Has anyone hired a harpist or pianist for a wedding or evening event?

Question

I was curious as to how much these musicians cost to hire for an hour. How much did you pay, and for how long?

Answer 1

I hired a pianist for 2 1/2 hours it was $400 in NYC. A really good tip for you, call around to the local college's music department, you will be able to find a student to play at your wedding for much cheaper than a professional. In my case, i called over to NYU and the music dept director offered to play for us, and he was phenominal. Remember, if you hire a student in college, they will be actually good at playing they are probably majoring in music and are planning on a musci career, so dont feel like it would be like sitting through a recital for 12 year old pianists, the musicians at the college level will be accomplished.

Answer 2

The average cost I found for a harpist was $150.00 for an hour of playing time ( you have to remember they have to travel, set up and tear down as well so that is why the cost per hour is high) This price is in So-Cal though. Good luck and best wishes to you on your special day!

Answer 3

My father is a professional pianist/organist in the New England area. For a ceremony he charges $150 for a private party it is any where from $150-$400 depending on where it is an how long he is booked for.

Answer 4

I hired a harpist for my reception - cocktail hour and dinner - at $100/hr, 5 yrs ago. I'm just outside of Cleveland OH.

Answer 5

I hired a harpist in nyc and it was 100/hr, she was excellent and made a nice ceremony.

Answer 6

I'm having a string quartet play music for my ceremony in northwestern Illinois. They are charging a flat fee of $550 for the ceremony. I estimate that they'll be there for about 1 hour and they'll have about 30 minutes of travel time.