Frequently Asked Questions
Weddings & Events
Can I hire you for an outdoor event?
As long as there isn’t a threat of rain or too much wind, absolutely! The harp is made of wood and gut strings which are affected by direct sunlight and dramatic temperature changes. The harp also requires solid ground underneath. As long as we take all this into consideration, I am more than happy to play outdoors. Outdoor event policies can be found below.
What do we need to provide?
All I need is a 6' x 4' space on level, dry ground! I will bring all of the equipment I need, including a bench/chair.
Can you play with other musicians?
Of course! I love playing with others. There is usually a small additional charge for me to play with another musician for your event as we need to factor in additional music purchases and rehearsals.
Can your harp be amplified?
For indoor locations, the harp is usually loud enough without amplification, (depending on the size of the room). However, I do provide my own amplifier, free of charge! Amplification is almost always needed for outdoor events.
What kind of music will you play?
What I choose to play depends on the event and what my client would prefer (ie. classical only, pop, Celtic only, etc). If you have a preference on a type of music you want for your event, please let me know and we can curate a playlist that will fit your style!
Click here for a list of my current repertoire!
Can you play with other musicians?
Of course! I love playing with others. There is usually a small additional charge for me to play with another musician for your event as we need to factor in additional music purchases and rehearsals.
Do you take special requests?
I would be happy to take requests for songs to learn ahead of time, as long as there is enough notice before the event (if I don't already have the song in my repertoire). I ask for 4-6 weeks advanced notice to make sure the piece is performance ready, and there is a $40 fee per special request outside my repertoire.
What do you wear for events?
If you have a dress code, style, theme, or color scheme you would like me to fit into, I am happy to try and match! Otherwise, I will ask for wear all black.
What should I expect when I hire you for my wedding?
I will arrive at least one hour before your ceremony starts to unload and meet with the day-of contact to determine where to set up and store my cases, and park my car. I will bring my own music stand, chair, and stand light (if applicable). Before the service starts, I'll also connect with the officiant to discuss timing and cues. You can sit back and focus on getting married!
How do I choose music for my wedding?
I will offer suggestions to help you create your wedding music list. You get to choose all your music! If you don’t want to bother with making the music decisions, I only needs to know what styles of music you’d like me to play, and I'll make the music selection an easy item for your wedding checklist. We will also discuss this during our consultation call! For my current repertoire list, click here.
Booking
What are your rates?
Pricing depends on a variety of factors including the type and length of event, travel, and specific requests. Please contact me to receive a custom quote! Once terms are agreed, I will send you a contract which will need to be signed and returned with a $100 non-refundable deposit. The remainder of the payment will be due in full at the event. There is a late payment surcharge of $25 per week beginning one week after the day of the event.
How do I book you for an event?
Pricing depends on a variety of factors including the type and length of event, travel, and specific requests. Please contact me to receive a custom quote!
What forms of payment do you accept?
I accept payments in cash, check, Zelle, Venmo, or credit card. For any credit card payments, a 4% credit card processing fee will be added.
How far will you travel for an event?
I am based in the northern Chicago area, and my standard cartage rate ($100) will include transportation to Cook and Lake County. For locations farther than 25 miles from my home in Rogers Park, I charge mileage at $.30/mile in addition to my standard cartage rate.
What is your cancellation policy?
The $100 non-refundable deposit fee, which goes toward the payment of the service fee, is required to reserve the date, unless agreed upon at the time of signing. Once the deposit is made, I will reserve the date for the event. Any cancellations within 2 weeks of the event will result in payment in the full amount for the event.
​
I will only cancel if there is no realistic or responsible way that I can provide the service as booked (ex. injury, illness, etc.). If I need to cancel, I will contact you and actively work to find a substitute for you. I will also refund all fees paid to me, including the deposit.
Outdoor Event Policy
To ensure both the safety of my instrument and myself, my contracts include an outdoor event policy.
Harps are made of wood and held together primarily with glue. Wood expands, contracts, and dries out in response to changes in temperature and humidity. Exposure to the elements can cause immediate damage or long-term deterioration. Even minor issues—such as a small crack or weakened joint—can escalate over time, potentially causing the harp to pull itself apart.​​ Uneven or unstable ground also poses risks; if a harp tips or falls, critical areas can fracture or break completely. Repairs often require shipping the instrument to specialized harp makers or factories , resulting in extremely high costs and weeks—or even months—without an instrument.
​
There are also personal safety concerns. Cold weather can make my hands too stiff to play accurately, while extreme heat and sun can lead to sunburn or heat exhaustion. No one wants an outdoor event disrupted by a medical emergency!
​
For reference, here is an excerpt of the standard weather clause included in my contract:
Weather and Ground Conditions (Outdoor events):
1. The Client agrees to provide space at minimum four feet by six feet to be made available to the harp and Artist at least one hour prior to the scheduled performance start time. The space must be safe, level, stable, and shaded, and must be clear of loose dirt, debris, mud, standing water, dew, snow, sand, rubble, rocks, and mulch.
2. The Client will provide a stable, solid structure on which to place the harp and the Artist if no such area is available that meets the above requirements. Acceptable surfaces include intact plywood boards, rugs that lay flat and are not at risk of absorbing water on the ground, and tightly-packed concrete slabs.
3. If access to the space requires crossing rough, unstable, or unsafe terrain or surfaces not limited to sand, cobblestone, gravel, or mud, the Artist reserves the right to refuse performance and will not refund any amount of payment.
4. On the date of the event, the Artist reserves the right to declare the weather unsuitable or unsafe for the harp or the Artist. Weather conditions include all forms of precipitation, winds in excess of 18 mph, temperatures (including but not limited to) above 85.0°F (29.4°C) or below 55.0°F (15.6°C), and direct sunlight for more than an hour. If a protective structure is ready and available and is deemed suitable by the Artist as meeting the above requirements, the Artist will set up and perform from within it. For example, a tall (7 feet or higher) event tent or comparable structure with closed sides that prevents precipitation from entering above or around it.
5. If the event is moved to an indoor, temperature controlled contingency venue, the Artist will relocate as soon as notified. If the Client chooses to remain at the original venue for the event and do not provide a protective structure or contingency venue in the event of the above weather conditions, the Artist may decline a performance and will not issue a refund of any amount and will be owed any overtime payments immediately if accrued.
6. The Artist reserves the right to declare the venue, site, structure, or surface unsafe or unsuitable if none meet
the criteria above, and to refuse a performance. The Artist will not refund any amount of payment if an alternate site deemed suitable by the Artist is not provided.