Frequently asked questions
Events FAQ
What musical services can Sherri provide?
Sherri is a multifaceted musician that can provide harp, piano/keyboard, and vocal music for your event. She has multiple decades of experience performing for weddings, receptions, cocktail hours, background music, tea parties, open houses, graduation ceremonies, seasonal events, concerts, etc. Depending on the needs of the event, sound amplification, microphones, and speakers can be provided.
Can I hear a sample of your music before hiring you?
Yes. To hear sound clips of my playing, please visit the song list pulldown of this website.
What type instruments and equipment do you use?
The harp that I play most frequently is a Lyon and Healy Style 100 pedal harp, crafted with a rich mahogany finish. It is a professional model concert grand harp, worth about $26K. This harp has a rich, luscious and soothing tone. I use my Lyon and Healy Troubadour folk harp for music therapy services or events that have limited spacing for set-up. I have a Nord 4 full-weighted hammer-action keyboard. I have a Roland KC-110 amplifier, Shur microphone, and headset microphone, to be used when needed.
How do I book Sherri for my event?
Once you have your date secured, please contact me, and provide the date, time, and location information of the event. After discussing the details, I will then e-mail you a contract to sign and return with the required deposit. Your date is only secure in my calendar once a deposit and a signed contract are received. I generally accept bookings up to 12 months in advance. Most weddings are booked 4 to 6 months in advance. To check my availability, please fill out the form on the Contact pulldown. Events booked less than two weeks ahead will have a $100 fee added to contract.
How many pieces should I choose for my wedding processional and recessional?
For most weddings, I suggest that you make 2-3 musical selections for your processional and one for your recessional.
What is prelude and postlude music? Do I need it for my wedding?
Prelude and postlude music help set the tone and ambiance for the beginning and end of wedding ceremonies. I choose a balanced blend of music to play as the guests are entering (prelude) and exiting (postlude) the ceremony venue.
Do you play cocktail hours and dinner receptions?
Yes, I often play at the cocktail hour and/or dinner reception following the ceremony. I most often play a mix of light classical, Celtic and classic pop standards.
Can you play with other musicians?
Yes. If you are looking for a specific musical combination (harp with violin, flute, cello, etc) I can provide another musician for your events for an additional fee.
Do you accept song requests?
Yes. Do not be alarmed if you do not see your specific piece on the repertoire page. My repertoire list is constantly evolving. If you have a musical selection in mind, please contact me to see if it can be played on harp. After the complimentary first piece, I charge a small fee for arranging and playing pieces not found in my repertoire due to the time and skill required.
Are you able to play outdoors?
Yes, I can play outdoor events, but with certain prerequisites. We will address this during the initial planning.
How do you dress for wedding ceremonies?
I coordinate my attire to blend well with the event.
What forms of payment do you accept?
ZELLE, personal check, cash.
Do you take breaks during the event? If so, how long?
For wedding ceremonies, including the prelude and postlude, I do not take breaks. For events lasting more than an hour, I take a 10 min break every hour, unless otherwise noted in the contract. I can coordinate my breaks to coincide with a toast, speech, or other events that requires no music.
Learn FAQ
What are your credentials to teach?
I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Education with minors in Music and Special Education. I have Harp Performance, Piano Performance and Piano Pedagogy (the art of teaching) certifications from The Royal Conservatory of Canada.
How long and how often are lessons?
Lessons range from 45-90 minutes in length. School age students have lessons weekly. Adult students may consider weekly or bi-monthly lessons.
What are your lesson fees?
As a professional musician and a member of MTNA and NFMC and NHS, my fees are in line with recommended rates for my level of expertise andtraining. Please contact me for specific lesson rates.
Will you travel to my residence for lessons?
No. All lessons are held at my home studio in Universal City, Texas.
How young is too young to start lessons? How old is too old for lessons?
This depends upon the individual child, but generally speaking between 6-10 is a good age to start. A first grade reading level is helpful for young students. Of course, it’s never too late to start!!!
Do I need a harp or piano/keyboard to practice on at home?
Yes. I am happy to help you find a suitable instrument. A harp with at least 34 strings with concert spacing and tension is recommended. A piano or a keyboard with fully weighted keys is recommended.
Can I rent an instrument form you?
I do have a rental harp available. Check with me for availability. I do not have a rental piano or keyboard. However, I can help you in acquiring an instrument that is right for you.
What approach do you use for piano lessons?
I teach lessons in a variety of ways, traditional approach, chord approach, and more. Which approach we use will depend upon the students’ age and previous musical experience. When you get down to it, good teaching is good teaching no matter what the initial approach may be!
What approach do you use for harp lessons?
I incorporate the French method of harp playing, which stresses musicality, technical proficiency, aesthetics, and performance. There are many schools of harp playing, varying emphases in each approach. While people emphasize the differences, I have found in my teaching that there are many similarities in the scope of harp pedagogy approaches.
I want my child to read music. Will you teach them to read music?
Absolutely!
When do students perform?
My studio has up to four performance classes and also two student recitals each year — Winter and Spring. Students are also encouraged to perform at their schools, churches and communities. Students also have the opportunity to take graded exams — I participate in the National Federation of Music Club Program, and in the Royal Conservatory Music Development Program.
How do we pay for lessons?
Lessons are billed monthly on a school year system. The total tuition is divided over an equal number of monthly payments. Fall Semester is August-January. Spring is February-May. If students start mid-semester, the cost is prorated. The summer session is June-July. Payment options: ZELLE, personal check, cash.