3. Return the contract, along with your deposit, by the date specified at the top of the performance
agreement (two weeks from date of contract).
The deposit is 50% of the contracted fee (not less than $100). If you do not return the contract and deposit by this date, the agreement
is cancelled, and your date will be opened to other bookings.
4. Once I have received the signed contract and your deposit, the date and time
is booked for you.
5. For wedding ceremonies, make an appointment for your consultation to select the music to be performed.
The ability to accommodate your special requests. You should never be forced to pick songs only from a musician's pre-determined list.
While my repertoire is already large, I am constantly adding to it. Many of the new songs I learn are from a client's special request.
Just ask, and I will be happy to advise if your favorite song can be played on the harp! Some musicians charge an extra fee for the time required
to learn a new song, but I do not. All that is needed is for you to supply me with piano or harp sheet music if the song
is not already in my music library. Please allow enough time
(generally four weeks) for me to learn the piece to performance standards.
A personal consultation to select your wedding ceremony music. This allows you to meet
me,
and for me to get to know your musical preferences and style. During your consultation, you
will be able to hear
a wide variety of music, and pick your favorites. You get to hear
exactly what the music will sound like before the big day, and with my
professional guidance you can make confident selections. In-person consultations are
best, but they can be done over the phone if necessary.
Back-up equipment. Unfortunately, things can go wrong. A professional
musician should have a back-up for every piece of
equipment they use. I have extra harps, amplifiers, music binders, music stands, benches, and an extra minivan! The last thing
you should be worried about on your wedding day is your musician's instrument being
damaged and unplayable right before the ceremony. If a disaster
like this happens, a professional musician has a back-up. You and your guests
should never know!
Familiarity with venues, vendors, and traditions. I have performed at many different venues
throughout the Midwest and have worked
with hundreds of other wedding vendors. With this knowledge, I can advise you on selecting other people to assist with your
wedding and on the best way to incorporate the harp into the location
you have selected. I have experience with many
different kinds of wedding ceremonies, and can help you plan the service, whether you are having a full Catholic Mass
or an intimate ceremony in your backyard performed by a justice of the peace.
A full-time professional freelancer. Many professional musicians have many outside commitments beyond playing
for your wedding. However, as a full-time freelancer, I can give your event
my undivided attention. You will not have to schedule your consultation around an already full schedule of symphony rehearsals and concerts.
I can work around your busy wedding-planning schedule and offer appointments during the day,
evenings, and on weekends. When you have a question, you want it answered quickly.
Generally, I am able to respond to you by phone or email within 12-24 hours after
you ask a question or request information about my services.
Professional attire. I arrive at every event dressed in colors
to coordinate with your wedding party and at the appropriate level of formality. The result is a musician who blends in
seamlessly with the picture of the ceremony, rather than sticking out and drawing attention away from the bride.
Coordination of musical ensembles.
If you have a specific group of instruments in mind, I can arrange this for you.
I can also offer advice on combinations of instruments that work well
together. This saves you time, money,
and paperwork by having only one contact musician rather than several. This also ensures that the musicians are used to
working together and will have a good rapport on your wedding day. I can arrange for any combination of instruments, from the
traditional harp and violin or harp and flute, to grand ensembles of four or more harps to unique groups such as
harp and marimba.
A variety of instruments. I offer a beautiful
acoustic Venus Classic pedal harp with ornate rose carvings, an ivory Lyon & Healy electric harp that
has a modern silhouette, and an assortment of
smaller lever harps if you are interested in a Celtic look and sound or need
a more portable option. Not only does this protect you
in case of damage to one harp, but it also allows you to select the best instrument for your
event. All of my harps can be amplified.
Amplification. You should be able to hear the music you are paying for, and for some events, this means that the
harp must be amplified. For wedding ceremonies, it is usually not necessary, as people are
generally quiet and paying attention to
the music. When the harp is providing background music for a large reception or other event, it needs amplification. I have a harp
that is a completely electric instrument, meaning that I can literally just plug an amp into
it and play. No microphone stands, no feedback, no unsightly and cumbersome soundboard or speakers. I have a larger amplifier for indoor events, and a smaller amplifier
that is battery-powered for outdoor events. My acoustic harps can also be
amplified with a discreet microphone tucked inside the instrument. There is never an extra charge for providing my amplification systems.
