Simon Jones | Classical & Electric Violin Classical and electric violin for weddings, ceremonies & private functions

For acoustic/unaccompanied violin, I only need a safe, level performance space with enough room to play comfortably, good access to the performance area, and suitable shelter for outdoor or semi-outdoor events.

For electric violin or backing-track performances, I will need access to a standard power socket close to the performance area unless battery-powered equipment has been agreed in advance.

I also require one parking space or clear nearby parking/loading access.

For small or intimate bookings, I can often perform without additional sound equipment.

For electric violin, backing tracks, larger rooms or outdoor/semi-outdoor settings, PA equipment can be arranged by agreement and quoted according to the venue, audience size and booking requirements.

Lighting is not normally included, but can be discussed if the event requires it.

I need the venue address, performance location within the venue, timings, parking/loading arrangements, access details, whether the performance is indoors or outdoors, and whether there are any sound restrictions or venue rules.

For electric violin or backing-track bookings, it is also useful to know whether power is available near the performance area and whether the venue already has a suitable PA system.

I can provide background playlist music before, after or between live sets by arrangement, either chosen by me to suit the mood of the event or based on a client-supplied playlist.

One of the most memorable venues I’ve performed at is Southbank Centre in London, where I was commissioned to create and perform music for a poetry project. I’ve also toured internationally as a musician and performed in a wide range of settings, from formal concert venues to festivals, theatre projects, galleries and unusual site-specific events. I enjoy bringing that wider performance experience into more intimate events, where the music has to feel personal and carefully judged.

My musical background is rooted in classical music, and I keep coming back to composers such as Bach, Beethoven, Sibelius, Mahler, Wagner and Ligeti. I’m drawn to music with depth, atmosphere and emotional weight, whether that is a Bach slow movement, Purcell’s Dido’s Lament, or something as direct and haunting as Roy Orbison’s In Dreams.

For events, that means I’m interested in choosing music that genuinely suits the moment, rather than simply filling time.

I started playing in public when I was around 10, in a Saturday morning basement orchestra at Greenbank College in Liverpool, run by the council. I’ve been performing in one form or another ever since.

Over the years I’ve played classical music, theatre, musicals, experimental music, avant-pop, sound art, installations and live events. I have toured internationally as a musician, performed at venues including Southbank Centre, and worked on commissions for BBC Radio, FACT, LightNight Liverpool and Fusion Festival Germany. Alongside performing, I also teach violin and work professionally across music, sound and creative production.

I especially enjoy events where the violin helps create a clear atmosphere, whether that is a wedding ceremony, drinks reception, memorial, dinner, gallery opening or creative event. I like playing music that marks a moment properly: something elegant, reflective, romantic, cinematic or quietly unusual, depending on the setting.

The best events are the ones where the music feels genuinely connected to the occasion, rather than just added on in the background.

Yes. Acoustic or unaccompanied violin works well for ceremonies, memorials, intimate settings and formal moments where a simple, elegant sound is wanted.

Electric violin can work well for drinks receptions, wedding breakfasts, corporate events and settings where a fuller, more contemporary or more visually distinctive performance is suitable. If amplification, backing tracks or battery-powered equipment are needed, this can be discussed as part of the quote.

For acoustic or unaccompanied violin, setup is simple, but I would usually aim to arrive at least an hour before the performance time. This allows time to check in with the organiser or venue, confirm the performance position, sort parking/access, warm up, and get changed if needed.

For electric violin, backing tracks or amplified performances, I would normally allow at least 90 minutes before the performance time. This gives time for the above, plus setting up any equipment, checking levels, testing playback, and doing a short sound or line check.

Typical performance options include wedding ceremony music, 1 x 60 minute set, 2 x 45 minute sets, or ceremony plus drinks reception / wedding breakfast. Timings can be adapted to suit the event.

Yes, I am happy to perform outside, provided the setup is safe and suitable for the instrument and any equipment being used.

For outdoor performances I need a flat, dry, level performance space, suitable shelter from rain and strong direct sun, and safe access to the performance area. For electric violin or backing tracks, power will be needed unless a battery-powered setup has been agreed in advance.

If the weather is unsafe for the instrument or equipment, an indoor or covered alternative should be available.

I’m happy to discuss the music with each client and shape the repertoire around the occasion.

Clients can choose from my existing repertoire and suggest specific pieces or songs. Straightforward pop, film, musical theatre or light repertoire can often be added with enough notice, especially where suitable sheet music or an arrangement is available.

Classical pieces, more complex requests, unusual arrangements or a large number of new songs may need more preparation time and may affect the quote. I’m happy to talk this through so the music suits the event without making the set unrealistic.

People often describe my playing as expressive, atmospheric and emotionally engaged. I’m often told that I don’t just play the notes, but really perform the music with my whole body.

My aim is to create a strong sense of mood and occasion, whether the music needs to feel romantic, reflective, elegant, cinematic or quietly unusual.

Yes. I’m happy to talk through the mood, setting and key moments of the event and suggest music that fits. Some clients know exactly what they want, while others prefer guidance.

I can work from existing repertoire and may be able to include specific requests with enough notice. Straightforward songs are often possible, while more complex classical pieces, unusual arrangements or larger numbers of new requests may need extra preparation time.