Victorian College of the Arts
FAQs
Contents

Contact the Artists Booking Service on +61 3 9685 9080 or click here to email us directly

How does a typical booking work?
Step 1
A phone consultation to establish what kind of music will suit your event.
Step 2
ABS staff can send you demonstration CDs to assist with the selection of your music (this is particularly helpful for wedding receptions).
Step 3 You can select an ensemble from the suggestions made by the ABS, or perhaps you would like some more options. At this point you will have heard a number of ensembles/performers.
Step 4 You will receive a booking confirmation and an invoice for a fifty percent deposit to secure the booking if you have booked more than a month before your event, or an invoice for the full amount with less than a month’s notice.
Step 5 The performer will contact you directly to discuss repertoire, logistics on the day and any other concerns you may have.
Step 6
Payment of the remaining fifty percent is due in the three weeks prior to your event.
Step 7 The artist will contact you to confirm all details
Step 8 Your Event!
Can I hear the performers before I book them?

All our performers and ensembles have recorded demonstration material that we are most happy to send you to give you an idea of the style and quality of any ensemble you may be interested in.

How can I be assured of the quality of the performers?

The ABS understands that live music for your event is important, and in view of this, has developed a strict quality assurance system to ensure any performers booked for a function will deliver high quality performances. Any act put forward for an event has a wealth of performance experience behind them, and the ABS has monitored their professional development and standards to ensure absolute confidence in their ability to deliver great performances for your function.

I have a specific music request for my event; can you help?

It is not uncommon for individuals to request specific pieces of music for wedding ceremonies, receptions (such as a special song for the bridal waltz) or large-scale corporate functions. All our acts are willing to arrange and perform special requests. However, it is a good idea to discuss your ideas with ABS staff first to ensure that the piece of music you have in mind can be performed by the ensemble selected. If the piece you have selected is not already in the ensembles repertoire, there may be an extra fee payable for the purchase and arrangement of music.

I have no idea what style of music I should select for our function; can you help?

Don’t worry! For many people, their wedding or corporate party is the first time they have confronted the oftentimes impenetrable world of live music. Our ensembles are all very experienced, and can suggest music that will suit your event. You only have to be as involved as you want to be in the selection of music.

What kinds of music do people choose for weddings?

This depends on what part of the wedding you are referring to. Most couples will choose different music for the ceremony and reception/function/after party, and we can supply either or both. (Some couples even have three different ensembles/performers, one for the ceremony, one for the pre-dinner drinks, and one for the reception/dinner/after-party)
Listed below are some of the more popular ensembles/performers we have booked for wedding ceremonies. (Please note however, if you have other ideas, let us know, we specialise in tailoring music to your requirements).

  • String Quartet – This tends to be the most popular choice and there is nothing quite like the sublime sound of strings to make your wedding special. Their range of repertoire is virtually endless, so a string quartet is one of the most flexible ensembles as well.
  • Solo Harp – The gentle melodious sound of the harp can add a sense of intimacy and occasion to your wedding. Again, there is a wide range of repertoire to choose from.
  • Harp and Flute Duo – This has proven to be a tremendously popular and successful ensemble for wedding ceremonies. Popular repertoire includes classical and also Celtic and world influenced performances.
  • Female Vocalist – We have stunning performers in either a classical or more contemporary idiom. Most performers require some kind of accompaniment, so if there is no piano or organ on site, arrangements for a keyboard will have to be made. Alternatively, a string ensemble may accompany the vocalist.
What types of ensembles do you have available for the reception?

We have a wide variety of jazz, funk and Latin groups available for music at your reception, and our particular strength is fantastic female jazz vocalists. If you are looking for a more conventional 'wedding band' to perform a wide selection of covers and well-known popular music, we are probably not the best place to start. However, if you are looking for a smooth swinging jazz group, a high-energy funk ensemble, a sophisticated Latin band or something in between, we can certainly help.

What requirements are the performers likely to need on the day?

Musicians will need access to chairs with no arms. If your event is outdoors, the musicians will need cover/shade, not only for their own comfort, but also for the benefit of their instruments. To expose instruments to weather extremes and direct sunlight can do awful things for their tuning.

Will I need to provide food and beverages for the performers?

Soft drinks must be available to all the performers you hire. A light meal must be provided for all artists for bookings three hours or longer.

I don’t understand the request for insurance details on the booking schedule; what do I need to provide?

If your event is not in your home, the venue you have chosen for your event will be able to supply you with a ‘Certificate of Currency’. This is a legal requirement for the ABS to ensure that we are sending our artists into a safe working environment. If the event is in your home, all we require is the policy number for your home’s Public Liability insurance.

What electrical requirements will the ensembles need?

As a general rule, classical ensembles need no amplification, whilst jazz ensembles will need access to power. This need only be a power point; all amplification equipment and power boards will be supplied by your ensemble, unless otherwise negotiated.