Upfront pricing. When you receive a quote from me,
it always includes performance, travel, and any miscellaneous charges specific to your event. This site also lists general
pricing guidelines, so you can get an idea of what my services cost. This should help you make an informed decision about
the musicians for your event and your budget.
Public performances. You should be able to hear any musician you are considering booking. Sound clips on a website
are good if you are planning long-distance, but it does not replace hearing a live performance.
A list of upcoming performances is available on this website. I am also happy to meet you
at my home studio in South Bend, so please call or
email me to set up a private appointment.
Dedication to your event. I love playing for weddings! My enthusiasm shows in my performance, during consultations,
and whenever someone asks me about the harp. I know how much planning and energy has gone into creating a wedding, and I
am thrilled to be a part of each and every one for which I have been hired to provide music.
A contract. Once you have made the decision to book, I will send you a contract
in the mail or by email. Returning it within with your deposit books the date. Without a contract, the date is not booked on my calendar.
A contract outlines the responsibilities and requirements of both parties, and ensures that there are no
miscommunications or misunderstandings.
Ability to move and transport the instrument. Although a harp is a large, heavy, and cumbersome
instrument, I do move it by myself! There are certain venues where the terrain, structure, or parking situation make this
difficult or impossible. In these circumstances, I bring my husband along as my "roadie." You never need to provide ushers,
groomsmen, or relatives to assist me. They should be spending time with the family, and not getting sweaty before the pictures are taken!
There is never a cartage fee.
Attention to detail. For a wedding ceremony, I have a three page form I fill out during our consultation. We will
go over every last detail to ensure that your ceremony runs smoothly. This will likely also bring up options you had not yet
considered and can provide you with ideas for personalizing your ceremony. My attention to detail shows in each performance,
from the way I position the harp so all your guests can see it to the way I can time the bridesmaids' processional to end perfectly
when the last one reaches the altar.
Formal education. I have been studying music since the first grade, and earned a BA in Music from Valparaiso
University in 2001. While completing a Master's degree in History, I took harp, voice and piano lessons at the graduate level.
Education does not stop with the diploma. I am a member of organizations that promote life-long
learning, including the American Harp Society and the World Harp Congress. I have attended master classes and workshops with harpists from around the country, and am always looking
for ways to enhance my education, and therefore provide you with better service.
And most importantly, experience. You are planning one wedding, and I have helped plan hundreds! I have seen just
about everything that can happen during a ceremony, from the flower girl who runs to Mom instead of down the
aisle to ceremonies
starting late because relatives were stuck in traffic. A professional is prepared for any circumstance, and can handle surprises.
I always have at least two hours of prelude music available if your wedding starts late, and can adjust the processionals to
shorten or lengthen them at a moment's notice. This talent only comes from playing many, many weddings over several years.
Even some musicians who play very well do not have this skill.
A professional musician makes your day run more smoothly by providing their expertise and services. You can relax and be
confident that the professionals you have hired can adjust to your specific circumstances and provide you an excellent value.
Harp music is a wonderful addition to your wedding day. This elegant instrument is perfect for a large cathedral celebration or an intimate garden ceremony. Either alone or with other instruments, the harp can provide for all of the musical needs of your wedding ceremony.
Dress can either be concert black or colors to coordinate with your wedding party. You will receive a signed contract outlining our agreement.
To book your date, a 50% non-refundable deposit is required. Payment is by cash,
check, or money order.
My fee includes a consultation to select music and discuss your ceremony in depth. This meeting is usually held at
my home studio, or, if distance or time prohibits, over the telephone. If you have any special
requests for which I do not own printed music, I ask that you
provide me with piano or harp sheet music at least 4 weeks before your wedding so I have time to prepare
the piece to performance standards.
The base fee includes fifteen minutes of prelude music, the ceremony itself, and a ten minute postlude. Bookings begin fifteen minutes
prior to the start time of your ceremony, and conclude no later than one hour past the scheduled start time. If your ceremony will
run longer than one hour (such as a full Catholic Mass), or you anticipate substantial delays on the day of your wedding,
you may need or wish to schedule additional time at the rate of $25 per fifteen minutes.
This may prevent overtime charges incurred on your wedding day and ensure that
I have enough time in my schedule to stay for the duration of your wedding
ceremony.
