To hire a violinist in Singapore, decide the moments you want music for, pick the format that fits the room, plan the songs, check sound and space with the venue, and book early enough for your date. This guide takes you through each step.
Step 1. Decide the moments
Start with the programme, not the musician. Which moments need live music? A wedding might want the processional, the signing, the cocktail hour and the first dance. A company dinner might want arrival music and a featured piece before the awards. A birthday might want one surprise. The moments decide the length: 30 to 45 minutes for a ceremony or a surprise, one to three hours for a reception or a dinner.
Step 2. Pick the format
| Format | Best for |
|---|---|
| Solo acoustic violinist | Ceremonies, restaurants, private dinners, proposals |
| Violinist with backing tracks | Receptions and parties that want pop songs with a fuller sound |
| Electric and LED violinist | Launches, gala openings, parties, big ballrooms |
| String duo or trio | Solemnisations, cocktail receptions, medium rooms |
| String quartet | Ballroom weddings, formal galas, large events |
Read more about the electric violinist, the string duo and trio and the string quartet.
Step 3. Plan the songs for each moment
- Processional. Pachelbel's Canon, Ave Maria, or your own love song on the violin.
- Signing and vows. Soft classical pieces.
- Cocktail hour. Light classical, jazz and bossa nova, or pop covers.
- Reception entrance. A bright, well known pop song.
- Dinner. A relaxed mix that does not compete with conversation.
- First dance. Your song, arranged for violin.
- Cultural moments. Chinese melodies and Mandopop, Malay, Indian or Arabic tunes, depending on the families and guests.
Send the list early. A song outside the violinist's repertoire may need sheet music, an arrangement and extra rehearsal.
Step 4. Check sound and space
- Small room. An acoustic violin needs no sound system.
- Ballroom or outdoors. The violin is amplified. Small amplifiers usually come with the violinist; a PA system, microphones and mixing can be arranged for large venues, or the violinist uses the venue's AV.
- Solemnisation. Keep the volume low enough for the celebrant's microphone.
- Rooftops and gardens. Ask about the sound curfew. Several rooftop venues in Singapore cut amplified music at 10pm or 11pm.
- Space. A clear corner for a soloist, a low platform for a quartet, and power nearby for any amplification.
Step 5. Choose the violinist
Watch performance videos, read the song list, confirm the date, ask about experience at your kind of event, and read the agreement and payment terms. Male and female violinists are available, and you can choose costume colours to match your theme. Watch the videos for a first idea of the style.
Step 6. Book at the right time
Book at least two to four weeks ahead for most events, and three to six months ahead for a wedding. December, Chinese New Year and popular wedding weekends fill first. Requests within 48 hours are sometimes possible, depending on who is free.
Step 7. Send the brief
Send the date, the venue, the number of guests, the moments and your song ideas. You get a shortlist of violinists with photos, videos and profiles, and a price. Budget questions are answered on the prices page. Ask on WhatsApp or through the quote form.
