Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of music can you play?
In short, everything on our list. If it's not on our list we can either arrange it or find it for you (extra fees apply starting at $20 per song purchase if it is available for strings, or $60 for a custom song arrangement).
Can you time the length of the songs to fit?
Absolutely! Any piece of music is customizable and can be cut and trimmed to fit any length. Our musicians are able to flawlessly fade out at the end of a piece and transition to another during important parts of the ceremony. (For example, after the bridal party is in place and the bride is ready to walk). You will never have to worry about choosing a piece that is too long or too short.
Do I have to select every single piece of music?
No, not at all. We prefer that you pick the main pieces for the important parts of the ceremony (mothers, bride, bridesmaids, recessional), but we are more than happy to pick the rest. We are always here to offer suggestions depending on the mood or genre that you prefer. If you don't want to worry about it at all, we will be more than happy to pick everything for you based on your preferences of composers or artists.
What are the differences in the string ensembles?
The right ensemble will depend on how large your venue is, if it is indoors or outdoors, and what kind of music you require. Please visit our group options page for more detailed information.
Why can't the string trio, duo, or soloist play the same songs as the quartet?
If you see our complete music index page, you may notice that the string quartet has the most repertoire available. This string quartet is our signature group offering. This is because the quartet is the most traditional and popular group and the one that composers have either written or arranged the most music for. With that being said, some quartet songs are able to be played by a trio. We strive to have a full and varied repertoire, and no matter what, we will never play a song that we know for certain will not sound exactly like it should.
Do you require amplification?
No, we do not provide or generally require amplification for our "string only" groups. However, you should consider the size of your venue when selecting an ensemble. The quartet is better heard in large rooms, loud receptions, and outdoor events. Windy weather should also be taken into consideration for outdoor weddings and events, and we advise that clients have a DJ and sound system not only for their ceremony, but also for musicians in the event of unpredictable weather. (San Francisco is particularly unpredictable at times!)
What do you require to perform?
We need one armless chair per musician and shelter from direct sunlight, wind, or precipitation if your event is outdoors. Please see the information in our contract about weather and outdoor ceremonies.
Will you attend the rehearsal?
No, through years of experience we have found that this is typically not necessary. We do all of our planning via direct communication with you (email/phone) and then arrive early on the day of the event to consult with your coordinator or venue manager. If your ceremony or event requires unique or complicated coordination, please let us know and we will schedule a time to discuss options over the phone.
Do you charge for travel?
Only if we travel outside of certain zip codes from our respective "home" bases. We also pro-rate our fee for waiting and/or travel time between weddings and receptions. Any applicable travel charge will be included in your quote before you book.
What are the musicians' attire?
We wear "dress black or formal black", the same outfit that we would wear if we were playing a professional symphony concert. We are open to performing in other formal attire and even costumes.
Will you perform outdoors?
Of course! Outdoor events are wonderful. We simply require that we have a covered performance area. Direct sunlight can cause irreparable damage to our expensive instruments. Moreover, our instruments cannot be exposed to any sort of water (rain, mist, fountains, fog, extreme humidity, etc). We will be happy to work to find a solution for any possible issues concerning your particular venue.
Will you accompany a soloist during the wedding?
Yes, in most cases. We routinely coordinate with pianists, vocalists, organists, or other instrumentalists. We can run through a piece right before the wedding and work out timing and length for your wedding or event.
How can I listen to the songs in your repertoire? How do I know what they sound like?
We do have some video and audio samples of our more popular songs on our video & audio page. However, we can't possibly record everything. We suggest that clients go to Youtube to search for any songs they don't know so they can see if it will be a good fit for what they are looking for. Simply search for the title of the song + the group you are looking for (string quartet, string trio, etc). In most cases, you will find a near identical version on Youtube that will give you a great idea of the song.
How do I book / do you require a deposit?
Simply go to our contact page and email us with your information. We will get back to you quickly with a confirmation of our availability plus a quote of our price and any extra costs. Once we are in accord, we will send you the musician agreement. A signed agreement, along with a 50% non-refundable deposit by check or mobile banking payment, are the 2 things that we need to secure your date. Booking is considered finalized upon receipt of your deposit. The remaining balance is due 10 business days before your event.
What if I cancel?
Unforeseen circumstances happen, and we understand that. If a cancellation is made more than 30 days before your event, your deposit will be kept as liquidation damages and we will return your balance, if it has already been made. The strength of our policy allows us to permanently reserve a date and time for your event, often turning down many other inquiries for the same date and time. Please read our musician agreement for full details.
