Question 1

What are your rates and how are the rates determined?

Accepted Answer

I offer couture services and custom rates. There are no cookie-cutter or hourly rates. I charge by appearance and not by the hour.

A brief but thorough phone or video consultation is the best, most time-efficient way of receiving timely and accurate rates.

Rates for piano performances are determined by several factors, and not just the performance time length. Rates are customized and tend to range from $700 to $2,300 depending on event specifics like setup, travel, and  customizations.

Clients' needs, such as unique song lists or distant venues, can impact rates. Transparent communication is key to ensuring accurate pricing. Last-minute changes can cause stress and affect rates, which are set based on local market standards and performer discretion.

Question 2

Why don't you publish a flat rate list?

Accepted Answer

I do not offer flat rates nor do I charge by the hour because that offers my clients very little flexibility nor does it reflect the couture services I offer.

Every wedding is different, because every wedding couple is different. Venues, times of the year, and musical expectations all differ per wedding. Therefore, offer custom quotes after I understand all of the requirements of the event: travel time, length of performance, and any behind-the-scenes preparations like learning new music for wedding ceremonies.

Question 3

Is live music an add-on, or a fundamental fixture of a wedding?

Accepted Answer

Live music is not an upgrade or add-on like linens or table settings. It’s an integral part of the wedding itself. Across cultures and history, music has been woven into ceremonies and celebrations to set the tone, mark the transitions, and create memories. Treating wedding music as an afterthought risks losing the very element that makes a wedding feel alive and connected. Music at a wedding is often essential.

Question 4

Couture Services VS. Click-to-Purchase

Accepted Answer

Not all live music is booked the same way.

Some services are click-to-purchase — fixed packages, preset options, and transactional bookings designed for speed and simplicity. That approach works well when the goal is simply to check a box on an event planning list.

My work is different.

I offer couture piano services, meaning each performance is thoughtfully tailored to the event, the space, and the desired atmosphere. Rather than selling a one-size-fits-all package, I collaborate with clients to shape the music around the flow of the evening, the venue’s acoustics, and the overall tone they want to create.

Because of this approach, my rates are customized rather than rigid — and that actually allows more flexibility, not less. Custom quotes make it possible to adjust duration, instrumentation, setup needs, and scope of service in a way that respects both the event vision and the client’s budget.
To help clients quickly understand general investment levels, I share standard pricing ranges and the most popular investment options on my website. From there, a brief conversation allows me to refine the details and ensure the quote is accurate, fair, and aligned with what the event truly needs.
This process works best for clients who value artistry, atmosphere, and intentionality — not just a price point. If someone is simply looking for “any pianist at the lowest possible cost,” my services may not be the right fit. But for those who want live music to elevate the experience rather than merely fill space, a couture approach offers far more value.

Live piano is relational by nature, not transactional. That’s where my work shines.

Question 5

When should we book you?

Accepted Answer

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The best time to reach out is once you’ve booked your wedding date and venue is typically 8–20 months in advance. At that stage, I can confirm my availability and provide an accurate rate quote based on the specific details of your day.

If you contact me before you select a wedding date and book a venue, I can’t provide a meaningful quote. On the other hand, if you wait until the last minute (1–2 months before your wedding), my availability is often limited and pricing can be quite restrictive.

Musicians are not a “fill-in” detail. Music is a core part of your ceremony and celebration. Booking early ensures you get the customized, professional piano music you want rather than having to settle for what’s left in your budget or schedule.

Please understand that waiting until the last few months before your wedding to book live music, especially if you expect custom arrangements, drives the rate significantly higher. This isn’t arbitrary; it’s simple supply and demand. By that point, my calendar is often near capacity, and creating tailored music on a compressed timeline requires extra resources.

Couples who plan ahead lock in fair pricing and the flexibility to get exactly what they want. Last-minute booking inquiries often come from couples who are in a crunch, whether with budget, planning, or timing, but that urgency on their side doesn’t change how my availability and rates work. Booking well in advance is the best way to avoid disappointment and to secure the customized live music you envision.

Plan ahead and get what you envisioned.

Question 6

Rates without Dates

Accepted Answer

In order to receive a ball-park rate other than the general rates already listed, I must have some basic information about your event and this includes the date of your event. Offering this information when inquiring is industry standard. Giving me the information I need upfront can help you save time and help you get a quote faster. Please be prepared to offer the following in order to receive a ball-park rate:

• Date of your event
 • Location of your event
 • Time of your event
 • Is there a piano on location?
 • If a corporate or business event, what is the name of the business or organization?

Question 7

How and when should we think about live music in our wedding budget?

Accepted Answer

The best time to plan for live music is at the very start of your budgeting process. Instead of allocating funds to almost every other areas first and then hoping to magically “fit in” music with what’s left, begin by gathering general quotes from professional musicians. General quotes are often located on musician websites. Those general quotes should inform what you set aside in your budget for music, ensuring you plan realistically. This approach removes stress later on and secures the quality of music your celebration deserves.

