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Frequently Asked Questions

If you can’t find an answer here, please get in touch.

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General Information

Events

Available for:
Weddings

Proposals
Functions
Corporate Events
Parties
and other Special Occasions

Music

Classical
Pop 
Rock
Film / TV
Broadway

World Music
Special requests

Location

Based in the South West.

Prepared to travel.

Pricing

Quotes include: travel costs, set up time, set changes, necessary breaks and time between sets. 

Travel

Approximate Travel Costs:

within 50 miles - £25

within 100 miles - £50

within 200 miles - £250
Please note that when travelling this far I will need to stay overnight - therefore this includes accommodation.

Insured

Laura has

Public Liability Insurance

for £10 million,

held with the ISM

Independent Society of Musicians.


Insurance certificates available on request.

Perform Outdoors

I can perform outdoors but require some form of shelter. My instruments can not be in direct sunlight or any rain as this will damage them.

So, if you're interested in having an outdoor ceremony or reception: a gazebo, pergola, umbrella, large tree or being stationed by French doors work best.

Do consider a contingency plan for adverse weather.

Advance notice must be given before the event.

Ensemble

Interested in something more? 

The option to upgrade to

a larger ensemble

is available upon request.

 

Popular ensembles include: 

Serenity String Duo,

Piano Duo,

String Trio & String Quartet.

more information 
& FAQs 

Best way to contact

Laura Seymour Violin

There are a number of ways to contact me - so choose the way that suits you best - email, Whats App, Instagram, Facebook & Messenger, my website contact page, or you can phone me and leave an answer phone message - then we can arrange a phone call if required.

I check all avenues of communication regularly and will respond as soon as I am able to.

Serenity String Duo

If you're looking for something more I also perform in

Serenity String Duo. 

www.serenitystringduo.com

Serenity String Duo is made up of two musicians:

Katja plays the cello

and I, Laura play the violin.

We're sisters that share a passion for performance,

and love to entertain!

What is a

String Duo?

A String Duo traditionally consists of

a violinist and a cellist. 

Occasionally, we perform with other musicians. We have previously performed as a violin duo, and a violin-viola duo as well.

Serenity String Duo regularly perform as a traditional

violin and cello duo.

Where did

you study?

Laura is a professional, freelance musician.

Laura is a graduate of

The Royal Welsh College

of Music & Drama.

Laura graduated in 2014.

Can we book a

larger ensemble?

Interested in something more?

The option to upgrade to a larger ensemble is available upon request.

Popular ensembles requested include:

string duo, string trio & string quartet.

 

Contact me for more details

in regards to larger esembles.

What's the difference between a String Duo & a String Quartet?

The main difference is in the

number of performers, volume

and density of sound.

Serenity String Duo arrangements

are carefully chosen and

skillfully adapted to create

the fullest sound,

maintaining each song's melody,

bass notes, harmonic progressions and percussive rhythms.

We pride ourselves in

creating a magical,

enchanting atmosphere,

whilst keeping costs affordable.

Who performs in your

larger ensembles?

I have many professional

contacts and musicians that I

work with on a regular basis.

All musicians that perform

with me in Serenity String Duo, our String Trio

and String Quartet

and deputies (DEP's) standing in 

if one of the duo is unavailable, 

are also music conservatoire graduates from some of the

UK's top music colleges

& are professional, freelance musicians.

What if you are

ill / unavailable?

I have many professional contacts and musicians that I work with on a regular basis.

In the event that I become ill, or unavailable, I will arrange another elite musician to perform in my place.

I will contact you directly if this

is the case.

We can then sort

how you would like to proceed.

How do I

check availability?

My diary is constantly

being updated due to the nature of my client's bookings.

 

Because of this I

do not publish it online.

To check whether

your date is free,

please contact me directly.

Occasionally I do perform at more than one event on the same day.

When I enquire, is that date held for me?

No. When you enquire

I may make a note in my diary

of your event's details.

However, this does not reserve that date for you.

Your booking is only secured once your deposit is paid. 

If I receive another enquiry for the same date I will try to let you know, however I work on a first "booked" basis. On some occasions I accept multiple bookings per day.