In short, everything on our list. If it's not on our list we can either arrange it or find it for you (extra fees apply starting at $20 per song purchase if it is available for strings, or $60 for a custom song arrangement).
Can you time the length of the songs to fit?
Absolutely! Any piece of music is customizable and can be cut and trimmed to fit any length. Our musicians are able to flawlessly fade out at the end of a piece and transition to another during important parts of the ceremony. (For example, after the bridal party is in place and the bride is ready to walk). You will never have to worry about choosing a piece that is too long or too short.
Do I have to select every single piece of music?
No, not at all. We prefer that you pick the main pieces for the important parts of the ceremony (mothers, bride, bridesmaids, recessional), but we are more than happy to pick the rest. We are always here to offer suggestions depending on the mood or genre that you prefer. If you don't want to worry about it at all, we will be more than happy to pick everything for you based on your preferences of composers or artists.
What are the differences in the string ensembles?
The right ensemble will depend on how large your venue is, if it is indoors or outdoors, and what kind of music you require. Please visit our group options page for more detailed information.
Why can't the string trio, duo, or soloist play the same songs as the quartet?
If you see our complete music index page, you may notice that the string quartet has the most repertoire available. This string quartet is our signature group offering. This is because the quartet is the most traditional and popular group and the one that composers have either written or arranged the most music for. With that being said, some quartet songs are able to be played by a trio. We strive to have a full and varied repertoire, and no matter what, we will never play a song that we know for certain will not sound exactly like it should.
Do you require amplification?
No, we do not provide or generally require amplification for our "string only" groups. However, you should consider the size of your venue when selecting an ensemble. The quartet is better heard in large rooms, loud receptions, and outdoor events. Windy weather should also be taken into consideration for outdoor weddings and events, and we advise that clients have a DJ and sound system not only for their ceremony, but also for musicians in the event of unpredictable weather. (San Francisco is particularly unpredictable at times!)
What do you require to perform?
We need one armless chair per musician and shelter from direct sunlight, wind, or precipitation if your event is outdoors. Please see the information in our contract about weather and outdoor ceremonies.
Will you attend the rehearsal?
No, through years of experience we have found that this is typically not necessary. We do all of our planning via direct communication with you (email/phone) and then arrive early on the day of the event to consult with your coordinator or venue manager. If your ceremony or event requires unique or complicated coordination, please let us know and we will schedule a time to discuss options over the phone.
Do you charge for travel?
Only if we travel outside of certain zip codes from our respective "home" bases. We also pro-rate our fee for waiting and/or travel time between weddings and receptions. Any applicable travel charge will be included in your quote before you book.
What are the musicians' attire?
We wear "dress black or formal black", the same outfit that we would wear if we were playing a professional symphony concert. We are open to performing in other formal attire and even costumes.
Will you perform outdoors?
Of course! Outdoor events are wonderful. We simply require that we have a covered performance area. Direct sunlight can cause irreparable damage to our expensive instruments. Moreover, our instruments cannot be exposed to any sort of water (rain, mist, fountains, fog, extreme humidity, etc). We will be happy to work to find a solution for any possible issues concerning your particular venue.
Will you accompany a soloist during the wedding?
Yes, in most cases. We routinely coordinate with pianists, vocalists, organists, or other instrumentalists. We can run through a piece right before the wedding and work out timing and length for your wedding or event.
How can I listen to the songs in your repertoire? How do I know what they sound like?
We do have some video and audio samples of our more popular songs on our video & audio page. However, we can't possibly record everything. We suggest that clients go to Youtube to search for any songs they don't know so they can see if it will be a good fit for what they are looking for. Simply search for the title of the song + the group you are looking for (string quartet, string trio, etc). In most cases, you will find a near identical version on Youtube that will give you a great idea of the song.
How do I book / do you require a deposit?
Simply go to our contact page and email us with your information. We will get back to you quickly with a confirmation of our availability plus a quote of our price and any extra costs. Once we are in accord, we will send you the musician agreement. A signed agreement, along with a 50% non-refundable deposit by check or mobile banking payment, are the 2 things that we need to secure your date. Booking is considered finalized upon receipt of your deposit. The remaining balance is due 10 business days before your event.
What if I cancel?
Unforeseen circumstances happen, and we understand that. If a cancellation is made more than 30 days before your event, your deposit will be kept as liquidation damages and we will return your balance, if it has already been made. The strength of our policy allows us to permanently reserve a date and time for your event, often turning down many other inquiries for the same date and time. Please read our musician agreement for full details.