SOMETHING NEW WEDDING MUSIC

 Q:  How much notice do you need to compose a new piece of music for my wedding?

A:  Generally at least three months notice is preferred.  Of course, giving me more notice - like six months to a year before the wedding - is perfectly fine as well.

Q: How do you provide the music?

I offer two options:

#1 - Some couples plan to have one or more musicians either at the ceremony and/or reception.  I can provide a professional quality music score for the musician(s) to play.  What I usually do is send the completed score electronically via email (as a .pdf file) so either you or the musicians can open the file and print the score.  (Of course, I can send the music score by regular mail if requested.)

#2 - I can provide a professional quality CD of the music to play on any CD player.  Of course, if a couple wants to play a music CD for a wedding ceremony in a church, they would need to check with the church.  Some churches allow recorded music; some do not.

Note that the CD option could be used in a couple of ways.

Example #1: A couple would like me to compose an original instrumental piece of music, but they'd rather not spend the extra money to hire musicians that can play it at their ceremony and/or reception.

No problem.  Want an instant string quartet?  I can record a realistic sounding string quartet and put that on a CD.  Or a piano and flute duo?  I could record them, too.  I could provide a recorded brass ensemble, guitars, drums, church organ, you name it...the sky's the limit! (I use a music software program called Finale which has an excellent orchestral sound library.) 

Example #2: A couple has a singer and would like me to compose an original song for their wedding and/or reception.  I can compose a special wedding song and provide the sheet music for the singer.  If there is no other musician available to accompany the singer, then I can also provide a CD with a great instrumental background to make the singer and the song shine even more. 

Q:  Can I decide on the style of music I want?  Can I make suggestions for lyrics?

A:  Yes to both questions.

Maybe you want a song in the style of Josh Groban or a Disney tune (like "Beauty & The Beast" or "A Whole New World").  Perhaps you would like lyrics that reflect themes from your own wedding vows.  Or maybe you would like an instrumental piece that sounds like a favorite romantic movie score (like "Pride & Prejudice") or a favorite classical composer.

Just note that if you want an original piece of music for a wedding ceremony in a church, it's usually necessary to check with the pastor or musical director for any special musical guidelines they may have.

Q:  Do you provide a vendor contract?

A:  Yes.  The contract stipulates a number of items such as the nature of the musical composition requested and the deadline for its completion.  I will mail a signed contract to you for your signature.