Is this musician being unprofessional, or am I being too sensitive?
Question by Brownie Locks: Is this musician being unprofessional, or am I being too sensitive?
I am getting married at a location 3 hours from where my fiance and I live. I was interested in hiring a string quartet to play at our wedding, and since our wedding is taking place in a small town (Flagstaff, AZ), we have two options: a student who has been wishy-washy and another group who plays professionally on the side. (I’d have no problem hiring students, however, our wedding is in the summer and it has been difficult finding students who are going to be sticking around.) I’ve contacted the woman who runs the other group and have had several questions for her. After reading her email, I’m just not sure if her response is what a professional musician would respond, or if I’m just being too sensitive.
I know this may be petty, but I’ve been a little bothered by some of the comments she has made during our interaction, and I would really appreciate another musician’s perspective in whether or not I’m overreacting, or if she really is being unprofessional. I contacted the musician and spoke with her on the phone. Her pricing sounded fair, and our date was guaranteed, so I asked her to send me a contract. I have not signed anything or sent in any deposits as of yet. I looked at the website and had additional questions regarding her repetoire. Only 12 pieces were mentioned on the website. We are having a Catholic wedding, and I know the church can be sticklers on musical pieces. I also asked if she could provide a more thorough list of pieces they could play, in addition to any pieces they played in the past at a Catholic wedding. The response was that this is an on the side job for her and she “didn’t have time” to put together a list for me. Hmm… That just made me wonder, is that a normal response? The musician has a wide repertoire, however, that’s not as helpful to me as specific pieces. Would it have been better to have approached her with specific pieces rather than such a broad spectrum? (Even then, the student musician I was speaking with was able to provide me with a list.)
Also, references are an important aspect to me as a potential client. When I asked her about recent references, she made it sound like it was too much work for her to dig through old paperwork and find a reference because most of her clients are brides who have moved. And, because they do not play as a primary way of making a living, they do not keep a formal data base as a more formal group may. At least she’s being honest. However, I am a little suspicious that she is giving me a hard time about finding references. At this point I really don’t have any more options if I want the quartet or not. I just don’t know if this is typical behavior or if this lady is being unprofessional.
Musicians, what do you think? Are these signs of a red flag? (And, if you think you can help by providing musical suggestions for a Catholic ceremony, I’d gladly accept!)
Thank you!
Best answer:
Answer by TeMpZz
YOU OVER-SENSITIVE? NO WAY!
THAT MUSICIAN IS DAMN RIGHT WRONG!
Pardon my language.
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