Kathie
Nicolet Chicago Pianist For Special Events
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In
early April of 2009, I was asked to play for a wedding
ceremony that seemed to be very uncomplicated when I
agreed to contract with the bride/groom. Just a simple
“Here Comes The Bride” was requested in
addition to a few special pieces. This was very low
cost to the couple who insisted they were on a budget
yet planning a wedding at a historical home in Oak Park.
With the economy being as unsettled as it currently
is and people trying to cut corners, against my better
judgment, I agreed to a much lower fee than I usually
charge.
These following
stories will demonstrate how a wedding with a “low
cost” musician could have resulted in disasters.
Wedding
# 1
Upon my early
arrival to the first wedding, I discovered the ceremony
was to be held outside in 49 degree weather with very
gusty winds.
HOWEVER……..
The grand
piano was INSIDE this venue overlooking a huge front
porch – positioned at the rear – behind
the guests where I could only peer out an open “
floor to ceiling” window about two feet wide.
The entire
ceremony was on the OTHER side of a solid wall. My hands
were so cold I ran hot water over them for 20 minutes
prior to the ceremony. This wall separated me from all
the guests and bridal party where I could not see OR
hear the minister, (50 feet at the other end of the
porch), did not know when the bridal party or bride
was entering, making it impossible for me to know when
to start/stop playing a particular piece. Special music
requested by the bride was flying off the piano and
onto the floor. My “lookout” was BEHIND
me and did not help me in the least. The other appointed
“look out” was dancing with his baby (flower
girl) in the aisle enjoying the festivities while I
struggled to figure out what was going on and wondering
how I was going to coordinate music for a processional
I could not see. To add to the “mix”, I
was attempting to read music and turning completely
around to determine where the bridal party was.
Would an
amateur, music student, relative of the bride, etc,
know what to do under these unforeseen circumstances?
I think everyone knows the answer to this question..
As a professional musician, I took an impossible situation
and transformed it into a successful one by being prepared
for the unexpected.
Wedding
# 2
This wedding
was held at a venue I perform at quite frequently, so
I was very familiar with the layout of the hotel and
where the bridal party would be entering. Having completed
prelude, processional music, and noting the bride standing
at the entrance, I proceeded to begin the “Bridal
March”. Everything had run smoothly until now.
The bride froze in her tracks. I could see her through
the window and couldn’t understand why she wasn’t
walking! Enough time went by and the “Bridal March”
was over. But there was no bride at the altar! All vendors
were baffled as to why the bride just stood in the doorway!
What would an amateur do? Keep playing the march over
and over and over sounding like a broken record? I knew
if I stopped playing altogether everyone would know
something was wrong. So, I started playing anything
that resembled wedding music hoping the guests would
believe that I meant to do that! Reverend Jim Rehnberg
(the most amazing minister in Chicagoland), said afterwards,
“GOOD SAVE!!”….. So, what happened
to the bride?? The ring bearer had left the wedding
rings on the 7th floor of the hotel. No rings? No wedding!
Would an amateur know what to do and be able to figure
a way out?
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As
a Professional Chicago Pianist for Corporate/Social
Events since 1983, this question is often the first
and only question I hear when a potential client calls.
Unfortunately, we aren’t all priced like a box
of cereal but consider a variety of factors that determine
our fees. My charges begin at $200.00.
Ideally,
we’d hope our clients would allow us time to explain
our charges but often the only information they hear
is the “price tag” without giving us the
opportunity to explain WHY we charge what we do. Just
as prices vary for a thrifty Ford Taurus as opposed
to a Mercedes SL-500 with fine leather interior, musicians
vary pricing depending on what the services and their
value represent.
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*
The First Factor In Establishing Fees Is My Experience*
My professional
experience in both the corporate and social markets,
having performed for every function, imaginable, is
extensive – Christenings, Bar Mitzvahs, Store
Grand Openings, Political Fundraisers, Televised Awards
Presentations, performing for a Rose Bowl “Special”
on a Santa Fe train bound for California, Chartered
Boats, Funerals, Hospitality Suites, Trade Shows, Conventions,
high profile “Hollywood VIP Receptions”
including one
for Robert Redford/Sally Field, and as Lead Pianist
for Nordstrom 7 years (Oak Brook / Woodfield locations)
as well as Von Maur in Lombard and St. Charles from
1997 to 2009 ( current).
