Services:
Established:	1978
Employees:	1
Accepts:

An experienced event harpist, I understand the importance of your special day.  I will work with you to provide music of your choosing for your ceremony, cocktail hour, or reception.   I also play harp for parties, showers, and memorials, as well as for theatre and in restaurants.   I cover all of Long Island and most of the tri-state area.  Should you desire harp plus another instrument (for instance, violin, flute, 'cello, or voice), I will handle all the paperwork for you, booking my own experienced musicians.  Please inquire as to possible combos.   

I have been playing harp on Long Island for 30 years, beginning private lessons in February of 1978, and continuing on at the Crane School of Music at SUNY Potsdam.  I have traveled with the Long Island Youth Orchestra to play in Southeast Asia and Scandinavia, and at the World's Fair in Vancouver. 

Questions and inquiries are always welcome.  Remember . . . it's YOUR day; I want YOU to be happy. 

 

How many members are in your group? If you hire me for your event, I will be the one showing up to play. I do not farm out my work to others.

What is your usual attire? My attire is formal, unless requested otherwise. For any wedding or party I wear a long skirt or gown.

Do you offer live sample performances? I play bridal shows in Suffolk County at several venues on a monthly basis. They are free to attend, and provide an excellent opportunity to hear me live and speak with me in person. There is always a current listing of dates and venues on my website. You may also call or email to set up an appointment to come to my house for a consultation.

How much time do you usually need for setup? I arrive early, allowing myself 20-30 minutes to set up and tune.

How much space do you usually require? Roughly, an area 6 feet by 6 feet will be enough for my harp, music stand, and bench.

Do you charge for travel expenses? If yes, how much do you charge? The fee I quote you includes any expenses for travel. Tipping, while appreciated, is not expected.

Additional Questions and Answers

Do I need to provide any equipment for you?  For most situations, no (see next question).  I bring all my own equipment, including music stand, bench, and light for my stand (some rooms can be rather dim).  No power cord is necessary.

I am getting married at the beach.  Will you play on the sand?  There are several variables involved with beach weddings.  I'll need to know how far the harp must be moved on the sand before reaching the actual ceremony site.  Sand and sea air are horrible for an expensive wooden instrument.  The harp cannot rest directly on the sand.  In the event I agree to play the wedding, the client must provide a clean, dry board, at least one inch thick and 6 feet by 6 feet, for the harp, my music stand, and my bench, for the entire time I am hired to play.

Do you work with other musicians?  There are quite a few musicians I can call upon should you desire a combo.  These include a flutist, violinist, 'cellist, and vocalist (ceremony only).  I handle all the paperwork, and you will deal directly with me.

My aunt/grandmother/friend wants to sing a hymn with the harp.  Is this okay?  Yes, but you are responsible for sending me the music at least four weeks before the actual event.  If they wish to rehearse with the harp, they are welcome to set up an appointment to come out to my house.

Will you work with the organist at the church?  Absolutely.  Please provide the organist's phone number and we will consult with each other regarding your music

Do I need to feed you?  No, I do not each while playing, and usually bring my own water.

I have a stupid question . . .     There are no stupid questions. Ask away.  It's your day.  I want you to be happy.

As an experienced wedding harpist, as well as being newly engaged, I know how overwhelming the whole planning process can be.  Remember to enjoy this time, though.  You and your fiance will learn wonderful new things about each other.  Though there may be differences of opinion over the many decisions that need to be made before your wedding date, you should laugh and enjoy, too.  With each compromise you make, it is important to keep in mind that after all is said and done, this is the person you have chosen to marry. 

Here is a practical suggestion:  you will be gathering much information over this period of time, resulting in a lot of snail mail and email.  It's well worth it to rent a PO box and create a dedicated email address for the duration of your engagement.  This way all your wedding information has its own special place to go; you won't have to search through other mail to find it.  Also, and this is the best part, once your wedding is over, you can delete the email address and close out your PO box, ending your receipt of any wedding-related junk mail. 

Peace, love, and laughter . . . always.