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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Classified Ad Results  ( 1 to 13 of 13 ads found )
01 January 2009
Rehearsal space needed..
Rage (tribute to rage against the machine) requires a rehearsal space for evening rehearsals. would happily do this in a pub as a free gig/rehearsal - obviously would involve a bit of stop and starting, but would save you a few hundred pounds! if anyone has any sugge. .
EX4
11 December 2008
MUSICIANS WANTED..
New entertainment company now booking musicians / performers for live weekly showcases. whether you rap, sing or dance, all talent is welcome. if interested please respond to this ad or call 07948 107 612 for details. we look forward to hearing from you soon. .
EC1V
27 November 2008
Mandolin & Bouzouki Lesson..
Mandolin and bouzouki lessons now available in brighton! ba hons music graduate with 5 years teaching experience, including running adult education courses and teaching younger children. all types of music catered for but specialist in different forms of folk (engli. .
£20
BN1
Mandolin & Bouzouki Lessons..
Mandolin and bouzouki lessons now available in brighton! ba hons music graduate with 5 years teaching experience, including running adult education courses and teaching younger children. all types of music catered for but specialist in different forms of folk (engli. .
£20
BN1
Guitar Lesson..
Guitar lessons now available in brighton! ba hons music graduate with 5 years teaching experience, including running adult education courses and teaching younger children. all types of music catered for. music theory and grades can be taught or you can just work on . .
£20
BN1
Guitar Lessons..
Guitar lessons now available in brighton! ba hons music graduate with 5 years teaching experience, including running adult education courses and teaching younger children. all types of music catered for. music theory and grades can be taught or you can just work on . .
£20
BN1
26 November 2008
Rank in 3 months.. Ethically..
rank in 3 months. ethically. mosaic launches its christmas packages which promise to rank with in 3 months. all the activities will be communicated with a well detailed pan before the start of the campaign. all the activities will be white hat seo. mail us at . .
28 October 2008
Guitar & Bass Lessons - Reading, Berkshire..
Academy of contemporary music qualified, professional, gigging musician offers bass tuition. all ages & beginners welcome. tuition to suit your needs – from playing your favourite bands songs to reading music, theory and aural awareness. west reading. .
£20
RG30
25 October 2008
Diyana Piano Studio..
Piano music at weddings, private functions, receptions, banquets and corporate events, piano lessons www. diyanapiano. co. uk.
OX44
17 October 2008
Gift idea- record a song this christmas for your loved ..
Are you stuck as to what to buy for loved one this christmas? why not give them an unexpected gift that they can cherish for ever more. a song sung by you to them on cd to keep forever! we at nova music studios in chelsea are offering this gift idea for a very . .
£15
16 October 2008
Are you looking to Record?..
We are nova music studios based in chelsea london. we are offering to musicians the chance to be recorded professionally by us at an affordable price tailored to your specific project. we are a small, friendly and easy going set up so please give us a call if you woul. .
£15
15 October 2008
Need to record your music?..
Hello are you looking to record an album or a few tracks? do you need professional assistance to make sure your get the best job done for your pound. i can help you! the services i have to offer you include pre-production planning, recording, programming and mixing. .
£150
NW10
12 October 2008
Singing and Piano Lessons..
I have a bmus (hons. ) from birmingham conservatoire. i teach all styles of singing; pop, musical theatre, classical and opera. i also teach piano and music theory. i live in atherton and charge £18/hour. i produce at least 4 concerts each year in which all my stu. .
£18
WN7
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