Top Tips to Hire a Pianist

The piano is one of the most enjoyed sounds in music. It's elegance and versatility make it the ideal addition to events of all kinds. A solo pianist can typically play anything from classical or jazz and can customize their songs for your event. Whether you’re looking for someone to perform at your next holiday party, wedding ceremony, or even a small get together, now is the perfect time to hire a pianist. 

Pianists are professional musicians who take their craft very seriously. This type of live music is the perfect background music for large events like galas and weddings, as well as small corporate events and dinner parties. To ensure you find the perfect performer for your party, things like pianists costs, years of experience, and type of event are a few things to consider. 

Here are some of our top tips to hire a pianist for your next event:

Check Background Information

Before you even begin to look at pianists, the first thing you should do is make sure (then double check, then triple check) that your venue has a tuned piano! No matter how skilled your pianist is, they won't be able to play without a piano. They also won't be able to play well without a tuned one. If there isn't a piano available, your search will be narrowed down to those who travel with their own keyboard, so be sure to specify ahead of time.

Another important factor to mention is if you're looking for a singing pianist. Not all pianists sing, but many may be able to accommodate by bringing in an accompanying singer. Start off by looking at piano players within the style of music you want to hear. A great guideline is that a classical pianist is more appropriate for formal ceremonies, whereas larger parties and events will need a pianist to play many genres, from classic rock to blues to today’s hits. 

Stay in Tune

Once you find the perfect pianist for your event, you'll want to finalize a few details. Arrival time, parking information, length of performance, dress attire, and amenities available are all basic points that need to be discussed beforehand.

Song list is another very important topic to cover. It’s important that you discuss songs you would like to hear, as well as any tunes you absolutely don't want to hear. Some professional pianists may be able to learn a couple of your favorite songs ahead of time if you give them enough notice. 

It’s important to be aware that they may request extra compensation to cover the cost of new sheet music. To avoid surprises regarding any of these details, we suggest that you work with the pianist to create a contract.

Ask Questions

Below are some questions we suggest that you ask when looking to hire a pianist for your event:

• What kinds of events do you usually book?
• When did you begin performing? (while some pianist may have been around for 30 years, some may be brand new—and still very talented)
• Can you tell me about your training and experience?
• What styles of music do you specialize in?
• Do you have a portable keyboard or need anything from us before your performance? 
• Do you sing as well as play?
• Do you take requests?
• Are there videos of your performances that I may preview?

With weddings, corporate events, and holiday events more popular than ever, musicians tend to book up quickly. There's no better time to hire a pianist for your events.

Hire a Pianist 

If you’re ready to hire a pianist, read these tips for finding and booking vendors on The Bash.