Q: How Can We Use Live Classical Music in our Event?
A: Classical or Chamber Music can set the perfect atmosphere for a variety of events. Some common ceremonies or celebrations include:
WEDDING CEREMONIES — The sound of stringed instruments accompanied by piano or organ can accentuate the sophisticated ambiance of an elegant wedding. Live classical music only further heightens the importance of wedding standards such as Here Comes the Bride or Pachelbel Canon.
COCKTAIL RECEPTIONS/HORS D’OEUVRES — Familiar classics performed by a small group of dedicated musicians at a moderate volume creates a timeless aura set perfectly for mingling, while not becoming so loud that communication between guests becomes difficult.
DINNERS — A small group of acoustic musicians will make a special meal one to remember. It is recommended that Baroque and early Classical period composers such as Bach, Vivaldi, or Mozart be showcased. After all, many of the compositions from these genius minds were specifically written to accompany the feasting of the aristocracy of their day.
DANCING — Live waltzes can make for a first dance that will be recollected for years to come. Other classical dances often capered in groups or as early line dances include minuets, gavottes, galliards and pavanes. These genres can produce the mood of a Masquerade Ball.
CORPORATE EVENTS — Chamber music can be the perfect touch to woo your upscale clientele into signing a deal. Live classical music will also truly create a Gala atmosphere.
HOLIDAY PARTIES — Favorites such as The Nutcracker or the Alleluia Chorus can be wonderful background music while traditional Christmas Carols or popular tunes can make for memorable sing-a-longs. Costumed musicians can be a wonderful addition to theme parties such as Halloween. Patriotic tunes like Stars and Stripes Forever are available for Independence Day Celebrations.
WINE TASTING — What could possibly be more elegant at a wine tasting than a classical ensemble performing Baroque and early Classical and popular music next to candle light sparkling off exquisite crystal?
GRAND or ART OPENINGS — The festivities resounding at Art Openings or Grand Openings tend to require a variety of styles. Music is often decided based on the venue’s acoustics and the audience’s reactions.
Q:What Are Your Rates?
A:Harmonious Music’s rates vary depending on the number of musicians required, the duration of the performance, type of event, the distance of travel and the amount of sound equipment or instrumentation required. Our basic solo or duet performances start at $300.00 Discounts may be available to non-profit groups or religions organizations, or repeat performances.
Q: When Should Music be Performed During a Wedding Ceremony?
A: Music is traditionally performed during:
PRELUDES — These pieces last approximately 15-30 minutes before the processional while guests are arriving and as parents are seated. Music performed during the prelude should be of a stately nature. Harmonious Music usually creates a set list for this period. However, requests are always welcome.
WEDDING PARTY PROCESSIONAL — Bridesmaids, Groomsmen, Flower Girl and Ring Bearer. A popular and appropriate song for this is Pachelbel Canon in D. However, whatever you choose should be appropriate for a slow walk.
BRIDAL PROCESSIONAL — This is the big moment. You should chose something dramatic and stately but elegant. The Bridal Chorus, or Here Comes the Bride is always popular, but the most important thing is that the piece reflects your personality and sentimentality.
INTERLUDES — Soft music can be a nice background to candle lighting, following moments of silence or readings. Ave Maria or Air on the G String are perfectly suited for interludes.
RECESSIONALS — The bride and groom exit followed by the guests. The celebration begins with the first sound of music! Typical standards for recessionals include The Wedding March or Trumpet Voluntary.
POSTLUDES — For larger weddings additional music may be required besides the first recessional to accompany the congregation out the door. In addition, lines often form at the doors as the happy couple enter their awaiting transportation or greet guests. Music performed in the postludes will enhance an elegant and jubilant atmosphere and usually lasts between 15 minutes and a half hour. The compositions performed in postludes should be upbeat and exciting. Harmonious Music usually creates a set list for this period. However, requests are always welcome.
Q: How Do I Choose Musical Selections For Weddings?
A: There are three ways to choose the music performed at your event:
- Visit the Repertoire Page Associated with the Artist You Want to Book.
- There are numerous CDs available at retail outlets created with standards for specific events. You can also listen to short passages of music online at sites like Amazon.com or iTunes.
- It is important to choose music that has sentimental meaning to you or your family. Harmonious Music is willing and able to find or arrange your requests for your performance. There may be a small additional fee to create arrangements of nonstandard music.
Q: How Can I Hear the Ensembles Before I Hire Them?
A: HarmoniousMusic.com’s Samples and Repertoire and Free Download pages provides actual recordings of our ensembles.
Q: How Long Should I Hire the Musicians For?