This rate also applies to a wedding vow renewal ceremony, commitment
ceremony, church confirmation, first communion, baptism or christening.
Ceremonies longer than one hour: $25 per each additional 15 minutes
$25 per song to accompany a vocalist (includes a brief rehearsal the day of your wedding at your ceremony
location)
Song requests for which I do not own the music: publisher's price plus
shipping (if applicable); approximately $5 per song
Additional rehearsals with other wedding ceremony musicians or vocalists, $50 per hour
in my studio; $100 per hour outside my studio (does not apply if you contract
musicians through me; required if I will be working with unfamiliar musicians)
Holiday rates if applicable
Optional attendance at wedding ceremony rehearsal: $200 for the first
hour; $100 for each additional hour (see below)
Rehearsal Attendance:
My presence is not required at the wedding ceremony rehearsal.
During our consultation (included in the fee for your ceremony), we will
go over the order of your wedding, select music, and discuss my cues for
the processionals. On the day of your wedding, I will time the music
to what is happening, rather than the other way around. If, however,
you desire that I be present at the rehearsal, my regular hourly fee will
apply ($200 for the first hour; $100 for each additional hour).
Saturday:
Up to two hours: $300
Each additional hour (or part thereof): $100
Friday and Sunday:
First hour: $175
Each additional hour (or part thereof): $100
Monday-Thursday:
First hour: $150
Each additional hour (or part thereof): $75
Additional charges may include:
Travel charges for locations not
within St. Joseph, Elkhart, LaPorte, & Marshall Counties in Indiana, or
Berrien & Cass Counties in Michigan
Song requests for which I do not own the music: publisher's price plus
shipping (if applicable); approximately $5 per song
Additional rehearsals with other musicians or vocalists, $50 per hour in my studio; $100
per hour outside my studio (does not apply if you contract musicians through
me; required if I will be working with unfamiliar musicians)
Travel within St. Joseph, Elkhart, LaPorte, & Marshall Counties in Indiana,
and Berrien & Cass Counties in Michigan.
Funeral/Memorial Service & Graveside Service booked together on same day:
$300 Time constraints may require performance at Graveside Service to be on lever (Celtic) harp.
Visitation: $100/ hour
Visitation booked with funeral on same day & in same location: $75/hour
Song requests for which I do not own the music: publisher's price plus
shipping (if applicable); approximately $5 per song
Additional rehearsals with other musicians, $50 per hour in my studio; $100
per hour outside my studio (does not apply if you contract musicians through
me; required if I will be working with unfamiliar musicians)
Saturday:
First Two Hours: $325
Each Additional Hour (or part thereof): $100
Friday and Sunday: First Two Hours: $300
Each Additional Hour (or part thereof): $100
Monday-Thursday: First TwoHours: $275
Each Additional Hour (or part thereof): $100
Additional charges may include:
Travel charges for locations
outside of St. Joseph, Elkhart, LaPorte & Marshall Counties in Indiana, or
Berrien & Cass Counties in Michigan
Song requests for which I do not own the music: publisher's price plus
shipping (if applicable); approximately $5 per song
Additional rehearsals with other party musicians, $50 per hour in my
studio; $100 per hour outside my studio (does not apply if you contract
musicians through me; required if I will be working with unfamiliar musicians)
$25 per song to accompany a vocalist (includes a brief rehearsal the day of your concert at your concert
location)
Song requests for which I do not own the music: publisher's price plus
shipping (if applicable); approximately $5 per song
Additional rehearsals with other musicians or vocalists, $50 per hour
in my studio; $100 per hour outside my studio (does not apply if you contract
musicians through me; required if I will be working with unfamiliar musicians)
If traveling to your event will require me to leave South Bend, Indiana
before 7:00 AM (Eastern Time) or return to South Bend, Indiana after 11:00 PM
(Eastern Time), you will need
to provide overnight accommodations. Please contact me for specific
requirements.
For a small additional charge, period and theme costumes and harp
decorations are available.
I have contacts with many other classically trained musicians in the area. If you book your other musicians (violin, flute,
cello, guitar, marimba, trumpet, singers, etc.) directly through me, group rehearsal fees are waived. Please contact for rates and
availability of other musical combinations.
