Question 1

Do you provide music for wedding ceremonies or cocktail receptions?

Accepted Answer

Since 1998, I have crafted sweet, spirited, and soulful live soundtracks for thousands of weddings across the California Central Coast and Bay Area - from the coastal cliffs of Big Sur, to the sprawling vineyards of Napa and Carmel Valley, to the secret gardens of San Francisco, and the luxury hotels of Monterey and San Jose.

Question 2

Are you able to play any song we want?

Accepted Answer

While our master library features hundreds of selections, once-in-a-lifetime celebrations often require special requests. If you envision a song or piece not listed above, Laurel will prepare and rehearse a bespoke arrangement exclusively to your ensemble configuration. Please provide six weeks' notice for custom commissions. (Arrangement fees apply).

Question 3

Are you fully insured?

Accepted Answer

Backed by a comprehensive $2 million liability insurance policy, I bring peace of mind to every event.

Question 4

What do you wear?

Accepted Answer

In the absence of specific client requests, we wear formal black performance attire with tasteful accent styling.

Question 5

How early do you come to set up?

Accepted Answer

Our event day timelines ensure ample venue, coordinator, and other relevant vendor coordination, set up, and sound check. We will typically set up an hour before our performance window start for a simple setup, or earlier as needed.

Question 6

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

Accepted Answer

I perform exclusively on an exquisite acoustic instrument crafted by a master California luthier and celebrated by audiences for its remarkably deep, rich, and warm resonance. While I don't offer the modern pop visuals of plastic or colorful electric violins, nor high-intensity digital sound effects, I am fully equipped to amplify my acoustic instrument, ensuring that its breathtaking, authentic classical tone will fill your space with clarity and sophisticated presence.

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 calendar generally fills up 6+ months in advance, and I often have events on the books up to two years in advance. If your event is on a weekend, particularly a Saturday, I recommend reaching out at least 6 months to a year out.

Question 8

What requirements do you need to perform at my event?

Accepted Answer

At least 3 square feet performance space and an armless chair per musician. For outdoor events, a dry and level surface, and shade and protection from sun or precipitation (including fog and mist). For performances lasting 2+ hours we appreciate the opportunity to enjoy a few refreshments, and for events requiring more than 2 hours of travel each way or lasting 3+ hours, a vendor meal when possible.

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, Ensembles

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About Laurel Thomsen - Solo Violin, Duos, Trios, Ensembles