Frequently asked questions
Where are you based and how far will you travel?
I am based in Hull (City of Culture 2017), East Yorkshire, so bookings within a 50 mile radius of Hull will not incur any additional travel costs. I frequently travel across the North of England across Yorkshire, Lancashire, Northumberland and Lincolnshire, (usually within a 3 hour distance) though I am happy to travel anywhere in Britain, but there will be additional charges to cover the cost and time of travel. For long distances this may increase the price significantly. Travelling expenses are calculated on a rough basis of 45p per mile, so a 500 mile return journey (e.g. to London) would cost an extra £200. Where overnight accommodation is required, this will also need to be added to the total cost.
There are many vocal artists and pianists to choose from - what makes you different?
Without question there are many fantastic vocal artists and accomplished pianists across the country who provide a similar service, (though not so many pianists in the Hull and surrounding area), but every vocal entertainer and pianist has their own individual sound, style, personality and repertoire which will make some more suited to your specific requirements and preferences than others.
Most people book me purely on the quality and uniqueness of my musical style and interpretation as well as the emotional feel, originality and extensive repertoire which combines a very wide range of music genres and eras, so as a start I would recommend listening to some samples of my performance (head back to the home page), but if possible to get to one of my gigs to experience a live performance for yourself. I believe that my music speaks for itself. However, if you were looking for a purely classical pianist, I would not be the right choice as there are many who excel and specialise in this area where I do not. But many classical pianists cannot play without sheet music or perform their own interpretations of well known songs nor do they improvise in the way a jazz musician can, so where you prefer a variety of musical styles and a less formal performance, that's where my strengths lie. I have a classical foundation having taken the musical grades (to 7), so I can play with classical 'feel' and subtlety, but I am very much at home in the realm of jazz, shows, rock and blues and I learn almost everything by ear, interpretation and improvisation rather than from someone else's sheet music.
How long do you perform for at a drinks reception, wedding breakfast, formal function or other event?
This depends on what is required, but a typical example for a wedding would be 30 minutes prior to the start of the ceremony, up to 2 hours during the drinks reception, and for the entire duration of the meal (following or leading up to the speeches etc). For a function or other event, the standard charge includes up to 3 hours, but this time can be reduced or extended as necessary. Evening vocal entertainment is typically 2 hours with one short break, but again this can be tailored to meet your needs. Please visit my wedding pianist website for specific packages and prices, or get in touch to discuss your specific requirements.
If there isn't a suitable piano at the hotel or venue, can you provide one?
This is not a problem as I have a superb Roland RD-700NX digital piano which I can provide along with any necessary PA equipment for no extra charge. Although digital, this Roland piano is one of their most recent and really does sound amazing and every bit as authentic as an actual acoustic grand, though of course it doesn't look like one. If the venue piano is to be used, it is essential that it has been recently tuned and is in excellent working order, so if possible please check this with the venue in good time.
How would we go about booking you?
Simply get in touch via phone, email or the booking form with the details of when, where and what is required. For weddings, functions and other private bookings, a deposit of 20% is usually required to secure the booking. For pubs/restaurant general entertainment, cash on the night is fine.
How much do you charge?
This varies considerably depending upon what is required and the type of occasion. Please contact me, or if you are planning a wedding have a look at the packages page on my wedding site for prices and package details.
How soon would we need to book you before our event takes place?
As soon as possible ideally, just to ensure that I am not already booked. However, I am usually happy to accept last minute bookings as long as I am available, but do already have many bookings well in advance even for next year, so the earlier the better.
How much space do you need to set up and how long does it take?
For piano performance, only enough space to accommodate a full length digital piano plus speakers on stands. For vocal entertainment, which includes piano, guitar and PA, a bit more space is required so I can stand (and breathe), but not a massive area. Setup time is about 45 mins to 1 hour.
Do you play requests?
I am very happy to play requests if at all possible, particularly if they are from my repertoire lists. If there is a song or piece of music you would particularly like me to play and it is not listed, I will endeavour to learn it as long as you let me know well in advance. Generally speaking I will be happy to learn up to 4 new songs or instrumentals for weddings/functions as long as I am given enough notice.
Do you play modern songs?
I cover a good selection of recent material, and keep adding new ones on quite a regular basis. My vocal and instrumental repertoires cover a very wide range of musical styles and eras, so please have a browse through my lists to see exactly which songs and artists I play. There are over 200 songs to choose from!
Are you able/prepared to play outdoors and what would be required if so?
This is not a problem as long as there is suitable power (a 13amp socket is fine), and cover if rain is a likelihood. I can set up without cover but would need to dismantle quickly in the event of probable rain.
Hi Antoine,
Thank you so SO much for playing at our wedding. It was such a bonus to our day. A lot of people have said how it set the tone and atmosphere and how you play with no music!!!! What an amazing talent.
We would highly recommend and use you at any future events our family have.
Thanks again,
Kerri & Andy 
Kerri and Andy
10th August 2019
Bunny Hill Weddings, North Cliffe, E. Yorkshire
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