Question 1

How far in advance do we need to book your services?

Accepted Answer

Booking organists in North Yorkshire as early as possible increases the chance of securing their availability on your event date, particularly during busy times of the year. However, many acts also accept last minute bookings, and we have successfully arranged performances for clients with just a few hours' notice.

Question 2

How much do organists cost in North Yorkshire?

Accepted Answer

The cost of hiring musicians in North Yorkshire can vary significantly depending on the type of act. The average price is currently &pound;286. Budget-level acts may be available for as low as &pound;100, while top-tier acts can command prices as high as &pound;1495.

Question 3

What does an organist do at a wedding?

Accepted Answer

An organist provides the musical framework for a church wedding ceremony. This typically includes playing prelude music as guests arrive and take their seats (usually 15 to 30 minutes before the service begins), the processional as the bridal party walks down the aisle, accompaniment for any hymns during the service, music during the signing of the register, and the recessional as the couple leave. Some organists also offer to coordinate with other musicians such as a trumpeter, singer or string player if you want additional musical elements. The organist will usually discuss your music choices with you in advance and can suggest pieces that suit the size and style of the organ at your venue.

Question 4

Do I need to hire my own organist, or does the church provide one?

Accepted Answer

This depends on the church. Many Church of England and Catholic churches have a resident organist who is available to play at weddings, funerals and other services held at that church. In these cases, the church will usually quote you a fee for the organist as part of the overall cost of the service. Some churches require you to use their resident organist, or charge a fee (sometimes called a bench fee) even if you bring your own musician, because the resident organist's contract includes the right to play at all services. If you want to hire an organist independently, perhaps because your venue does not have one, or because you want someone with a particular specialism, check with the venue first to confirm that outside musicians are welcome. Organists listed on Last Minute Musicians are experienced in playing at a wide range of churches and venues and can advise on how this works in practice.

Question 5

What music can an organist play at a wedding?

Accepted Answer

The organ repertoire for weddings is extensive. Popular choices for the processional include the Trumpet Voluntary by Jeremiah Clarke, the Bridal Chorus from Wagner's Lohengrin, and Pachelbel's Canon. For the recessional, Widor's Toccata from Symphony No. 5 is the classic choice, along with Mendelssohn's Wedding March. During the signing of the register, many couples choose pieces such as Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring by Bach, Clair de Lune by Debussy, or Air on the G String. Some organists can also arrange contemporary songs or film themes for the organ, though this depends on the piece and the instrument. Bear in mind that the size and condition of the organ at your venue will affect what can be played. A large cathedral organ can handle the full drama of the Widor Toccata, but a small village church organ may not. Your organist can advise on what will work best at your specific venue.

Question 6

Does the organist play the venue's organ, or do they bring their own instrument?

Accepted Answer

In most cases, the organist will play the pipe organ or electronic organ that is already installed at the venue. This is one of the key differences between hiring an organist and hiring other solo musicians: the instrument is usually part of the building rather than something the musician brings with them. Because every organ is different in size, layout and sound, professional organists will often want to visit the venue in advance or at least arrive early on the day to familiarise themselves with the instrument. If your event is at a venue that does not have an organ, such as a hotel, marquee or outdoor location, some organists can bring a portable electronic organ or digital keyboard with organ voices. This should be discussed when booking, as it affects the equipment needed and may involve additional costs for transport and setup.

Question 7

How long does an organist typically perform for?

Accepted Answer

This varies depending on the type of event and the booking. For a wedding ceremony, an organist will typically play for 15 to 30 minutes before the service begins as guests are seated, then throughout the ceremony itself, which usually lasts between 30 and 60 minutes. For a church or civil ceremony with a formal structure, the total time the organist is playing is usually around one to one and a half hours in total, including prelude music and the recessional.

For concerts, recitals or other events, organ performances can range from a short 20-minute set to a full two-hour recital, depending on the programme and the event format. If you are booking an organist for a function or background music at a reception, the duration will typically be agreed in advance and can range from one to three hours.

When enquiring about a booking, it is helpful to let the organist know the expected start time, the duration of the event, and any specific moments during the event where music is required (such as a processional, signing of the register, or recessional). This allows the organist to plan their repertoire and ensure they are available for the full duration needed.

Question 8

What information should I provide when booking an organist?

Accepted Answer

The more information you can provide, the better. When enquiring about an organist, it is helpful to include the following details:

The date, time and location of the event, including the name and address of the venue. Let the organist know whether the venue has a pipe organ, electronic organ, or no organ at all, as this will affect whether the organist needs to bring their own instrument.

The type of event, such as a wedding ceremony, funeral, concert, or private function. For weddings, include the order of service if you have it, along with any specific pieces you would like played for the processional, signing of the register, and recessional. For other events, a rough idea of the repertoire or style of music required is helpful.

The expected duration of the event and how long you need the organist to play. Let them know if there are any specific moments where music must start or stop at a precise time.

Any special requirements, such as whether you need the organist to accompany a choir, soloist, or other musicians. If so, share any relevant sheet music or arrangements in advance.

Finally, let the organist know your budget. This allows them to confirm whether they are available and provide a quote for their services.

Question 9

Can an organist play for a funeral or memorial service?

Accepted Answer

Organists are regularly booked for funerals, memorial services and celebrations of life held in churches and chapels. The organ is well suited to the solemnity of these occasions, and most organists have a broad repertoire of appropriate music including traditional hymns such as The Lord is my Shepherd, Abide with Me, and How Great Thou Art, as well as reflective instrumental pieces. Many organists can also accommodate personal music requests if given sufficient notice. If the service is at a crematorium rather than a church, check whether the venue has an organ or whether recorded music is used instead. Some organists can bring a portable electronic organ for venues that do not have a pipe organ, though this should be discussed when booking. For funerals, bookings are often made at shorter notice than weddings, and most organists understand this and will do their best to accommodate last-minute requests.

Organists for hire in North Yorkshire

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Reviews of Organists available in North Yorkshire

Sebastian Thomson

Sound by M.C.

Sebastian Thomson

Sebastian Thomson

Mark (Piano)

Des George - smooth piano plus

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance do we need to book your services?

How much do organists cost in North Yorkshire?

What does an organist do at a wedding?

Do I need to hire my own organist, or does the church provide one?

What music can an organist play at a wedding?

Does the organist play the venue's organ, or do they bring their own instrument?

How long does an organist typically perform for?

What information should I provide when booking an organist?

Can an organist play for a funeral or memorial service?

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