With my experience
performing for weddings, I know what to do if the minister
is detained, your ceremony gets delayed for any reason,
if the processional has to be lengthened or shortened,
etc. If a guest approaches the piano during the reception
and asks for a favorite piece, I can play it –
without music. I am familiar with logistics of hotels,
clubs, restaurants, and can tell you if the piano is
in good shape. There is protocol involved with every
event, and I am educated as to the role every person
plays at the venue should I have questions or concerns
upon arrival before your event has even begun.
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"Do
You Know The Difference Between An Amateur And A Professional
Musician And Why One Is Such A “Bargain ?"
* The Second Factor Is Based On Knowledge Of My Craft*
Beyond the
education required (many of us have spent our entire
lives studying music), I offer you a huge library of
music to choose from, a polished repertoire of a great
variety of selections that are personally arranged for
your special occasion. Memorizing all music allows the
freedom of expression to perform with sensitivity and
creativity – as opposed to relying on sheet music
– which can be messy and not very professional.
Every professional solo pianist who has performed in
concert is required to memorize every single piece performed
in public. I offer you 5 hours of professional, appropriate,
memorized repertoire. You want your professional to
interact with your guests, be inviting, approachable,
and ensure your guests feel welcome! (For weddings/events
that may require special music, there would be sheet
music on the piano as the only exception.)
Do not be
surprised to learn that many brides have asked friends/relatives
to perform at their wedding only to be disappointed
the week before when this “special guest artist”
backs out and gets nervous. Professionals protect you
from any last minute “disasters”. Your legal
contract is binding. You can rely on a pro to be where
he/she is supposed to be – on time – preferably
– early! If for any reason, your musician becomes
ill (in 26 years, I have missed only two performances),
but I had a professional networking of substitutes who
were comparable in expertise and available at a moment’s
notice to fill in – Qualified professionals were
sent in my place unlike an amateur who would simply
not have resources for a replacement!
The
relative you adore who may only know four piano pieces
is not qualified to perform for an hour (typical cocktail
reception), most likely cannot take requests from anyone,
cannot have conversation while performing, is not in
professional musician attire, and may decide to quit
15 minutes before your reception is over because fatigue
is setting in ~ or they have just run out of things
to play! PLEASE - Let them be guests!! Remember…..
You WILL get what you pay for!! Your peace of mind on
this day you’ve planned for a lifetime is so important.
We play for hundreds of parties, yearly. Aunt Mary may
be a wonderful pianist in the confines of her living
room but not for 150 of your guests who expect to be
entertained and want to hear something besides “Let
Me Call You Sweetheart”.
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“I
Only Want You To Play The Wedding March ~ That Won’t
Tale More Than 15 minutes! Why Do I Have To Pay For
An Hour?"
*The Third Factor Is The Professional Ability To Assist
My Clients In Planning Their Successful Event*
Most
people don’t realize that a wedding consists of
15-30 minutes of prelude music (music as guests are
being seated before the actual ceremony). Sometimes,
a musician must research certain requests. That special
music/CD must be obtained. We must know how to locate
it, learn it, and make it sound like we’ve been
playing it for ten years. We must also be knowledgeable
of the ceremony, itself. When is music supposed to be
played? Not only for prelude but for your bridesmaids,
(processional music), the bride’s entrance, the
Unity candle (where applicable), recessional, and postlude
(where guests exit the ceremony location). If your ceremony
is delayed, the prelude is prolonged until the officiate
is ready to begin. Your “15 Minute Ceremony”
may have turned into an hour. We learn to expect the
unexpected – and that can only come with the experience
of having done hundreds of ceremonies.
Before you
hire your wedding ceremony musician, I suggest asking
some of the following questions:
Do you know how to end the music very suddenly without
it sounding choppy and awkward when the bride reaches
the altar before the piece is over?
Do you know where to find a vocalist if requested by
the bride?
Do you know how to extend a piece without sounding like
a broken record if the processional lasts longer than
you thought?
Do you know how long an interlude should be when accompanying
for a Unity Candle?
Do you know where to obtain special music, how long
it takes to obtain it after ordering, or that you might
have to change the key for a vocalist but the piece
you have received is not written in his/her favorite
key?
Do you know how many pieces to play for a Prelude or
how long one is supposed to last?
Do you have enough pieces to play if the five you learned
aren’t enough when Grandma/Grandpa haven't even
arrived at the church yet because they were detained
in traffic?
If your bride needs a consultation, do you have any
idea what music to recommend?
How many weddings have you performed for?
