Music can often make or break an event so, if you are organising a special day such as a wedding or the launch of a new business or an awards ceremony, it is essential that you choose the right musician. Similarly, if you are creating a new band or you have a band and need to add the one type of musician that is missing you also need to take great care which musician you choose. Here are some useful things to think about when choosing a musician.

Where do you find musicians?
The possibilities are almost endless here. Musicians advertise in the music press, local music shops and of course on free advert websites such as classifieds. Many will also have their own websites with contact details, repertoire and even samples to play. Recommendations also help so ask around friends, family and business acquaintances.

Points to consider when choosing a musician

Atmosphere
One of the most important things to consider when choosing a musician is what type of atmosphere you want to create. For example, if you want a sophisticated and classy atmosphere then you will probably want to something along the lines of a string quartet, a classical pianist, a harpist or a jazz trio or quartet. Also make sure that you communicate to the musicians what type of event you are organising and check that they will be dressed appropriately in, for example, lounge suits for a sophisticated event as opposed to jeans and tee shirts. In contrast, if you are organising a Fresher's Ball at the local University Students Union then a string quartet will not go down too well and you'll need to opt for a more contemporary band.

Audience
It is very important to consider your audience. If you are organising an afternoon tea dance for a retirement home then it is very unlikely that you will want to hire a rock or punk band (perhaps in a few decades when the eighties generation reaches retirement age!!) so you need to choose a type of musician that will be appropriate for your audience. Obvious as this may sound, many events fall at this hurdle. Even assuming you choose the right musical genre, there is no guarantee that the performer/s will possess the appropriate stage craft for the audience. A 'Chas & Dave' style duo may be well suited to granddad's 70th birthday for the family -- but not if the artists accompany their performance with a string of blue jokes.

Communication
Make sure that, if possible, you meet with the musicians before the event or at least brief them by email, phone or letter as to the type of event you are organising, the audience, the timings, dress code etc so that you are assured that they are fully aware of everything that you expect from them.

Personal recommendation
Music is all about sound so there is no better way to decide what musician to choose than to actually go and hear them play. Or, if this is not possible you should try to listen to a CD that they have made or get a personal recommendation from someone that you trust who has heard the musicians play. Do, however, bear in mind that music is an intensely subjective experience and our individual tastes vary widely.

Experience
Try to find out what experience the musicians have of playing at events such as the one you are organising. Ask if they can provide a portfolio and / or a set list. Musicians with experience of specific events may well be aware of details that you might not -- such as which venues allow music to be played and which don't and what sound levels are permitted.

Choice of music
A good musician will be able to advise you on which pieces of music are suitable for which events. They will be able to suggest certain pieces of music that will be appropriate for the first dance at a wedding or for background music at a corporate dinner or for music to set the scene while guest are arriving at an event.

Personal preference
It is important that you meet the musicians that you are thinking of choosing to make sure that you will be comfortable and happy with them being part of your event or group. Although musicians may come highly recommended with lots of experience, you need to be totally relaxed and confident that their presence at your event will be beneficial and enjoyed by everyone there. If you are recruiting for your band then make sure that they audition for you and with you so that you can be assured that they are exactly what you want. Here, the issues are as much about personality as they are about competence, with the music industry littered with examples of talented groups who have disbanded after just a couple of hit due to 'irreconcilable differences'.

Cost
Prices that musicians charge will vary enormously so make that you get a few quotes, in writing, from different musicians for comparison. Make sure that you are aware of all the costs. For example, if you decide to choose a musician that is not local then they may add travel or even accommodation costs. It is entirely reasonable that musicians charge for set up time but check what this cost is and how long they allocate for set up. Most musicians will charge either a flat rate for an event or a rate per hour. So, confirm with them, in advance, how long you want them to play for.

Whether you are recruiting a new musician for your band or you need musicians to create atmosphere and ambience at your wedding or corporate event, it is very important to choose the right musician. A bagpipe might be perfect for a Burn's night celebration but won't go down particularly well as background music during an intimate dinner. So, think carefully and do your homework before you choose.
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24 August 2010
Oyster House Studios - M5 J28..
The oyster house studio complex has been built to provide musicians both professional and amateur, a bespoke facility of the highest quality. the air conditioned rehearsal studio affords just under 50sqm of floor space; a purpose made rehearsal area virtually unequalled in the s. .
EX15
11 August 2010
paul saxophone..
Jazz saxophonist & party dj for all occasions in central london wedding birthday anniversary retirement garden party themed party business event black tie occasion charity event and much more. .
29 July 2010
Robert Plant Tickets for Band of Joy Tour 2010..
Robert anthony plant, cbe (born 20 august 1948), is an english rock singer and songwriter, best known as the lead vocalist and lyricist of the rock band led zeppelin. he has also had a successful solo career. in 2007, robert plant released raising sand, an album produced by t-bo. .
NW5
17 July 2010
Piano Tuition..
I am a piano teacher in london and have worked as a professional piano player for over 15 years (dipmus, ct abrsm) i offer piano lessons ages 5 and above in all levels including music theory for fun or preparing for exam. contact me for more information 07783924268.
£25
N1
08 July 2010
Hollies Tickets For Hollies UK Tour 2010..
The hollies are an english rock group, formed in manchester in the early 1960s. known for their distinctive vocal harmony style, they became one of the leading british groups of the era. the hollies were inducted to the rock and roll hall of fame in 2010. the group released thei. .
PH2
01 July 2010
Paloma Faith Tickets For UK/Ireland Tour 2010..
Paloma faith (born 21 july 1981) is a british singer and actress. on 4 november 2009, paloma faith announced a uk/ireland tour for march 2010. paloma faith commenced the tour in dublin (vicar street) on march 16, 2010. sold out ticket market is ideal for paloma faith tickets . .
12 June 2010
Cheap! Piano Lessons / Teacher..
My name is daniel spencer i am 17 years old and i have been doing piano for 9 years reaching grade 5 classical. i have recently switched to the blues genre. i have two students already, i am looking to take on another new student. i fit in games and activites adding variation t. .
£5
LU6
11 June 2010
Bass Guitar and Double Bass Tuition..
Ian davies is a graduate of bass-tech at the guitar institute in london and also a music degree holder from chichester university, recently he has successfully completed a ma in music performance. in addition to being an accomplished bass guitarist and double bassist he also . .
£25
KT9
08 June 2010
Guitar Hotshot..
Forget about music school! download 40 hours of intensive guitar lessons on video. http://bz9. com/guitarhotshot. co. uk.
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