Reserving The Best Professional Harp Players For Weddings Philadelphia Offers
The state of Pennsylvania is home to many professional harpists seeking work at various event venues. Securing a proper referral for someone can be a hit and miss proposition. But there are several websites on the Internet that promote talented musicians. Before reserving that all important person, having some tips about harps will help ease the process.
Knowing the musical style and strengths of the musician who will be hired is crucial. Some specialize in folk music, using smaller folk harps. Others play classical music on full size concert instruments. Booking the best harp players for weddings philadelphia offers is a matter of knowing what kind of music is expected.
Being able to select harp music seems as if it should be easy. But there are literally hundreds of qualified musicians performing throughout the city area and beyond. Comparing the various ones is a bit easier when using an online reservation site. You will be able to see photographs, check professional experience, consider educational backgrounds and university or conservatory degrees held. Many provide lists of songs and a short autobiographical post. It can be easy to learn much doing this preliminary research.
Keep in mind that not all instruments are alike. There is a difference between what folk and concert versions can play. This has nothing to do with the ability of the player, it has to do with other limitations. Concert harps have foot pedals that allow for modulations, or playing from higher to lower in pitch. They can also handle accidentals, which are the changes in pitch that require smaller half step distances between notes. Folk harps are often held in the lap, and have no pedals and cannot change keys.
One good way to secure the songs you want to hear at the wedding is to ask each players for a song list. These are easily available because it allows people to select what they like, and warn the performer far in advance if anything new must be learned. Due to limitations in the instruments, certain selections may not be possible. Check the gig sites for this information, and ask the musician if they can accommodate learning new pieces.
When you see what each performer is wearing, you may get an idea of their musical focus. Classicists often wear formal attire, while Scottish and Irish players often wear kilts. This is an easy way to find Celtic players, or not, as the case may be.
Classically trained performers often have professional photographs showing them wearing formal concert gowns or tuxedos. This does not mean they are not flexible enough to include popular pieces or jazz, but does indicate a certain sensibility about what is appropriate clothing for the most formal weddings. When unsure about their abilities, ask. Highly skilled professionals will be very clear about what they have to offer and what is not possible for them.
Other crucial considerations are the distance the harp will travel and the price that will be charged. Of all musicians, harpists generally have much difficulty getting to and from a job site. They must have a vehicle that is large enough to transport the instrument. It may be prudent to hire someone who has less distance to travel to avoid any problems that are associated with travel. The fees will most likely be higher for those coming from far away. They may charge mileage on top of their regular wedding fees and this must be factored in to the overall cost of their services. You will have that magical sound you want, but at a price you will need to consider in advance.
Knowing the musical style and strengths of the musician who will be hired is crucial. Some specialize in folk music, using smaller folk harps. Others play classical music on full size concert instruments. Booking the best harp players for weddings philadelphia offers is a matter of knowing what kind of music is expected.
Being able to select harp music seems as if it should be easy. But there are literally hundreds of qualified musicians performing throughout the city area and beyond. Comparing the various ones is a bit easier when using an online reservation site. You will be able to see photographs, check professional experience, consider educational backgrounds and university or conservatory degrees held. Many provide lists of songs and a short autobiographical post. It can be easy to learn much doing this preliminary research.
Keep in mind that not all instruments are alike. There is a difference between what folk and concert versions can play. This has nothing to do with the ability of the player, it has to do with other limitations. Concert harps have foot pedals that allow for modulations, or playing from higher to lower in pitch. They can also handle accidentals, which are the changes in pitch that require smaller half step distances between notes. Folk harps are often held in the lap, and have no pedals and cannot change keys.
One good way to secure the songs you want to hear at the wedding is to ask each players for a song list. These are easily available because it allows people to select what they like, and warn the performer far in advance if anything new must be learned. Due to limitations in the instruments, certain selections may not be possible. Check the gig sites for this information, and ask the musician if they can accommodate learning new pieces.
When you see what each performer is wearing, you may get an idea of their musical focus. Classicists often wear formal attire, while Scottish and Irish players often wear kilts. This is an easy way to find Celtic players, or not, as the case may be.
Classically trained performers often have professional photographs showing them wearing formal concert gowns or tuxedos. This does not mean they are not flexible enough to include popular pieces or jazz, but does indicate a certain sensibility about what is appropriate clothing for the most formal weddings. When unsure about their abilities, ask. Highly skilled professionals will be very clear about what they have to offer and what is not possible for them.
Other crucial considerations are the distance the harp will travel and the price that will be charged. Of all musicians, harpists generally have much difficulty getting to and from a job site. They must have a vehicle that is large enough to transport the instrument. It may be prudent to hire someone who has less distance to travel to avoid any problems that are associated with travel. The fees will most likely be higher for those coming from far away. They may charge mileage on top of their regular wedding fees and this must be factored in to the overall cost of their services. You will have that magical sound you want, but at a price you will need to consider in advance.
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