How far in advance

can I book?

I am regularly accepting bookings up to 3 years in advance.

The more notice the better. Having said this -

I have also been known to accept bookings within

a much shorter time frame. 

If you are interested in booking me - contact me and together we can discuss your plans, no matter how far in the future they may be.

How do I

confirm my booking?

Your booking is only secured once your deposit is paid.

A non-refundable deposit of

20% is required upon booking.

Payment can be made via bank transfer.

What if the

plans change?

Details such as timings and

other requirements can change in the run-up to events.

 

For this reason I ask for

as many details as possible

when you book.

 

Please give me as much notice as possible and let me know if any plans change, especially as on some occasions I accept multiple bookings per day. 

A month before your event I will contact you to confirm these details with you, and

the second payment of 80% is required 30 days before the event (non-refundable).

What information do you require when I book?

I ask clients for the following details including:

full client/s name/s,

date of event,

full venue address,

timings for event,

as well as performance timings,

plus any special requirements that the client may have.

Once this have been established I will put an informed quote together for you.

After the quote has been finalised and details confirmed,

we can proceed.

I then send clients an invoice for the non-refundable

20% deposit, 

required to secure the booking.

What attire do you perform in?

Depending on the type and style of the event

my attire will vary.

I believe it is important to maintain that I am a well-presented,

highly experienced musician.

Whether your event is

black-tie, or relaxed and casual I will perform in appropriate attire for your event.

I have no "usual attire", concert dress is formal black, however I can perform in a number of different colours -

if you have a specific colour scheme in mind, let me know and I can ensure that I compliment the look that you wish to create.

Can you

perform outside?

I can perform outdoors but require some form of shelter.

My instruments (both electric and acoustic) can not be in direct sunlight or any rain as this will damage them.

So, if you're interested in having an outdoor event: a gazebo, pergola, umbrella, large tree or being stationed by French doors work best.

Do consider a contingency plan for adverse weather. Advance notice must be given before the event. 

Ultimately I reserve the right not to play outdoors, but will always do what is best in order to ensure both you and your guests get the best performance possible.

Do I need to

pay a deposit?

Yes.

Once the details of your event have been established I will put an informed quote together

for you.

After the quote has been finalised and details confirmed,

we can proceed.

I then send clients an invoice for the non-refundable

20% deposit, 

required to secure the booking.

What questions do I need to ask my venue?

Do check your venue's music policy before completing your booking with me - every venue has individualised rules,

regulations and licenses to adhere to. 

Does the venue have

sound restrictions - check their policies on both acoustic

and amplified music. 

Ask where musicians usually perform - both inside and outside.

Check if the venue is able to provide appropriate shelter for me to perform under if your event is taking place outside: a gazebo, pergola, umbrella, large tree or being stationed by French doors work best.

What will you need

on the day?

I will need 1 armless chair, although I always bring my stool as a back-up.

I require approximately

2m x 2m of space

for me to perform.

 

I require somewhere to store my cases and bags whilst Iperform, and are always grateful for basic refreshments - most importantly having a glass of water.

 

If I am to be situated outside please ensure there is adequate shade or shelter. 

When performing outside I will need to be on level ground with protection from high winds.

Do you require 

food and drink?

Food and drink is not expected from my clients,

however always appreciated.

A glass of water will

keep me hydrated and focused throughout the performance/s.

If canapes are circulating, 

or a cup of tea is offered,

- I won't say no.

Depending on the

length of the musical sets

during your special event,

I will require breaks

to refresh and

replenish myself, 

keeping me,

and the music, energised.

How far do you

travel?

I am based in the

South West of England,

and am prepared to travel.

 

My quotes include:

travel costs. ​

If you are looking to have

a wedding further afield

or even abroad -

let us know and we can

take this into consideration,

reflecting any extra travel costs in your quote.

Can we move from one room to another?

Of course!

I am very happy

to move between rooms

at your venue during the event.

For example,

moving from the

wedding ceremony

through to the

drinks reception.

All I ask - is that it is planned before hand.

I am flexible and

want to provide you and

your guests

with uninterrupted music

as much as possible.

How long do you

need to set up?

