Hiring A Pianist: Be Prepared
So, you would like to hire a pianist for that special occasion. If you’re like most people, it’s not something you do everyday. You probably have some questions or concerns before proceeding.
If you are going to hire a pianist, there is one item that you’ll want to put at the top of the list. It will surely help you to avoid lots of confusion and will be conducive to leaving no loose ends prior to the big day.
The Primary Requisite
We’re talking about communication. That includes correspondence with all those involved in the arrangements. First and foremost, your prospective pianist is the most important person you’ll want to establish communication with.
Let’s acknowledge some important considerations as you begin your search for a pianist. Knowing what questions to ask will put you in a good position for achieving your goal.
Know Your Motives
Understand what you are looking to achieve by hiring a pianist. What will be this performer’s primary function? Are you wanting unobtrusive background music? Do you have a sing-along in mind? Are you expecting your pianist to be a vocalist? What style of music are you expecting?
Who’s Supplying The Piano?
Are you hosting this event at your home? Will your piano be performed on? If so, you will want to be sure that the piano is in good playing condition from both a mechanical and and intonation perspective. Communicating with a piano tuner/technician and making arrangements to have your piano serviced is something you’ll want to do within a couple of weeks of your event.
If your event will take place at an establishment, you will want to know whether or not a piano will be available. You’ll need to be sure the piano is in good playing condition as we already mentioned.
If there is no piano available at the place of your event, hiring a pianist who provides a portable piano will be a requisite (unless, of course, you are paying for the rental of one).
Questions Are Power
Now you are equipped with some important questions to present to any prospective pianists that you speak with. You will want to know if this professional can satisfy your requirements. Also, if you are seeing to it that the piano will be tuned, letting the pianist know will be most appreciated. Playing on a piano that is fully functional and in tune is every pianist’s hope on the way to the gig.
The situation sometimes exists when the pianist you are hiring will be familiar with the establishment and may be willing to communicate with the manager regarding the piano’s condition. However, it is generally not the responsibility of the performer.
Leave Nothing To Chance
Take nothing for granted regarding any of the details we have acknowledged or any other considerations of your own. For example, are you wanting a special song to be performed? Your pianist should know well in advance.
All of these considerations should lead to your having result-oriented communication with all those involved. Putting everything on the table ahead of time will help to ensure that your special day is a success.