare.
Q: Can you arrange a chamber ensemble?A: There are plenty of options. Beautiful duet combinations of the harp with a stringed instrument, flute, voice, or any other desired instrument are available. If you want something even more special, a harp duet is a great choice. If you really want to knock them off their feet, a harp trio or quartet is also a possibility. If your nephew wants to sing a song accompanied by the harp, it is not a problem, provided I have the music in advance and am allowed a run-through before the performance. Please do not hesitate to contact me and discuss your ideas!
Q: Do you use amplification?A: Normally, the harp carries through to a decent crowd of people, even on an outdoor event. However, sometimes it is just not loud enough to compete with loud crowds or large areas. If this is a big event, or an outdoor event on a windy day, it is recommended to have some amplification so that everyone can enjoy the music. If there is no DJ on the event that can provide sound, I will provide my own amplification.