I always aim to arrive at least

60+ minutes before my performance start time. 

This allows me plenty of time to set up, warm up 

and discuss any last-minute queries with the venue.

It is very helpful for me if someone at the venue has been informed of my booking

and is expecting me.

They can then direct me to your 
(or their venue's standard) chosen location for my performance.

Do you perform at more than one venue per event?

Yes, I regularly travel between more than one venue.

If required this would

be done within the

total time period that

you book me for,

travel time will need be included within your quote.

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Any Other Questions?

If we have not listed your question in our FAQs, please contact us and we will get back to you with an answer as quickly as we can.We look forward to hearing from you!

Are you

insured?

Laura has Public Liability Insurance for £10 million,

held with the

Independent Society of Musicians.

Insurance certificates are available on request.

Do you have

a contract?

Yes.

 

Each client is given an

outline of my expectations, including my quote and requirements for the event.

Note: my quotes include:

travel costs,

set up time,

set changes,

necessary breaks

and my time between sets. 

How much

do you charge?

Prices for my services

vary depending on a

number of factors including: location,

duration,

and special requests.​

Please get in touch with any special requirements.

Contact me for a more personalised quote.

Are there any

hidden costs?

Absolutely not!

The price I quote

is all inclusive, 

including VAT.

How do we

pay?

A non-refundable

deposit of

20% is required

upon booking.

The final 80% is required

30 days before the event

(non-refundable).

 

Events cancelled will lose 100% of payments made up to that date.

You may pay at an

earlier point if you wish.

Payment can be made 

via bank transfer.

Details are included

in your invoice.

Do you have a

cancellation policy?

Yes. 

Events cancelled

will lose

100% of payments

made up to the

date of cancellation.

Can I hear you

perform?

Yes.

 

There are both

audio and video clips

available on my website,

as well as short video clips

of me performing on

socials and my YouTube channel @LauraSeymourViolin. 

You're always welcome to come and visit me at an upcoming wedding fair or concert.

Keep an eye on my socials

and events notifications

for more details on

performances at public events. 

Can you perform amplified?

Yes I can.

Always check your venue's music policy, and specifically ask them about amplified music.

Amplification is not necessary for most wedding ceremonies or parties where I can perform acoustically. However, for bigger corporate events, or larger drinks receptions we can bring our:

pick ups / amplifier, leads, extension cable, 2x mats, and speaker.

In order to perform this way I will need access to your venue's:

electricity, any spare mats to cover our leads - which keeps everyone safe, and access to

your venue's internalised

PA system - if applicable.

Can we choose what you perform?

You certainly can.

My clients have access to an

extensive and diverse

range of music,

allowing me to create

bespoke entertainment

for any occasion.

 

Have a look at my Repertoire List and contact me with your ideas. 

Some couples like to choose all the pieces and send it to me like a playlist but you can also choose a handful of your favourite songs to give me an idea of your musical style and I can suggest pieces that are similar.

We’ll create the

perfect playlist!

How long do you

perform for?

I regularly take bookings for between 1 - 4 hours, although I have no maximum length of booking.

My overall time is

reflected in your quote.

I generally take a 10+ minute break per hour during a function of 2 hours or more.

I will coordinate my breaks with your event's itinerary.

If planning music for a wedding, I build my breaks in to the schedule and note these clearly on your individualised set list.

Please note that musicians always stay in position throughout the entirety of a wedding ceremony.

I have a special request for a bespoke arrangement:

Want Something Else?

Special Requests:

If you would like a song you don’t see on my list, let me know and I will look to see if an arrangement already exists.

 

If I can access it we will let you know and do a quote for this special extra.

Otherwise, we can discuss writing a bespoke arrangement for you at

£60.00 per piece.

There is no rush on choosing music from the list but if you'd like to explore the bespoke option do let me know as soon as you've made a decision so I have plenty of time to arrange the piece for you.

Any other

questions?

If I have not listed your question in my FAQs,

please contact me and I will get back to you with an answer as quickly as I can.

 

I look forward to hearing from you!

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“Just to say thank you so much for your lovely music at our wedding ceremony ☺️ we both really loved it, as did our guests! Thank you!”

Leanne - Bride

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