FAQs

Why should I have a live musician at my wedding?

Your wedding is one of the most important, celebrated and remembered days of your life. On this special occasion, everything has to be the very best. I believe that a live musician and carefully chosen music can add elegance and brighten your special day. A sensitive and experienced live musician will gracefully tailor each piece of music so that it fits in perfectly with your wedding ceremony. There will be no awkward moments when a recorded piece of music plays for too long, ends abruptly, or is not ready on time.

What makes your services unique from other wedding musicians?

I am an accomplished pianist and organist who can help you to bring your wedding goals and dreams to life. With more than ten years of performing experience, the wedding music that I will be creating for you will bring elegance and artistry that you and your guests will remember forever. As a professional wedding musician, I am very sensitive to all of your musical needs on your blissful wedding day.

I can also play the organ to create a triumphant atmosphere for your wedding ceremony. With experience performing an extensive amount of repertoire from different genres, I can work with you to select music that will create and bring uniqueness to your special day.

I compose my own music, and make different musical arrangements of existing pieces. If you want to create something totally new and don’t like the idea of sticking to the traditional wedding music repertoire, you could also have special music freshly composed, or arranged, by me. It is like having your own theme music premiered on and dedicated for your wedding day. With a wide variety of experience in classical repertoire, church music, Broadway musicals and more, I am very flexible with and fluent in almost any genre that you choose. If there are any delays on the day of your wedding, and you need me to play for longer than we planned, I have an extensive repertoire of music to perform. I first performed at a wedding at the age of ten when I played at my aunt’s wedding. After this initial positive experience, I realized that I love playing at weddings. Though I have played at many weddings since then, every time I play at a wedding I feel extremely elated, honored and privileged to be part of such a glorious and beautiful event.

What places have you performed at?

Throughout Vancouver and the lower mainland, I have played piano, and organ at many of the finest venues, churches, and hotels. Please go to links to find out more about the venues where I performed.

How do you dress for the special occasions?

I dress formally. If you have a particular theme for your wedding, though, I am very flexible about other options you might suggest.

What if we ask you for music that you’ve never played before?

This is not a problem at all. I just would appreciate it to know about it in advance. I once had a couple ask me at the last minute to play their favorite piece. They had no sheet music and all they could provide me with was the melody. I memorized the melody and performed an improvised version for them on the spot.

What do I need to provide during the ceremony?

In most cases, I absolutely don’t need very much. I will come prepared and ready to perform. If you requested piano or organ for your wedding, it is expected that the venue will have the instrument available and already set up as desired for the ceremony. If you requested keyboard for an outdoor venue, a shaded, level, dry area is expected. I will bring other things such as a music stand and chair. In case of inclement weather, it is required to have an alternate location that is indoors. Please understand that even if it is just drizzling or slightly sprinkling, I will need to move indoors to protect the instruments and equipment.

What time do you usually show up on our wedding day?

I show up approximately 30 minutes prior to when I start playing the prelude.

What if the ceremony starts late and goes past the hour?

I will stay until the end of the ceremony if I have not booked another event after yours. I try not to book my events too close together due to the variable situations that may arise during wedding ceremonies. However, I do need to be mindful of time constraints. If you think that the ceremony may be late, it may be a good idea to allow extra time at the time of booking to ensure flexibility. Any overtime charges will be billed in 15-minute increments, and you may pay the overtime charges by cash on the day of the wedding.

Where will you travel for weddings?

Generally, I play for weddings in the lower mainland. Travel time is included in the fee for the first 25 km from my home in Vancouver. Any weddings beyond that will incur a travel fee and a 2-hour minimum.

What if you cannot make it to our event?

I haven’t had any incidents where I had to miss a wedding or other special occasion, but if I am in an unforeseen situation, I have extensive network of accomplished musicians ready to back me up at the last minute and your wedding is guaranteed to go smoothly with the music that we’ve planned together.

Is it important for you to be at the rehearsal?

I find that it is not always necessary to attend the rehearsal, if all of the information is exchanged and communicated accurately to me prior to the wedding day.

On the wedding day, I will coordinate cues with the officiant and wedding coordinator when I arrive. During the ceremony, I will customize the music specifically for your wedding − extending or shortening the music stylishly as needed. 
However, some couples would prefer to have the musician attend the rehearsal (if the officiant requires it, to practice with other soloists or musicians, or if a ceremony is particularly complex), and I am happy to do so, depending on availability (*additional fees apply). The more complex the wedding, the better it is for me to attend the rehearsal.