A: It depends on the type and scale of event you have
1.5 HOURS— Is suitable for most wedding ceremonies only. Weddings rarely begin on time so a fifteen minute prelude tends to end up being a half hour. This way your guests are entertained as they arrive and you have time to attend to last minute details. When the ceremony is over, the musicians still have time to play for the postlude as guests leave.
2 HOURS — If you intend to have a very short ceremony and would like the musicians to stay (or relocate) and play for the cocktail hour. This Is also enough time for a typical art opening, cocktail reception, dinner or holiday party.
2.5 HOURS — Is enough time for a long ceremony such as a Catholic or Orthodox ceremony along with the reception afterwards.
3 OR MORE HOURS — Will be enough time to provide music for the entire event. This includes the ceremony, reception, and dinner. Chamber ensembles tend to be very mobile and can be easily relocated from one site to another in a matter of 10 to 15 minutes.
OVERTIME — If more time is needed, you may request the musicians to stay and play longer. As long as the performers have no prior commitments, they will be happy to oblige. This is considered overtime and will be charged in 15 minute intervals based on the rate agreed upon in your contract.
Q: Do I Need to Tip the Musicians?
A: This is at your discretion.
You do not have to tip the musicians, but it is always greatly appreciated.
Q: Will the Musicians Take a Break During the Wedding Ceremony?
A: No
Musicians will not take a break until after the ceremony finishes. In some circumstances this can be after two hours.
Musicians arrange their breaks around toasts, speeches or other events.
In most instances the musicians will take a 15 minute break after the first hour of performing and an additional 15 minute break after every additional 45 minutes of performance.
Q: What Kind of Equipment and Setup is Required?
A: Seating and Access to electricity
CHAIRS WITHOUT ARMS — 1 for each member of the ensemble.
ACCESS TO ELECTRICITY — A power outlet is required for music stand lights and for any sound gear that is needed by the musicians. Harmonious Music will supply up to a fifty foot extension chord for outdoor settings.
Q: Will The Musicians play outdoors?
A: Yes
However, musicians and especially their instruments must be protected from moisture, direct sunlight and temperature extremes. If the musicians deem that their safety or the safety of their instruments and equipment is in danger they have the right not to perform.
Q: How Do I Reserve the Date?
A: The best way to book us is to fill out the contact form on this page.
You can also call us at 914-424-7160 or email us at the following address
After a personal meeting either on the phone or in person (depending on your location), Harmonious Music will send you a contract that you will need to return with a deposit.
The deposit is fully refundable up to 30 days prior to the event should you need to cancel our services.
The balance of the contract fee will be due on the day of the event.
Q: Will There Be Any Travel Expenses?
A: Whenever possible Harmonious Music includes travel expenses
in the initial contract.
We generally anticipate a travel distance of less than 50 miles from zip code 10923. In the event that extended travel is required we estimate the time and distance with the services of Mapquest.com. We charge a travel fee of $50 per musician for every 50 miles of travel over the initial 50 miles.
Q: How Far In Advance Should I Hire?
A: We book up to 1 year ahead of the event.
To ensure availability, it is best to book as soon as you know the location date and time of your event.
Don’t forget, your deposit is fully refundable up to 30 days prior to the event.
Q: Will the Ensemble Attend the Wedding Rehearsal?
A: In some cases it is possible.
Depending on scheduling it may be possible for our musicians to attend the rehearsal, but it is really an unnecessary expense. The wedding rehearsal is more to assemble the wedding party and organize how to walk, stand and exit. Our musicians are experienced at playing wedding ceremonies and do not need to rehearse. If you would like to practice with the music, we can put together a CD or email you MP3 files of your selections so that you may play them at the rehearsal.
Q: What Will The Musicians Wear?
A: Men will wear black suits and women will wear dressy black unless otherwise requested.
It may be possible for men to wear tuxedos and for women to wear dressy colors if you prefer. The musicians may also be willing to wear costumes for period reenactments at additional cost.
Q: How Well Do the Instruments Project?
A: It depends on the ensemble and acoustics of your chosen venue.
It is important to position the musicians where the majority of your guests will be able to easily enjoy them. Typical locations include close proximity to the hors d’oeuvres, buffet or entrance.
For most outdoor wedding ceremonies and events of around 100 people the sound of string and wind instruments will carry well enough with no amplification assuming there isn’t a great deal of background noise.
For indoor receptions, most small ensembles will be audible in venues holding around 200 guests such as old wooden buildings, mansions or churches. If you expect to have a guest list of 200 people or more, Harmonious Music recommends the use of amplification for all instruments and voices. Harmonious Music offers the use of a PA system and microphones at additional cost.
Q: Should I Provide Food for the Musicians?
A: You are not required to provide food for the entertainers. However, for events lasting longer than two hours it is greatly appreciated.