Shots Fired - Why You Should Not Hire String Musicians Through Your DJ or Band Company

Professional, female cellist on left and male DJ on right

Warning: This may ruffle some feathers

Do NOT hire your string musicians through your DJ or Band

Here’s why:

If your DJ or band leader were a professional string musician, they probably wouldn’t be in the business of being a DJ or band leader. Why? Because that is not what they have trained for decades to do. That is precicely why as the owner of the #1 string ensemble on Long Island for over a decade, I never pretended to know a darn thing about DJing or leading a 5, 7 or 12-piece band. I let professional DJ’s and Band leaders handle that…that is what they were trained to do and many of them do their jobs extremely well.

For some reason though, DJ’s and Bands seem to think that they can simply sell a string group as an “add-on” service without knowing anything about string playing, sourcing quality arrangements or ceremony performance requirements.

Strings are NOT an “add-on”

Live string musicians set the tone for your wedding from the minute your guests enter your ceremony space all the way through your cocktail hour. When done well, a string quartet creates an emotional ambiance before you even enter the scene with your cinematic walk down the aisle. We are the reason that your big moments resonate with your guests. Imagine watching a romantic scene in a movie without the sound, without the beautiful building string crescendo…it’s not such a big deal anymore is it? 

DJ’s and Band Leaders will argue that it is “easier” to have fewer vendors when planning an event. As someone who planned their own wedding, I can understand the appeal of that sentiment. What they don’t tell you, however, is that they will often post on Facebook at the 11th hour seeking to fill spots for a string quartet for YOUR wedding day. The day that you have looked forward to for your entire lifetime. The biggest day of your life to this point. They will staff your wedding with musicians who may or may not be qualified, who have never rehearsed together, have never performed together and who don’t even know one another. 

These gigs are notoriously low paying as the company will pocket the bulk of the money for themselves and pay the string musicians the bare minimum. 

Additionally, they will scramble to buy sheet music that is sub-par, that is cheap and will throw it together at the last moment leaving the musicians uncertain and disorganized. Why? Because their focus is elsewhere. They are busy doing what they set out to do in the first place - Book and perform as a DJ or Band. 

This is exactly why I founded Luminous Sounds almost twelve years ago. I was sick of performing terrible music for disorganized companies and getting paid next to nothing while being treated as an afterthought. Since the inception of Luminous Sounds, I have prioritized two things: 

1. Our Clients - The care that our clients receive throughout the planning process is simply unmatched. We offer a truly concierge-level service while providing our clients peace of mind that their wedding music is going to be professionally performed, emotionally evocative and precise. 

2. Our Musicians - I have always prioritized our musicians. All of our musicians hold either a doctoral or masters degree in their respective instrument. They have trained at the best schools and conservatories with the top teachers across the globe. They are punctual, professional, mature, extremely talented and I ensure that ensembles perform together regularly. That chemistry, dedication and professionalism truly sets our group apart. For this reason, our fee is higher than some of the other options out there because I want to ensure that our musicians are well-compensated for their time, talent and years of preparation for your big day. 

As a client of Luminous Sounds you will receive unlimited Zoom and/or phone consultations to discuss your vision, your timeline, your vibe and what musical selections will pair best to achieve the aesthetic that you are seeking. The day-of we will arrive at least 30 minutes prior to the arrival of your guests. We will start performing as they begin to make their way into the ceremony location, and will set the tone for your ceremony before you even arrive for your big walk down the aisle. Your designated event leader will communicate with your planner and officiant to make sure that everyone is on the same page and the musicians will create the emotional, romantic, cinematic music that you have been dreaming of. 

Your wedding should be a priority. Your musicians should not be considered an add-on or afterthought. 

It’s the biggest day of your lives, shouldn’t your music reflect that? 

Luminous Sounds, Inc.

Your Event | Elevated

To view our packages, please visit: www.LuminousSounds.com