What should we do if a soloist wants to rehearse with you?

He or she can come to my home-studio for a private rehearsal. If I need to go to his/her place, there may be extra charges applied. If the soloist is professional, we don’t even need separate rehearsals, and an alternative way is to rehearse before the prelude on the day of the wedding. In this situation my rate is charged starting with the rehearsal with the soloist.

I don't know what music I want at my wedding. What should I do?

You may listen to my sound clips on this website to get an idea of what pieces you like.

Where can I get some ideas?

To get started, read through my ideas page. There will be a lot of choices for each element of the wedding ceremony (ie. processional, signing of registry, and recessional to name a few). In addition, I'd be happy to play any music that is not on my repertoire list—just provide the sheet music. If the sheet music is readily available on-line, I'd be happy to purchase it for you. Typical costs would be $5-10. You should consult with your wedding officiant, as some houses of faith may have certain requirements regarding music.

What happens during a consultation?

The consultation is when the couple and I finalize the musical selections for the wedding. If you already have ideas of what pieces you'd like, we can talk about how the music fits into the flow of the ceremony. If you'd like some ideas, I can play through some pieces or give you some suggestions. The consultation is also a chance for you to hear what the music would sound like at the wedding. The consultation is usually half an hour to an hour long, and it can be done over the phone, through e-mail, or in person at my home in Vancouver. If you already have ideas about what music you'd like, a consultation may not be necessary.

What do I need before the consultation?

Before the consultation, please check with your officiant about any musical guidelines. Please bring your wedding program (list of what will happen during the ceremony) to the consultation.

When should I schedule my consultation? How early/late before the wedding?

Once you have an idea of the program, you may schedule a consultation. You may schedule a consultation as early as several months before the wedding. However, please finalize the music at least one month before the ceremony, especially if you will be requesting music not on my repertoire playlist.

When do you hold your consultation appointments?

I generally schedule consultation appointments on weekdays in the afternoons. Consultations are about one hour long and are held at my home in Vancouver. Weekend appointments may be possible, but since I have to work around the events I have scheduled for the day, availability may be sporadic from week to week. For weekend dates, it is a good idea to schedule your consultation several weeks in advance.

Do you play for full Catholic mass?

Yes, I do. However, there is a minimum 1.5 hour booking for ceremonies that include full Catholic mass, as it is significantly longer than other ceremonies, and requires much more musical coordination. Many times Catholic weddings can even require 2 hours.

What if I'm too busy/stressed with all the other wedding details?

No need to worry! Just give me your program for the ceremony and I will make all the musical selections for you. You may specify whether you'd like classical, or contemporary, or a mix of both.

What are your rates?

My rates is determined by various factors, including instrument(s) requested, location of wedding, length of time required, to name a few. To see my fee schedule, click here for the Rates Page. To receive a more accurate rate quote, please e-mail me about your wedding with as much detail as possible.

What is included in your wedding fee?

My wedding fee is inclusive of a consultation: in-person at my home in Vancouver, through e-mail or on the phone. Set-up and take-down time is included. (Based on the information provided at the time of booking). Parking fees are not included. Attendance at the rehearsal is not included. Rehearsals with your soloists are not included.

How much is your deposit?

A $100 non-refundable deposit (per performer) is required at the time of the booking. The balance is due 10 days before the event. At the time of booking, please make out two cheques: one for the deposit and one for the balance (post-dated for 10 days before the event).

How do I book your services?

First of all, fill out an enquiry form or call me at (604) 790-7324 to check availability and get a quote. I can e-mail you a contract or I can send one to you by mail. Let me know that you will be sending in a contract so that I will hold the date for up to 5 days. Please send me a signed contract, and two cheques ($100 for the deposit dated for today, and a cheque for the balance post-dated for 10 days before the event). It is also helpful to include a map to the location (if it is a new location to me) and a venue map indicating where you would like me to set up (for the keyboard if the venue doesn’t have piano on-site). At your convenience, you can schedule the consultation where we can discuss and finalize the music for your wedding.

How early should I book your services?