Respectfully, some wedding planners communicate to their wedding clients what they should budget for live music. It is common that wedding planners may not be well informed about what musicians cost. An often more empowering suggestion is to reach out to musicians yourselves and get the information from them directly.

I cannot stress enough that live music is special and should not be viewed as an afterthought or "nice to have."

Question 8

How would you best describe your music?

Accepted Answer

I am a wedding and event pianist who loves transforming both timeless classics and contemporary favorites into elegant, expressive performances. My music is warm, fluid, and emotionally rich, moving naturally from delicate, intimate moments to powerful, cinematic swells.

Unlike a piano bar musician, I don’t sing or play high-energy bar tunes; instead, I focus purely on the piano, creating a sophisticated soundtrack that elevates your celebration without overwhelming it. Whether I’m interpreting a romantic ballad, reimagining a modern pop song, or flowing seamlessly through background medleys, my goal is always to set the perfect atmosphere and leave your guests with an unforgettable experience.

Question 9

I need an immediate quote, but I only want to share very information about the event. Can you provide one?

Accepted Answer

I completely understand that corporate planners and wedding couples are busy and often trying to move quickly. That said, my services are not a one-click, add-to-cart commodity.

Live music is a customized experience, and the more details you provide, such as the event type, expectations, equipment needs, and venue setup—the faster and more accurately I can create a tailored proposal.

Sharing only minimal information usually leads to back-and-forth clarifications or overwhelm for the planner, which slows things down. When you give me the full picture from the start, I can respond quickly with pricing that’s both clear and accurate. Hopping on a brief 10-minute call to hash out the event needs and details is still the best most time-efficient way of getting the quote you need.

Question 10

Do you require a deposit or retainer?

Accepted Answer

I require a retainer, which is not refundable.

A simple, typically small, non-refundable, applied retainer will be required only after an agreement is reached on the performance services and rate.

Question 11

Do you supply your own piano instrument when there is no piano on location?

Accepted Answer

Yes.

For a nominal rate, I can provide professional, full-sized digital piano and sound equipment with advanced notice (upon booking).  The digital piano I perform on is of professional-grade quality and the sound equipment delivers professional sound. The piano sound on the digital piano is superb and most authentic. I do only perform upon digital pianos that do have a truly authentic sound.

Set up, takedown and sound checks typically take about forty-five (45) minutes to one hour before the event and about forty-five (45) minutes after the event. This setup and takedown time cannot be rushed. The time required for set up and take down, including the usage of the digital piano legitimize additional rates.

Remember, you are paying for musical excellence and precision from a professional.

Question 12

Do you perform with other musicians?

Accepted Answer

Short answer: No.

Having a full-time commitment, I rarely have the availability to collaborate.

Collaborations require planning, rehearsal time, and space. Additionally, my style of playing the piano by ear is unconventional and can easily confuse musicians who sight-read only.

In contrast, I’ve collaborated with musicians linked to wedding families, but finding others who play by ear like me is tough. Working with other musicians can complicate event planning, increase rates, and often isn’t practical due to scheduling conflicts and uncertainties. Requests for collaborations are considered based on my professional discretion.

Question 13

What genres of music do you perform?​

Accepted Answer

Light Classical, Jazz Standards, Broadway & Show Tunes, WWII Era, Pop, Classic Rock, Contemporary Piano, Today's Alternative and Modern Music, Movie  Themes, Disney Medleys, including many current artists, and so much more!
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* Note that I am not classically trained nor am I a jazz or piano bar genre musician. 
​

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Question 14

Can you perform outside when events are outside?

Accepted Answer

Yes, I can perform outdoors in Colorado, weather permitting. My contracts include outdoor performance requirements. If I need to bring my digital piano and sound equipment, I require dedicated access to a functional 3-prong power outlet. Venues usually offer canopies or appropriate coverings for weddings.

It's ideal for me to have venue access for two hours before the event. My professional-grade digital piano and equipment is delicate, and cannot not be sitting in the elements like direct hot sun for very long.
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Question 15

Who picks the ceremony songs for wedding ceremonies?​

Accepted Answer

My wedding couples pick the music that I play during their wedding ceremony, and may pick up to three songs. I will then learn the songs and create new versions of them, tailored to the wedding ceremony. 
​

Question 16

Do you take song requests during the event?

Accepted Answer

For background music settings (such as cocktail hour or dinner), I may take a few song requests on the spot, depending on the song and style.

However, to keep the music flowing smoothly, I usually weave requests into the natural set rather than pause to take them immediately. For ceremonies, I stick to the couple’s chosen songs so the program remains elegant and organized. When I perform ambient music (cocktail hour and dinner), I choose the music from a proprietary song list that I do not publish. These ambient performances focus on my prepared songs, and not impromptu song requests.

Question 17

Can we choose your song lists?

Accepted Answer

Not unless it is for a wedding ceremony. When I perform ambient music (cocktail hour and dinner), I choose the music from a proprietary song list that I do not publish.

