Frequently Asked Questions –

Here’s some of the stuff I think you’d like to know. If I’ve missed anything please don’t hesitate to contact me.

What type of music can you play?

In short, anything and everything! Bach, Beatles, Beethoven, Beyoncé, BTS, Bruno Mars, Elgar, Ed Sheeran, Einaudi, Eric Clapton, Fauré, Franck and Frank Sinatra, Sam Smith, Saint-Säens, Offenbach, Opera, ONe Piece, One Direction: If you can hum it, I can play it for you. I have never been asked for something I could not interpret. Honestly. Your wish is my command… Check out my current repertoire.

You are a classical musician, don’t you just play classical music?

Not at all! I understand that if you are not a fan of traditional classical music you might be reluctant to engage a classical musician, and that is why I describe myself as a crossover artist. As an experienced composer and arranger I can offer you your favourite song for your ceremony or reception absolutely free of charge. I guarantee you will not easily find this option from any classical ensemble nor contemporary group.

How long can you play for?

With over 14 hours of music in my repertoire encompassing all genres, I can bring a variety of styles and a seamless continuity to your day. I can play for 60 minutes without any break; a sensible maximum for an event is 2.5 hours of music which would easily cover your ceremony and drinks reception.

What kind of events do you cover?

You can hire me for your destination wedding ceremony, cocktails, reception, evening do, proposal, engagement, welcome drinks, rehearsal dinner, farewell barbeque… I play for charity functions, gallery openings, business events, birthdays, anniversaries, garden parties…

What are your credentials and experience?

I have been a wedding ‘cellist in France for over a decade, but before this I have played for numerous orchestras, ensembles, bands, choral and chamber groups and I compose, arrange and record my own backing tracks. But above all, I love music, and I want you to have the Perfect Day, with the music you love, live and absolutely gorgeous.

I really love your website but have no idea how to start choosing my wedding music. Can you help?

Absolutely! Every wedding is as unique as you are, and I have a vast experience of helping Brides and Grooms to create the perfect ambience for their wedding day. In fact I love getting into the musical mindset of every new couple. The process starts as soon as you book me and we are aiming to have the final music choices selected one month in advance of the wedding. I have a number of suggested playlists which will help you chooses a mood for your event. If you want complete control, that is fine. If you want guidance, I will give it to you. If you have no clue, I am the girl for you. The sky really is the limit. See how I helped one Bride to create the perfect champagne reception.

Can I request additional special arrangements?

Yes, of course! I want everyone to be able to enjoy quality live music of their own choice on their wedding day, and not be bound by limitations of genre, instrumentation or technical capability. I am constantly adding to my repertoire, keeping in touch with current trends and discovering new material all the time. When you book my day package you will have one special song arrangement included in the fee, and further arrangements can be requested for and small additional fee.

Do you charge for special arrangements?

Live music creates an unforgettable ambience at a wedding and  it is my belief that every bride should be able to walk down the aisle to her chosen piece of music without resorting to a Spotify ceremony.

I therefore offer one special arrangement free of charge when you book my day package. (To have a piece of music specially arranged would usually incur a charge of between £50 and £150 depending on the length and complexity of the arrangement, whether sheet music is provided or available, and whether the arranger is willing to work from an audio or video track – most aren’t.)

How do I go about making a special request?

To take advantage of this astonishingly good offer, all you need to do is book my day package, pay your deposit and send me a link to your chosen track e.g. on YouTube. I will then arrange it for ‘cello and backing track (piano, strings or other, as appropriate to the music). I require six weeks notice for this service.

Do I need to provide you with sheet music?

No. I will arrange the music from the link you send. I cannot emphasise enough that this is very unusual – most arrangers will not attempt this, and those that do will charge high hourly rates.

Can I request more than one special piece?

I offer to arrange one piece without additional charge because this enables the couple to have their ‘special song’ during the ceremony, whether that is for the Entrance or Exit music. However, if you are a huge fan of a particular genre or artist, please do feel free to ask about additional material for your cocktails, reception or first dance. Additional requests will be charged at €45 per item.

Can you arrange any song for the ‘cello?

Almost! The ‘cello is extremely versatile, having the largest range of any orchestral instrument (excluding harp or piano) and has a tonal quality very similar to the human voice, making it very pleasing to any audience and adaptable to music in which the melody is normally sung, e.g. popular music, musical theatre or opera. In addition, I am an experienced composer and arranger, and having played in numerous ensembles and bands I can interpret all genres of music from rock to pop, folk to soul, musical theatre to opera.

Do you play acoustically or amplified?

That depends on your requirements and those of the venue. For a church wedding or unlicensed venue you may not be permitted to use amplified music, therefore I will play acoustically and solo – the effect is intimate and truly engaging. For a larger venue I use a sound system (supplied) which allows me to fill a large room or be easily heard in an outdoor space. Alternatively I can plug in to an established system (my requirements being a 6mm mono jack and stereo mini jack). If you have any questions regarding the licensing of your venue, please contact me for advice.

Can you play outside?

I can and do frequently, weather permitting. My instrument is extremely sensitive to heat and humidity, so I will require shade from direct sun (in the summer season) and suitable shelter in case of sudden downpours (all year). I must stress that I cannot set up or play in even the mildest rain. My fingers work very hard and I need to be able to feel them and the strings, so I cannot play outside in temperatures below 17 C or in dangerously hot temperatures above 35 C. In high winds you will not hear a thing! My amp has a battery life of around 4 hours, after that I will require an electricity point  – we can liaise with your venue to ensure that this is feasible.

On your ReverbNation and ‘Listen’ pages you are often accompanied by a piano, strings or band, but you are a soloist; will this be replicated on the day?

Yes! If you are marrying or celebrating in a private venue or one with a music licence, I will be accompanied by either professionally produced backing tracks or an accompaniment arranged and recorded by me to ensure a full and authentic sound. The sound bites on my web pages exactly represent what you will hear on the day. What you hear is what you get.

Do you have your own PA equipment or sound system?

I do. I have a battery powered amp which means I can more from location to location and not have to worry about access to electricity supplies either inside or outside.

How do I book you?

Firstly contact me to check my availability. I will then send you a booking form (known as a ‘Devis’ in France) and Terms and Conditions for you to sign and return with a €100 deposit. This must be paid either by Bank (SEPA) Transfer or Wise etc. The receipt of the signed Devis and deposit secures the date and confirms the booking. Then we can start to plan your music!

Do you require a deposit to secure the booking?

A €100 deposit will be required at time of booking in order to secure the date. This must be paid either by Bank (SEPA) Transfer or Wise etc.

When is full payment required?

The balance will be due one month before the event, payable by Bank Transfer, Wise, etc. I do not accept cash on the day.

Can you co-ordinate with my wedding theme?

Live musicians are not just about the sound! We create a visual spectacle which will delight your guests and give your photographer a real treat. I have even been asked to pose for photos with the Bride and Groom (so lovely!) and have featured in many a wedding album. Therefore it will be my pleasure to fit in with your chosen theme or colour scheme. I am truly blessed to have a job where I can play beautiful music and enjoy dressing up at the same time!

Any further questions?

Don’t hesitate to contact me. I rest at your disposal from first enquiry to wedding day: To create the mood of dreams is ‘mon metier.’ Bisous xx