It is a good idea to book as early as possible to ensure that you have quality music at your event (once you have a date and a venue). For popular dates or during the wedding season, I am sometimes booked up to one year in advance. In general, wedding musicians tend to fill their schedules quickly and can be difficult to find at the last minute.
Note: Please check to make sure your contract has accurate information. I am not responsible for inaccurate information.

How long do you hold a date?

I operate on a first-come, first-serve basis. I may receive several enquiries for a particular date at any one time. I do not hold a date but I book whoever sends me a signed contract and a deposit first. It is a good idea to send in your contract and deposit as soon as possible.

How is the first hour for the Basic Rate calculated?

I charge by the hour (please see fee schedule), and the first hour starts when I start playing the prelude, generally about 15-30 minutes before the ceremony begins. When I begin playing prelude is entirely up to you − if you anticipate guests arrive very early (this does occur on occasion), you may even consider having me start earlier than 30 minutes before the beginning of the ceremony. If your soloist is professional and wants to rehearse with me before the prelude on the day of the wedding, my rate is charged starting with the rehearsal with the soloist.

How are fees calculated if I want to book you for the ceremony and reception?

I calculate from the start of prelude for the ceremony, and the remaining hours are charged at the additional hour rate up through the end of the reception. Overtime hours would be charged beyond the time specified in the contract.

What types of payments do you accept?

Currently, I accept cheques (payable to Miri Lee) and cash. 

May I pay the full amount at the time of booking?

Yes, I accept full payment at the time of booking.

Will I get confirmation or a receipt when I send in the contract?

Yes, I will send an e-mail confirmation when I receive your contract. And please indicate whether you would like to have a paper receipt or not, and I would be happy to mail it to you.

I want to book you but cannot decide between piano or organ (or any other instrument). What should I do?

First of all, it is always the best to contact me and book a time first as soon as possible with a signed contract and a deposit. This will ensure that you will have live music ready on your event. Generally, the final decision about the instrument should be made during the consultation appointment when finalizing the wedding music choice.

I want to book you but my wedding will be happening in less than a week. What should I do?

Again, you should contact me first to find out if I am available on your wedding day. If I am booked with other events, I will help you make arrangements with another qualified musician. If I am not booked on the day or have a flexible schedule for the particular day, you should book a time with a signed contract and a deposit. (Since your wedding is a last minute booking, I will have to charge extra if I have to rearrange other events in my schedule to accommodate your wedding).

What are my options if I'd like piano and there is no piano available?

It is possible to have a piano delivered to the venue, and there are local companies that will deliver a piano and pick up the piano after your event. The costs for a grand piano will vary from $600. If you’d like to rent one, I can refer you to local businesses.

What do I need to do if I'd like to have you play the piano?

First of all, please ensure that a piano will be available on-site and in the right location (many venues may move the piano to different locations depending on the event). Please obtain permission to use the piano, and ensure that the piano will not be locked on the day of your event. Then you can contact me for my availability, and book a time.

Are you able to provide your own keyboard?

Absolutely, but first I would like you to find out whether there is a piano at the venue. If the venue has no piano available on-site, I’d be happy to provide my keyboard to your event. An extra charge may be applied.

What are some of the considerations for having organ at my wedding?

Here are some issues related to the organ to be considered:

1. Please ensure that the organ is in good working order.
2. Please obtain permission to use the organ. Some churches have an organist on staff, and they have the "right of first refusal." Or, access must be obtained from the music director ahead of time.
3. Please make sure that the organ is not locked and access to the organ is available during your ceremony.
4. Sometimes visibility from the organ is limited, so I will need to work closely with the coordinator to ensure cues are clear.

Do you also provide ensembles for weddings if requested?

Of course, I have an extensive network of highly qualified musicians and can provide you with any form of ensemble needed for your wedding.

Do you compose music for weddings?

I have composed pieces for several weddings. If interested in commissioning a piece, please contact me.

Do you have a demo CD available?

Yes, I do have demo CD ready.

Do you have a CD available for purchase?

I do not currently have a CD. However, I may be able to create a custom CD for your wedding or event with specific parameters as long as the songs are not copyrighted (ie, classical pieces are okay, but most contemporary pieces are not possible). Please contact me for a quote.

Do you have sheet music for your original songs available for purchase?

Certainly. Please contact me if interested.

Do you give piano lessons?

I am currently accepting students, though I have only a limited number of spots left. All prospective students need to interview/audition for acceptance and scheduling. Please email or phone me to make an appointment.