I am a composer at heart, and truly love composing and customizing original songs. I can work from poems, vows, or your own lyrics, or completely from scratch. I’m happy to work together on providing the perfect song for your special event.
I donate my time to several charities and fundraisers throughout the year. I strongly believe that it is important to give back to my community and to people in need. Please contact me if you are interested in having me perform for your charity or fundraiser.
Frequently Asked Questions
(FAQ)
Choose songs that are special to you, that move you, and that you love. Music is very personal, and can be one of the most difficult decisions to make for your wedding. Don’t leave it until the last minute, because this can cause a lot of stress. It is very difficult to choose music for someone else, however I do provide a song list you can look over and make selections from, which many find helpful.
As much as you’d like, but the most common scenario is:
Prelude - Light background music while guests are arriving and being seated
Processional – the song played while the bridal party/bride walks down the aisle
Signing – a song is typically played to entertain guests while you do your signing
Recessional – the song played while the couple walks back down the aisle after the ceremony
Postlude – light background music while the bridal party greets guests and people mingle
Yes! Absolutely.
My experience is that most wedding ceremonies start a bit late. I’m happy to continue playing prelude music until I see that you’re in place and ready to start the processional.
Yes. I can sing in English, Latin, French, and Italian.
It is very common for a wedding reception to include a DJ for the dance portion of the evening. It may seem like an added expense to hire another musician as well, however, there are some good reasons to do so. Weddings are a gathering of many different people. Your Grandma is probably not going to enjoy dancing to Lady Gaga, so it is often a good idea to include music palatable to many ages and tastes. Hourly rates for DJs and musicians are comparable, so it usually doesn't cost more to hire both a DJ for the dance and a musician for cocktails and dinner. I think you’ll find that your guests will appreciate the ambience and variety.
You may find some options that are cheaper (a student, for example), and some that are more expensive (a duo, trio, or quartet tend to be increasingly more expensive because there are more musicians to pay). Unlike the majority of singers, I accompany myself on piano so there is only me to pay, which helps keep me affordable. A wedding is one of the most important events you will ever plan, so it’s better to pay a little extra for a professional musician with proven experience. The difference between myself and a "cheaper" musician is only about $50-150, but the quality and professionalism is definitely worth it. There are very few elements of a wedding (dress, photography, venue, meal, etc) where a difference of $50-150 can have such a meaningful impact. I pride myself on being one of the most special and memorable parts of a wedding day.
Yes, if timing allows. I frequently perform for wedding ceremonies in the afternoon, and then play at a separate event in the evening.
Yes, absolutely. I enjoy learning and performing new songs, but please give me advanced notice so that I can have lyrics ready and songs learned if I don’t already know them. Requests “on the fly” are difficult to accommodate.
Yes, I can provide an additional microphone to go through my speakers for speeches.
Not typically, but if I do need to take a short break to use the washroom or to have a quick meal, I always put on mp3 music so the room doesn’t go silent. I am a non-smoker, so I don’t need to take many breaks.
It’s nice to have a meal provided if I’m playing over dinner, but not necessary. If I do stop for a quick meal (15 minutes) I put on mp3 music while I’m on break.
Approximately 10-15 songs per hour. A 4-hour cocktail/dinner would typically have between 40-60 songs.
I have everything I require and am completely portable. I have a professional digital 88-key piano (Roland RD700SX) which sounds like a real acoustic piano, flute, two JBL EON 300 powered speakers, a Behringer XENYX 1204 FX mixing board, 2 microphones, I supply all stands, power and patch cables, and extension cords. I also supply my own iPod with preloaded mp3 music, if I need to take a short break.
The only special requirement I have is shelter, if I am playing at an outdoor venue. There must be a place for me to set up and perform out of the sun and/or rain (tent, etc). Access to a power outlet is also a must if I’m using my electronic equipment. Otherwise, I come with everything I need, ready to play.
Yes! I am a regular at the Brookstreet Hotel Options Lounge and also play at many other venues throughout Ottawa. I encourage you to check my Events page to see where I’m playing next and come out and see me perform live.
Cash, cheque or email money transfer. I require a 50% deposit to secure your date with the 50% remaining to be paid by the end of the performance.
Not much. I can fit into a 4 foot x 9 foot space.
For a ceremony, towards the front is ideal so your guests can see me without turning around, and somewhere where I have full view of the proceedings. For a cocktail/dinner, ideally somewhere near the bar (as that is where most people tend to congregate). If you will be using my system for speeches, consider that when placing me.
I am always elegantly and stylishly presented, but I can dress as formally or informally as you desire depending on the style of your event.
