Booking Kathryn - what you need to know

How much does Kathryn charge?

The fee depends on a number of things - the amount of travel, extra music that might mean extra practise, rehearsals, specific requests etc.   We try to keep travel costs to a minimum.  There is also a minimum charge for certain times of year - please see below.  We confirm fees with you at the time of booking.

Weddings / civil partnerships

Ceremony - this includes music to greet the guests as they assemble, the processional, signing of the register and the recessional.  There is also a consultation with Kathryn to choose your music.
from £265

Breakfast - a selection of music from the moment the guests come in to dine, up to coffee (or speeches).
from £235

Drinks reception and wedding breakfast
from £350

Ceremony and drinks
from £400

Ceremony and breakfast
from £450

Ceremony, drinks and breakfast
from £500

Minimum charge

There is a minimum charge for Saturdays in July and August, Bank Holiday Saturdays and December 18th - January 6th.  

Fees start at £400 for these dates.

Corporate events

Kathryn has played at lots of corporate events, including dining-in nights, product launches, Christmas parties and chill-out sessions!  The presence of a harp sets a wonderful tone for a special event while the sound provides a sophisticated backdrop.  Kathryn plays a selection of music to reflect the theme or to create a unique atmosphere - please do have a look at the music list page.  

Fees start at £200.

How far in advance do I need to book?

As soon as possible.  We accept bookings up to three years in advance but Kathryn's also played at events with just three days' notice!  Obviously weekends are very popular and bank holiday weekends tend to get booked up very quickly but you are always welcome to check availability with us and we will try to help as much as we can.  We charge you the price agreed at the time of booking, no matter how far ahead you book.

What happens at a consultation?

This is your chance to choose your music and takes place around four or five months before the ceremony (or as soon as possible for short-notice bookings).  Bring ideas and CDs or just listen to a selection of pieces to find the right music for your special day.

A lot of popular classical music works well but there is beautiful music written specifically for the harp - Kathryn will make suggestions to reflect your taste.  Kathryn is always happy to accommodate unusual requests; if you want a particular piece that isn't currently part of her repertoire, you'll be asked to supply the sheet music.

Is it loud enough for my event?

The harp provides a perfect musical backdrop at an event without ever dominating or being obtrusive.  Kathryn has worked with amplification specialists Accusound to get the most sound out of her harp and thanks to their help, Kathryn is able to play (and be heard perfectly) at events of 400+ people, even if they're all talking, eating and drinking - generally enjoying themselves, as people tend to where Kathryn plays!  The particular amp that Kathryn uses is specially recommended for the harp so you still get that wonderful, rich natural harp sound, just more of it!

How does she transport the harp?

Carefully!  Kathryn's pedal harp is 6' tall and weighs nearly six stone (35 kg). While the harp is capable of making a rich, full sound, it's essentially quite a fragile instrument - direct sunlight and draughts or sudden changes in temperature are very detrimental - so a lot of thought goes into its transportation and placing at an event.

If the venue proves to be inaccessible for a pedal harp, the traditional lever harp is a lovely alternative. Kathryn plays a Teifi Eos - a beautiful 36-string lever harp.  At 4' tall, it's perfect for tighter spaces like minstrels' galleries or particularly suitable for weddings with a period theme - the lever harp is more commonly used in traditional music than the modern pedal harp.  The Eos has a gorgeous, rich and resonant sound and Kathryn has recorded sound clips using this really expressive and responsive harp - please visit the music list page to hear more.  

Kathryn is unable to play outside and if your event is being held in a marquee, there must be suitable access.  Flights of stairs can also present a challenge, but Kathryn can discuss this with you at the time of booking.  The harp cannot be left unattended during the unloading process so you will be required to guarantee a parking space and safe unloading area.

How do I book Kathryn?

Please email or call to chat through your requirements - you'll be asked for the date, time, venue and nature of your event, plus any special requests or requirements.  

If you would like to go ahead with the booking, a deposit is required to secure the date.  Once the deposit has been received, you will get two copies of a performance contract to check and sign, returning a copy to Kathryn. The balance of fees is due fourteen days before the event.

If you are booking Kathryn for a wedding ceremony or civil partnership, we will also arrange a consultation with you.  The details of the pieces you choose given to you in writing for you to show the registrar, vicar or celebrant.

Kathryn is a member of the Musicians' Union and the Midlands Harpists' Association.

©2010 Kathryn Lewis

Site created and maintained by WSI