Below are the answers to the questions most prospective clients ask. If your question isn’t answered here, please contact me directly.
My venue doesn’t have a piano – is this a problem?
Absolutely not. Included in my fee is the complimentary supply of a professional quality stage piano. Currently, this is a hand-made boutique instrument manufactured in Sweden by Nord. It features samples of pianos from Steinway, Bosendorfer and Yamaha and sounds fantastic. If you wish to hire a grand piano, I can also advise you on suppliers and likely costs.
Where are you based and which areas of the country do you cover?
My home is in Staffordshire, close to both the M6 and M1. From this central location, I am able to cover the entire country.
How much do you charge?
This varies for each client, so unfortunately it’s impossible to give an indication of price on the website. The cost depends mostly on the distance of your venue from my home. Prices for weekday engagements are cheaper than weekends, while some special days such as Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve carry a premium, as is usual in the entertainment industry. Please get in touch for a formal quotation.
How do I go about booking? Do you require a deposit?
If you decide to go ahead with a booking, you will be asked for some basic information. Using that, I will prepare a contract and an invoice. A deposit of 50% is required to secure a booking.
Can you pencil in this date for us…?
Sorry, but I can’t undertake to hold any date without a firm booking, completed contract and paid deposit. It just gets too complicated if I subsequently have a definite inquiry for that date.
How long do you play for? Can I let you have a list of songs I want you to perform?
My standard package is for an engagement of three hours, which includes two short breaks, but actual timings are very flexible to suit your particular event. I’m happy for you to send me a list of songs listed on this website you would particularly like to hear, but I do reserve the right to use my own judgement about which order to play them in and what other material to include.
Can you learn this song for my wedding..?
For civil ceremonies, I’m happy to play your choice of music for the three customary musical spots – the entrance of the bride or couple, the signing of the register and the conclusion of the ceremony. If I don’t know a particular song of your choice, I’ll be happy to learn it.
Can you provide recorded music over breaks?
Yes, I can stream music from an iPod, either from my own collection of music or that supplied by yourself. Please let me know if you require this service.
Can we use your PA for the speeches?
I don’t normally offer this facility, for two reasons. Firstly, a typical engagement for me will quite often end when the speeches normally begin, at the end of a meal. Secondly, I carry only wired microphones, which because of cable lengths etc are not normally suitable for use at the top table.
Do you have public liability insurance (PLI) and is your equipment certified by Portable Appliance Testing (PAT test)?
Yes, and I’m happy to email proof of either of these to venues requiring them.
Can we come and see you play somewhere before we book you?
Unfortunately, the vast majority of my work tends to be for private parties. However, I’m happy for prospective clients to visit me in my home studio in Stoke-on-Trent so I can play for them and discuss their requirements in more detail. Please just ask.
Why should I choose you? Pianist X is £X cheaper!
You can’t choose a cake supplier on cost alone – how the delivered product looks and tastes is important and better ingredients cost more money. Similarly, choosing a pianist isn’t that straightforward. I can only invite you to listen to the sound clips on this site – all recorded live with no overdubs or editing – and compare them with my competitors.