I’d like additional musicians to play along with
you. Do you know any? Do you do ensemble work? Do you
need a rehearsal?
…….the list goes on.
We
must know what to do in a situation where not all is
going as planned on the planner’s itinerary! Do
you know that most Catholic churches require you use
their musicians as part of the Musical Director’s
agreement with the church you are being married in?
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“I
Am Having A Video Presentation For 15 Minutes. You Don’t
Have To Play Music Then. Do I Have To Pay You Anyway?"
* The Fourth Factor Is Time Investment/Travel (Weather
Delays), Preparation, Practice, Consultations*
Many
events require downtown/hotel parking.. Fees can be
as great as $30.00 for one hour. Gas costs are high.
For me, it is a 70 mile round trip to downtown Chicago.
Fees are usually based, hourly. If you choose to have
a slide presentation but prefer your musician take a
break, we are compensated for our time. We also take
time to dress, professionally. We are “working”
two hours just in preparation for your party. We also
type/send contracts, make phone calls, conduct consultations
(planning music), additional practice for special requests,
arrange for piano rentals/technicians, microphones,
and making sure pianos are in proper tune. I offer recommendations
at no charge-for additional performers/vendors as a
service to her clients needing DJ’s, Bands, Orchestras,
etc. In 26 years, I have worked with the best musicians
and can recommend the best to YOU. There is much that
is involved when providing great customer service –resulting
in a fee quoted to you based on great value! You may
only see the musician at the piano – Keep in mind
what goes on “behind the scenes” in preparation
for your successful event. You may only plan one wedding
in a lifetime but we perform for hundreds in our careers.
Most musicians will break on the hour for ten minutes.
I take one fifteen break in 3 hours – adding to
the value of my service and a bonus to you!
When
Chicago weather is not the best, we must allow even
more time to arrive at the exact time stated on your
contract. We do not want your event delayed because
the musician is stuck in traffic due to a major snowstorm
and did not allow enough travel time. This is how a
contract protects you. An amateur will not have a contract
but may have lots of excuses for you instead.
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“Do
You Ever Give Discounts?”
*The Fifth Factor Is Based On Time Of Day / Day Of Week
You Plan Your Event*
Most
Chicago musicians have a “minimum” on Saturday
nights they will play for (typically, 3 hrs for cocktail/dinner
receptions) or a fee equivalent to 3 hours of play time.
This is a standard practice. I offer a $50 discount
for Friday evenings, Sundays, and Saturday events ending
before 4:00 pm. Should you provide a parking voucher
– your parking fee will be reduced or eliminated.
(If you have a cocktail hour immediately following your
wedding ceremony at the same location, your cocktail
reception (l hour) is free.
My
fees are competitive. They are not the highest nor are
they the lowest! Should you choose to hire a musical
entertainment agency/ contractor, you will pay a much
higher fee in order for that agent to receive a commission
as high as 60%. When you contract with me, you are contracting
with the artist, directly. There are no additional/hidden
fees. Further discounts may apply if the event is a
fundraiser/political event/non profit organization where
advertising space may be offered in lieu of monetary
compensation. I perform gratis for many groups where
funds are raised to benefit children.
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There
are so many factors considered when I set my fee. You
are paying for my experience, professionalism, and talent.
You may find a pianist who you feel is a true "bargain"
but what kind of value are you getting if your pianist
decides not to show up on THE most important day of
your life? Be sure you ask for a contract to avoid misunderstandings,
miscommunications, and to ensure your pianist will be
there on time - preferably…. EARLY!!
Just as you search to purchase a new car, you have the option of
buying an economical, compact car or you may have the option to
purchase a luxury, deluxe, sedan. Your budget is definitely a
consideration! However, you would not skimp on food or flowers
so why would you decide to "cut" on entertainment when music
will set the tone for your entire event? Your music should be a
perfect addition for your perfect day.
When
your guests are still talking about the music at your
party years later ~ make sure they aren’t talking
about the lady in the purple polka dot dress who only
knew how to play “Let Me Call You Sweetheart”
----- or worse yet – that really good friend of
yours who got “stage fright” at the last
minute and never showed up at all. Guests will always
remember the music and how much fun they had! They will
not remember the food or what color the flowers were.
What
do you remember about the last party you attended?
Trust a professional by taking advantage
of their talent, their years of experience, and knowledge
of their craft. Spend the few extra dollars for your
peace of mind. You will never be sorry.
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