Performers and Music for Events
How to Choose the Right Performer and Music for Your Event
A successful entertainment program is a vital part of any event, as music sets the desired atmosphere and ensures your guests enjoy themselves. Selecting the right music and performer for your event requires careful consideration.
This guide offers tips and advice to help you plan the perfect music for your occasion, whether it’s a memorable performance for a wedding, family gathering, or corporate event.
1. Choose Music That Suits Your Guests’ Tastes
When deciding on the type of music for your event, prioritize your guests’ preferences over your own. If the music resonates with them, they’ll feel comfortable and may even be inspired to dance if the opportunity arises. Conversely, if the music doesn’t appeal to them, they may become frustrated, bored, or even leave early.
Generally, people enjoy music from their teenage years or early twenties. A mix of timeless classics and modern hits tends to please guests of all ages. For weddings, songs meaningful to the couple are often the best choice. A professional musician, experienced in performing for diverse audiences and occasions, can assist you in creating a program tailored to your guests.
2. Plan Entertainment That Matches the Event’s Tone
Consider the type of event you’re hosting. The music’s mood and the event’s character should align, even if the music appeals to your guests.
For example, a formal corporate event calls for light, calm background music that doesn’t overpower conversation. A company summer party for the same guests might benefit from upbeat, fast-paced music, while classical pieces can make guests at a charity gala feel valued and esteemed.
3. Consider Guest Count, Venue Size, and Sound Equipment
How many guests are on your invite list? A larger ensemble is ideal for corporate anniversaries or bigger weddings, while a solo pianist or jazz pianist can elevate a small gathering. A solo pianist is the most versatile performer, as piano music works beautifully for events with tens or hundreds of guests. A professional pianist can adapt the sound setup to the event’s scale and bring their own equipment, from electric pianos to amplifiers, if needed.
Choose entertainment that suits the venue. A solo pianist’s performance sounds beautiful in any space, but a larger ensemble requires a sufficiently spacious room to shine.
4. Align Music and Background Music with the Event’s Schedule
The music sets the foundation for your event’s atmosphere. The tempo and style should reflect the event’s program and activities. For instance, request elegant classical music for guests arriving at a wedding, jazz to liven up a corporate lunch, or pop for a lighthearted family gathering. Background music can represent any genre, as long as it’s not too hectic or attention-grabbing. Adjust the volume based on whether you want guests to stay seated or move around, and plan pauses in the music for announcements or speeches.
A skilled performer can craft a cohesive musical arc for your event. Soft, warm, approachable music works well at the start when fewer guests are present. The mood can intensify as more attendees arrive. Upbeat dance music is perfect once the event is in full swing, with the final hour reserved for calmer, winding-down tunes.
5. Book Performers Early and Locally
If your event date is set, consider arranging entertainment a year or two in advance. Early booking allows you to choose from top performers and can save on costs, as fees often rise with a performer’s growing reputation and demand. Hiring a local performer also helps keep your budget in check by avoiding travel expenses or additional charges for travel time.
6. Carefully Consider the Ensemble Size
Another way to manage entertainment costs is to thoughtfully choose the size of the musical ensemble. Do you need a ten-piece band, or would a skilled solo musician or duo suffice?
A solo pianist is an excellent choice for any event—weddings, christenings, birthdays, corporate functions, or formal galas. A solo pianist can provide refined background music, a captivating virtuoso performance, or a tailored music package. A skilled pianist is versatile across genres, accommodating your preferences and playing everything from classical to jazz, pop, rock, modern hits, and theater or film scores. Unlike other instruments, a piano requires no accompaniment.
7. Review Performer Feedback in Advance
When selecting music for your event, reviews from others are invaluable. Pay attention not only to the quality of the performance but also to the performer’s planning assistance and communication skills. Choosing a highly recommended performer reduces stress before and during the event.
8. Invest in a Professional
Hiring a professional musician for your event may not be inexpensive, but how often do you host milestones like weddings, christenings, or 70th birthday celebrations? A professional’s expertise shines through in their service and repertoire breadth, and most importantly, in their performance.
A professional musician can guide the event’s flow and mood by adjusting the music’s tempo, style, and tone to suit the moment. When your chosen performer knows exactly what to do and when, you can focus on enjoying the occasion, confident that your guests are entertained.
A solo pianist’s performance typically costs between €400 and €3,000, depending on the duration, complexity of the repertoire, and the event’s timing and location.