Maintaining the privacy of my song list ensures:
 • The music is engaging, entertaining, and magical, as guests wonder and anticipate what song will be played next.
 • The performance rate is competitive. 
 • The uniqueness of my offerings are different from traditional DJ services.

Question 18

Can you learn special requests or custom songs?

Accepted Answer

Yes! If there’s a special song that means a lot to you, I am happy to learn and perform it.

• Please note that I require 90-day advanced notice prior to your wedding or event to ensure I have time to create a bespoke piano arrangement. 
 • Learning special requests or custom songs is considered when generating custom rates.

If a song falls outside of my style or ability to adapt by ear, I’ll let you know right away and help suggest alternatives that achieve a similar feel.

Question 19

What is the booking process and what are "booking fees"?

Accepted Answer

I use a third-party booking website for formal agreements, which provides event protections appreciated by his clients. The website charges a small booking fee, transparently split between me and my clients. This fee is included in initial rate estimates for transparency. The formal agreement outlines all terms and conditions for clients to review before booking. Clients have time to carefully review these standard terms before finalizing their booking.​ 
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Question 20

We don't have a date and venue booked for our event but we want to book.

Accepted Answer

I am thrilled you are interested in booking me early in your event planning process! Some wedding couples and event planners research rates and dates far in advance, and I support this proactive approach.

At this time, I do not hold dates, not even with a deposit. Booking me guarantees the date, rate, and availability.

If you don't have a date and venue booked yet, it is best to wait until you do in order to book with me. When you have the date and venue booked, reach out to me and I will check my availability at that time.

Question 21

Do you work with LGBTQIA+ couples and events?

Accepted Answer

100%, yes. 
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Question 22

Wedding-Specific (packages, adaptation, collaboration)

Accepted Answer

Weddings Specifically
Can you play for the cocktail hour or dinner in addition to the ceremony?
Absolutely! It flows very well to have live, classy piano music for the ceremony, cocktail hour and/or dinner, and have the DJ transition at the end of dinner to kick off the dance party. This type of transition is extremely popular.

What happens if my ceremony runs late?
Adaptation is where live musicians shine. When the wedding starts late and I am performing prelude (music leading up to the ceremony), I simply continue playing the piano. Typically the wedding planner will inform me about the adjusted timeline, as needed. When I continue playing the piano if the wedding ceremony starts later than expected, no one is the wiser.

How do you coordinate with the officiant or DJ?
Not only do I communicate with these vendors ahead of time, but it is common for us to either know each other already.

Question 23

We want a piano bar musician.

Accepted Answer

I am not a piano bar musician nor do I offer sing-alongs, rock-and-roll, or high-energy bar-style music. My services are designed to elevate events with unique sophistication, while relying upon the simplicity of solo piano music to complement your event without overwhelming it.

Question 24

We want Taylor Swift music! Can you play Taylor Swift songs?

Accepted Answer

Yes! I can play up to 5 songs from Taylor Swift. Just kidding... I can only play 3.

Joking aside, I am not a Taylor Swift tribute pianist, so, while I know a few of her songs, I have an entire audience to entertain with music that they connect with. Not every song I play is everyone's absolute favorite song.

When I play the piano for wedding ceremonies, wedding couples can choose up to three (3) songs for me to perform during the ceremony. If they desire for all three songs to be Taylor Swift songs, I am happy to oblige. For ambient performances, I choose the music and invite my clients to enjoy the excitement and entertainment of not knowing what song is next.

Question 25

What types of corporate events do you perform for?

Accepted Answer

I provide live piano music for a wide range of events, including holiday parties, networking receptions, award banquets, gala dinners, and executive retreats. My performance style is adaptable. Whether you’re looking for elegant background ambience or a more engaging focal point for the evening.

Question 26

How do your rates work for corporate events?

Accepted Answer

I charge by appearance rather than strictly by the hour. This ensures your quote reflects the full scope of service: performance, travel, setup, coordination with venue staff, and teardown. Rates typically start at $750 for two hours, and vary depending on logistics.

Question 27

How far in advance should we book you for corporate events?

Accepted Answer

The best time to secure live music for corporate holiday parties is 6–9 months in advance, since peak dates in November and December fill quickly. That said, I realize many planners begin reaching out in late summer or early fall, often finalizing entertainment just weeks before the event. While I do my best to accommodate short-notice requests, booking early ensures availability and gives us more time to tailor the music experience for your guests.

T A N N E R P A L M E R
pianist

Piano by ear

Frequently Asked Questions

Most of Tanner Palmer's clients have never booked a pianist before.
It is Tanner's pleasure to ensure the process is an enjoyable one.
After all, what is life without a little music?

Reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

Most of Tanner Palmer's clients have never booked a pianist before. It is Tanner's pleasure to ensure the process is an enjoyable one. After all, what is life without a little music?​

Reviews

Most of Tanner Palmer's clients have never booked a pianist before.
It is Tanner's pleasure to ensure the process is an enjoyable one.
After all, what is life without a little music?