Hiring a Musician Made Easy

Hiring a musician can be a difficult process for the non-musician. You’ll want to consider the space, date and time, and atmosphere you are trying to create. The Gig Referral Service is offering this guide to support your search for the perfect entertainment.

Categories of Instruments

Woodwinds – flute, clarinet, oboe, bassoon, saxophone

Brass – trumpet, trombone, horn, tuba

Strings – violin, viola, cello, bass

Voice – soprano, mezzo-soprano, tenor, baritone, bass

Other – piano, organ, harp, guitar

Typical Ensembles
Harp and flute duo
String quartet
Brass quintet
Jazz trio

Event and Venue Recommendations

Questions to Consider
Do you have the date, time, and location of the event solidified?
What is your budget?
What type of atmosphere do you want to create?
Is the location/venue suitable for musicians?
Is there a piano? When was it last tuned?

Wedding Ceremonies and Receptions
The size of the wedding and budget will most likely affect the choice of musicians and music at a ceremony or reception. The first step is to decide if you are interested in one musician for the whole ceremony or various groups for different parts of the ceremony. For instance, some might want a string quartet for the processional and a vocalist during the ceremony.

Reception musicians and music can vary depending on the atmosphere you want to encourage. If the reception will include dancing, a more popular style of music may be preferred - perhaps a jazz or swing group. If the reception is more formal, such as a cocktail reception, a pianist or string ensemble can achieve a relaxed or light atmosphere. Other instruments or small ensembles include: guitar, harp, jazz/piano trio, and woodwind quintet.

Parties and Receptions
Music for parties is generally only background music. Therefore, budget, venue and audience size might be more of a consideration to you as you organize the event. Small, intimate events including cocktail receptions, dinner parties, and holiday gatherings are appropriate settings for soloists, duos, or trios. The style and genre tend to be on the lighter side. Jazz and classical music, or perhaps something relevant to the time of year, is most appropriate.  (See also Corporate Events)

Corporate Events
Corporate events can range from large, themed events to small social gatherings. In either case, the appropriate music may depend on the size and budget of the event.

For more social corporate parties you may want to consider appropriate ethnic music, jazz ensembles, or cover bands.

Similar to the musical suggestions made for a cocktail reception, classical music or smaller ensembles work well for quiet, small events. A singer/songwriter, classical guitarists, solo violinists, and harpists seem to be best suited for this type of event.

For either large or small parties, some clients use the musicians to act as entertainment between the cocktail hour and dinner, performing a short concert-like set. These short performances can also be used to break the event up into smaller portions.

Other Events
Other events that may include musical entertainment include graduations, funerals, bat/bar mitzvahs, birthdays, retirement, and many others.

Please contact the Gig Referral Service if you have further questions.
440.775.8686
gigs@oberlin.edu