There are an amazing number of wedding harpists for hire throughout Pennsylvania. Though it would have been common in the past to only book someone through referral, online websites promoting talented musicians are changing that. Before booking, it is helpful to have a few tips about how to choose the right one.

Knowing the musical style and strengths of the musician who will be hired is crucial. Some specialize in folk music, using smaller folk harps. Others play classical music on full size concert instruments. Booking the best harp players for weddings philadelphia offers is a matter of knowing what kind of music is expected.

Though it might seem easy to book someone, there are many musicians. Online hiring sites often show photos of each person, their formal training and experiences. Some come with conservatory degrees while others are highly skilled popular artists. When possible, try to find websites with links to performances of those that interest you. Hearing a performance is worth a thousand words. Most will describe their instruments, and this will give you an idea of whether they play on a folk or concert instrument. Each has its strengths and limitations.

Not all instruments are the same. Huge differences exist between concert and folk harps. The larger concert versions may have extra foot pedals allowing the performer greater range of pieces to perform. The selection of strings and higher or lower pitches is wider, allowing more complicated arrangements of musical selections. Folk harps are generally limited to single strings and less range of notes from low to high. They cannot adjust for complications because they have no pedals.

For a bride or groom that just loves the way harps sound, getting a list of the songs the player can provide is good. You will know in advance what they are capable of doing, and what they might need to practice. Advertising sites for gig musicians generally post lists next to the bios for the performer. When your personal favorites are there, it might be a good match.

Viewing each potential hire with an eye toward attire will help you determine some things about their genre. Some folk traditionalists wear native costumes from countries famous for their harps, including Scotland, Ireland, Wales or England. Kilts on men and kilt scarves or skirts for women advertise popular ethic expertise.

Classically trained performers often have professional photographs showing them wearing formal concert gowns or tuxedos. This does not mean they are not flexible enough to include popular pieces or jazz, but does indicate a certain sensibility about what is appropriate clothing for the most formal weddings. When unsure about their abilities, ask. Highly skilled professionals will be very clear about what they have to offer and what is not possible for them.

Try to hire a local harpist when possible. Traveling with these large and heavy instruments takes extra time for packing, unloading and tuning at the wedding venue. Harpists must plan their traveling and performance details far in advance. They will be likely to charge mileage fees over and above their customary wedding fees. You will need to factor the extra costs into your budget and consider if the lovely sounds of strings is worth the anxiety of waiting for them to arrive from far away.