Crystal offers a complimentary musical consultation for clients planning a wedding, corporate or social event. An in-person consultation gives you an opportunity to discuss your entertainment needs and to hear a selection of piano music. Telephone consultations are also available.

2. Can I hire Crystal to play at my wedding ceremony?

With the exception of wedding ceremonies already contracted, Crystal is no longer taking bookings for wedding ceremonies. However, she is available to perform for other wedding events, such as receptions and rehearsal dinners.

3. Does Crystal perform at outdoor events?

Crystal is no longer accepting bookings for outdoor events

4. Will Crystal travel to perform at my event?

Although Crystal typically performs at events in Edmonton and the surrounding area (including St. Albert, Sherwood Park, Fort Saskatchewan, Leduc, Spruce Grove, and Stony Plain), travel to other locations may be arranged for a fee. Contact Crystal for travel charges and further details.

5. What if we want piano music but there is no piano available at our venue?

Crystal has access to a professional portable stage piano, a Yamaha P90, which provides superior sound quality and can be used virtually anywhere. Rental of this digital piano and amplifier can be arranged for a fee of $125.00. This fee covers all the necessary arrangements, including rental, delivery, setup and pickup. Alternatively, if you would like to rent a baby grand piano for your event, Crystal can provide you with contacts in the music industry who offer this service.

6. How much piano music do we need for our wedding reception?

In general, music for a cocktail reception typically lasts one hour or longer. Background music for a brunch, luncheon, or dinner reception often lasts about two to three hours. Music is not played during announcements, introductions, toasts, or audio/visual presentations.

7. Who chooses the background music that Crystal will play?

Most clients leave the selection of music to Crystal after discussing their musical preferences and their entertainment needs. Please let Crystal know if there are some special songs you would love to hear at your event. Music may already be in her library or available for you to order. Please allow at least 8 weeks for any orders. This allows sufficient time for Crystal to receive the music and prepare it to performance standards.

8. What time does Crystal arrive for the event?

Crystal usually arrives 15-30 minutes prior to the contracted start time. Crystal begins performing at the time specified on the contract.

9. Does Crystal take breaks?

For engagements that exceed one hour, Crystal will take one ten-minute break per hour. If you will be having speeches, toasts, and/or presentations, Crystal will take her breaks during these segments of your program when music is not required.

10. What if on the day of the event, we would like Crystal to play longer than agreed upon?

Sometimes clients require more music than they originally anticipated. Should this be the case, you are certainly welcome to ask if Crystal is available to stay longer. Please note that overtime rates will apply with additional payment by cash, cheque or credit card required at the time.

11. What happens if Crystal is unable to make it to a performance?

This has yet to happen, but of course unforseen circumstances can arise. If Crystal knows in advance that she will be unable to perform at your event (e.g., personal injury, death in the family), she will inform you and then try to find another pianist for your event, making the necessary arrangements on your behalf. If an emergency arises on the date of your event (e.g., car accident), you will receive a full refund. With the exception of rare situations such as these, Crystal will be at every event she contracts.

12. Should we get the piano tuned prior to our function?

If the piano at your venue has not been tuned within the past three months, it is highly recommended. Seasonal changes in humidity and fluctuations in temperature will cause a piano to go out of tune. Check with the event coordinator at your facility to arrange for tuning. Request to see a receipt from the tuner to ensure that this service was completed.

13. Where should the piano be placed?

Placement of the piano is something to discuss with the event coordinator at your facility. Your coordinator is aware of various factors that need to be considered to ensure that the number of guests at your event can be accommodated both comfortably and safely.

14. Do we require a microphone for the piano?

If the piano at your venue is an upright, it is recommended to arrange for a microphone to project the sound of the piano. A grand piano’s lid is often opened to project sound if needed.

15. What if we find the music too loud or too soft?

Piano background music should always be at a pleasant volume that is conducive to conversation. Should the volume be too loud or soft at any time during your event, please let Crystal know so she can adjust the volume of her playing. Because sound is projected from the back and side of a piano and not from the keyboard, a pianist often cannot determine how music is being received. Your feedback is always appreciated.

16. Can we place a floral arrangement, candles, or a photograph on the piano?

Due to safety concerns, this is discouraged. Vibrations from the piano can cause items to shift. Also, keep in mind that a grand piano’s lid is often opened to project sound as required. For these reasons, it is suggested that you place your special items somewhere other than on the piano.

17. Does Crystal accompany vocalists?

Crystal does not generally accompany vocalists; however, exceptions may be possible. An additional fee to cover music costs and rehearsal time will be charged. Please inquire regarding the specifics of your event.

18. Does Crystal perform with other instrumentalists?

Crystal is concentrating on solo work at this time.

19. If we would like to book services through Piano Moments, how soon should we do so?

Crystal often books clients a year in advance so it is recommended to book as soon as possible to ensure that your date is available. Check with Crystal about her availability for the date of your event. If your date is available, she will send you a contract and place a hold on your date for two weeks. Anyone who inquires about your date during this time will be placed on a waiting list. If you return the contract along with your $50.00 deposit within the two-week timeframe, your booking will be finalized. If your contract and deposit are not received by the deadline, the hold on your date will be lifted and Crystal will contact the first person on the waiting list or open the date to other potential clients.

20. What forms of payment does Crystal accept?

Crystal accepts payment made by cash, personal cheque, cashier’s cheque, money order and PayPal. As an added convenience, Crystal now accepts the following credit cards: Visa, MasterCard and American Express.

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