Frequently Asked Questions about

Sharon Planer Pianist for Parties

What music genre do you perform?  

Piano decade Music of the 30's, 40's, 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s through Current Hits,  Big Band, Classical, Folk, Jazz Standards, Latin, Oldies, Pop Contemporary & Standards, Swing, Ethnic, Broadway Show Tunes, Movie Hits, Wedding Music, 

What types of events do you service?

Anniversaries, Birthdays, Bridal Showers, Cocktail Parties, Dinner Parties, Corporate Events, Engagement Parties, Fundraisers, Funerals, Graduations, Holiday Parties, Memorials, Wine Tastings, Wedding Ceremonies, Wedding Receptions.

Established:  

I have been performing for as a solo pianist for over 20 years.  'Pianist for Parties' was established in 2001 as a registered Minnesota business.

Do you have liability insurance?

Yes. I carry liability insurance and will provide certification upon request.

What is your attire?  

My usual attire is formal black.  For summer events I may wear formal cream-colored or elegant black attire.  For Holiday and Christmas parties, my sparkly red gown or iridescent gold outfit complements the festive settings of the Season. After discussing your event, my attire will be appropriate to your specific event.

Do you offer recording samples of your work?  

You can listen online at https://pianistforparties.com/listen for sound samples. I will be happy to provide a demo to you as well.

Are you willing to learn songs that you do not currently know?  

I LOVE learning new music to perform as solo piano or accompanying vocalists and other instrumentalists.

Does the venue need to provide a piano?

If your venue has a nicely tuned piano, I will be happy to use it!  If your venue does not have a piano, I can provide my portable piano and amplification.  My equipment has state-of-the-art sound quality,

How much time do you usually need for setup?  

I always arrive an hour early. If I need to provide my portable piano and amplification, I need at minimum an hour to set up my equipment.

How much space do you usually require?  

I require a 5 x 5 foot area for my portable piano and access to one electrical outlet.

Do you perform for outdoor events?

Yes, outdoor events can be beautiful during certain months in Minnesota. If your event is outdoors, I need access to a GFCI protected outlet. I do not perform in wet conditions. There must be a back up plan in the case of wet or inclement conditions.

What special equipment is offered with your service?  

My portable piano and audio speakers are state-of-the-art for sound quality.

What is your policy on taking breaks?  If you need a meal break, do you require that the client provide your meal?  

I do not require a meal break. For events two hours or less, I do not require a break. For events more than two hours, I ask for a 5 minute break after the second hour and every hour thereafter.

Do you play recorded music during your break?  

If a quick break is needed, I try to take it during 'toasts' or speeches. If I am using my portable piano and no speaking is taking place during my break, I can play songs that I have pre-recorded.  If I am playing an acoustic piano that does not have recording capability, I will ask the venue if they are able to play recorded music during my break. 

The noise level of guest conversations increases and decreases during an event. If I am performing using my digital piano, I record a song while playing it live and then replay the recorded version while I walk through the room to assess if I need to change my volume. During a dinner or reception my goal is to make sure that the guests can easily converse while still being able to hear and enjoy my music.

If you are unable to attend, what is your backup plan?  

I am very conscientious about performing for my clients’ events. In the unlikely event that I am not able to perform due to sickness or a family emergency, I will contact the client and will be willing to reach out to other pianists that I know to try and find a sub. If extreme weather conditions prohibit travel, I will use my best judgement in determining if I should travel. I will be in contact with the client to help in this decision as well. In the unlikely event that I am not able to perform for an event, I will return all fees that I have received from the client.

How do you handle Pandemic and other disaster situations?

I realize how very stressful it is when events beyond our control force people into postponing and trying to reschedule their events. I will work extremely hard to make the disruption as smooth as possible. If there is a regional or broader epidemic or pandemic, I will follow the CDC or Minnesota Health Department guidelines as well as guidelines from our local elected officials. I will be in contact with the client, event planner and venue coordinator leading up to the client’s event. If it is determined that the event cannot be held as planned, I will work with the client to perform when they reschedule their event. If I am not available on their rescheduled date, I will reach out to my list of pianists to try and find another pianist. In such cases if I am not able to perform on a client’s rescheduled date, I will return fees I have collected from the client. If I have already put a lot of work or finance into preparing for their event or have rehearsed with other musicians, I will reserve the right to keep the deposit.

Do you attend wedding rehearsals?  

Prior to your ceremony I will contact your officiant to coordinate cues needed for your ceremony.  Whether or not I attend your rehearsal, I will be prepared to do my very best to provide the beautiful music that you hired me to perform. If I am available and you wish me to attend your wedding rehearsal, I will be happy to do so. My price for attending a rehearsal is listed on my web site at https://pianistforparties.com/prices If I am not available or you do not need me at your rehearsal, I will make sure to contact your officiant or wedding coordinator to learn of any changes that happened at the rehearsal that would affect my music performance.

What are your prices?  

You can view my prices on my web site at https://pianistforparties.com/prices

What is your overtime rate?  

My overtime rate is the same as my basic rate. You can view my prices on my web site at https://pianistforparties.com/prices

Do your provide a contract?  

Yes, I provide a typed contract that is agreed upon and signed by myself and the client.

What is the required deposit to secure your services?  

A $100 deposit is required for events totaling less than $500. A $200 deposit is required for events totaling more than $500.

When is the balance due?

Your specific contract will specify the terms of when the balance is due. Usually the balance will be due two weeks before your event. 

What forms of payment do you accept?  

I accept check, cash, or credit card.  Please make your check to 'Sharon Planer'.

Do you travel outside of the Twin Cities and what do you charge for travel expenses?

There is no travel charge within the greater Twin Cities area or St. Cloud. Beyond that region, my travel rate is 67 cents per mile. I perform in Minneapolis, St. Paul, the Twin Cities suburbs, St. Cloud, Red Wing and the Brainerd Resort area.