Question 1

Do you provide music for wedding ceremonies or cocktail receptions?

Accepted Answer

Yes, since 1998!

Question 2

Are you able to play any song we want?

Accepted Answer

We are happy to perform any piece or song from one of my lists. If you have a music request that is not listed, most songs can be arranged and learned given enough notice (at least a month prior to the event), although an additional fee may apply. Such fees cover the time and costs associated with purchasing, learning, arranging and/or transcribing new music, and will be negotiated before any work is done or sheet music purchases made.

Question 3

Are you fully insured?

Accepted Answer

Yes, though an additional fee may need to be negotiated for clients who's venues need to be included on the insurance or who needing special endorsements.

Question 4

What do you wear?

Accepted Answer

For weddings, typically formal black. For other events we can dress to suit the situation.

Question 5

How early do you come to set up?

Accepted Answer

Generally a half hour before the start time when performing acoustically, and at least an hour before when needing to amplify.

Question 6

Do you only play acoustic violin, or can we hire you to play electric?

Accepted Answer

I love my acoustic violin. It's been with me since I was 16 years old and people often comment on its rich and warm sound (sometimes people ask if I'm actually playing a viola) and unique look. Some have told me that they don't usually like the sound of violins, but they love the sound of mine. So although I have played electric violin a few times, I was always eager to return to the beautiful tone and familiarity of my instrument. I'm happy to amplify my acoustic violin for your event, but if you're looking for the visuals of an electric violin and sound effects beyond some reverb or echo, I'm not set up to offer that at this time.

Question 7

How close to our event date should we reach out to you?

Accepted Answer

The sooner the better. While it's sometimes possible to book last minute, my schedule is generally pretty full 3-6 months in advance, and I have bookings and tours starting to fill in up to two years in advance. If your event date is on a Spring, Summer, or Fall weekend I recommend booking at least 6 months in advance. It's not unusual for me to get several requests for the most popular dates each year. Bookings are first come, first served. Holiday and New Years events tend to book up by mid-October. Weekdays and other times of the year are hard to predict.

Question 8

What requirements do you need to perform at my event?

Accepted Answer

For indoor events we need a space that affords at about 3 square feet per musician. A corner, where we're not blocking the flow of traffic and a bit set apart from the crowd is perfect. Outdoor events, we need a level surface, dry ground, and some shade. A spot with some protection from the wind would be amazing as well, if possible. We also need an armless chair for each musician performing. If we will be amplifying, we need a power source at the site, or an extension cord.

Question 9

Do you recommend acoustic or amplified music for my event? Do you supply the sound equipment?

Accepted Answer

In making the decision to amplify or remain acoustic, we need to consider whether your event is indoors or out, how many guests will be in attendance, how many musicians will be performing, the size and acoustics of the space we will be performing in, and whether the venue has rules about acoustic versus amplified music. This is a decision best made together after discussing your particular event. If we do decide to amplify, we can either supply our own system for a modest additional fee, or if a DJ or audio engineer will already be setting up sound, we can usually work with an existing system at no additional charge.

Question 10

If we book you as a solo violinist, do you actually perform solo, or can you come and play along with pre-recorded tracks?

Accepted Answer

Yes, solo is solo. Although I'm technically able to play along with pre-recorded tracks, I'm not set up to provide that service for events at this time. If you will be also be having a DJ and would like me to play over some songs that he/she is playing, this may be possible.

Question 11

Can we hire you on fiddle, or only violin?

Accepted Answer

Thankfully, the violin and fiddle are actually the same instrument, the difference is in the style of music you're playing. Rather than Classical, or Jazz, or contemporary music, if you'd prefer "fiddle" music, including Traditional Irish/Scottish/Celtic, Bluegrass and Old Time, Country, or Folk, this can be arranged. If you'd like a mix of styles, I'm happy to keep your guests guessing - "what style can't she play??" 😅

Question 12

What size and type of ensemble do you recommend?

Accepted Answer

The violin can perform solo or be accompanied by a range of instruments, however, not all songs will sound as rich or convincing solo or with every type of ensemble. Along with considerations like the venue and guest list size, budget, event length, and whether or not the group will be acoustic or amplified, there are a variety of considerations when booking a musical act and it's a decision best made together after discussing your particular event. In general, I much prefer performing with my rehearsed ensembles rather than seeking out new musicians on instruments I may have never played with before.

Question 13

Could we choose solo violin for part of the event and an ensemble for another, or two different ensembles?

Accepted Answer

Possibly. Get in touch with me and we'll go from there.

Question 14

Can we hire your touring act "Dan Frechette & Laurel Thomsen" that's featured in some of your concert videos?

Accepted Answer

Yes! We'd be honored to perform our original music at your event, concert series, or festival. Please reach out and we'll go from there.

Question 15

How many songs do I need to choose?

Accepted Answer

Many wedding and event clients choose only a few special songs and leave the rest up to us. If you are enthusiastic about creating the playlist, we'll happily try to fit in all your favorites, but if you'd prefer to choose just a few songs, or the genre(s), or a handful of artists/composers to focus on, we can easily fill the time with a nice selection based around your preferences. When narrowing down your selections, note that for each hour of continuous music, we'll typically play 10-12 songs.

Question 16

Are you able to accompany my relative/friend who wants to sing/play a song during the event?

Accepted Answer

Assuming we can be in touch ahead of time about the details and we'll have a few minutes to rehearse the song before the event, yes, this is usually possible given sufficient notice.

Question 17

If we book you, is it actually you who will play for our event, or do you send out whoever's available?

Accepted Answer

As many groups, especially string quartets, go corporate, this question is quite understandable! We see such-and-such string quartet smiling on their website, but the musicians who arrive to play are completely different people! For me, my reputation and quality control are much more important than just making more money. While I'm happy to provide referrals if I'm not available for your date, I only book events that I am personally available to play. When booking a duo or ensemble, I do sometimes need to hire colleagues other than ones seen performing with me in my pictures, videos, or audio clips.

Laurel Thomsen - Solo Violin, Duos, Trios, Quartets

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