Music & Dress For The Occasion

May 8, 2023 By Eric Zimmermann

Langham Wedding – Elegant Music Quartet – See: Weddings and Events @ The Langham by Elegant Music

“Many factors could be considered when planning an event. “What to wear” comes to mind…

and, “let’s go shopping!”

Yes, creativity is quite spontaneous…

Just go with it.”

Eric Zimmermann

Elegant Music 323-270-3650

Vision of the Client and…

…getting the music just right.

It is a lot of fun to talk with someone about music they like; it’s an adventure of discovery. I have found it is always productive to speak directly to the client. The value of a telephone conversation cannot be over estimated. During the course of the conversation clients express ideas, make comments and have concerns and these are very important.

Ideas come quickly.

I have found that a brief discussion with the client about the timeline of the event and making an itinerary sketch helps to focus the discussion about music.

Please see video: The Itinerary SKETCH by Elegant Music Video

Decorating with Candles and Flowers. Party at Spago Beverly Hills

Music is personal. Here are some suggestions of how to start the conversation when planning music for a special occasion:

What songs do you like?

Please tell me about the styles of music you like.

Era of music: 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s…

Genre “category” of music: Classical, Jazz, Hip Hop, Anime…

Motion Picture Themes.

What instruments do you like?

Instrumental music or music with vocals?

Dance music? – DJ? – Live Band?

Age group of the audience.

Specific song requests.

See video: Parties Holidays & Christmas

Further points to consider:

The occasion.

Theme of the event.

James Bond Theme?

Bridgerton Theme?

Barbie Dance Party?

The Location of the event (venue).

The existing decor may impose a design and suggest a “Theme” or even a style of music.

Any restrictions the location may have:

“indoors/outdoors”

“no amplified music”

“electricity not available”

“no dancing”

“music must stop by 11:00 PM.”

Also consider:

Time of the year.

Purpose of the event

How many guests?

Planned Activities.

What was done for previous events of this kind? How did it go?

Note: Video references or pictures

provided by the client representing their vision

are very helpful in communicating what is wanted.

A Few Guided Questions

There may be other factors influencing choice of music that are revealed through a short conversation.

During a bridal show I asked two women listening nearby for any request that they would like to hear. I think they started thinking about it too much and after a while felt embarrassed that they couldn’t think of anything. This being a bridal show I asked, “Would you like to hear something for a Cocktail Hour or for the Wedding Ceremony?”

“Wedding Ceremony” was their answer.

Then I asked, would you like to hear something like a big “Ta-da!” or something “Romantic and Flowy?”

“Romantic and Flowy” was their answer.

I was just about to play “The Skye Boat Theme” from the romantic series “Outlander” when they enthusiastically requested “Can’t Help Falling In Love”. I have a beautiful arrangement of this iconic love song that we performed for them. It was the right song; they were very excited.

Yes, music is personal.

Having the opportunity to speak directly with the client about music

and using a few guided questions,

the right song can be found.

Please see: I had an Epiphany! Gamers and Anime. (A True Story)

Also see: Downton Abbey High Tea @ The Langham

Food, Design, Music, Timing and Announcements = Presentation

An event starts with music and as the evening progresses the music also develops. No mater how simple an event is, creating an itinerary sketch with the host reveals much information about timing and presentation valuable to the success of the event.

Please see video: The Itinerary SKETCH by Elegant Music Video

Choosing Music is very creative; your ideas are important.

Eric Zimmermann Elegant Music - DJ/Master of Ceremonies, Pianist, Bandleader, Host of Wedding & Event Podcast — Eric @ The Valley Hunt Club

I look forward to speaking with you.

Sincerely, Eric Zimmermann

Master of Ceremonies

Pianist

Bandleader

Host of Wedding & Event Podcast

Elegant Music 323-270-3650

Beautiful Backyard Wedding San Marino

September 24, 2020 By Eric Zimmermann

If you have a back yard consider using it for a wedding or party :-)

If you are not accustomed to throwing lots of parties then hire an experienced planner. An experienced planner who understands your ideas can help guide you:

An experienced planner can help design your event and suggest where things should go.

Beautiful Backyard Wedding by Elegant Music 626-797-1795 www.elegantmusic.com

For this event the planner positioned the “wedding trellis” established the focal point that helped determine “where everything else should go.”

Additionally your planner understands all of the parts needed for a successful event.

For example: At this event the planner, familiar with this location, had the caterer setup the kitchen in the spacious garage.

It was cool how the planner used the wedding trellis and a “U” shape table setup for dinner. She left the flower petals on the grass in the center of the “U” undisturbed as decoration.

Now even though this is not a large event, on the day of someone should coordinate the event. Sometimes this is also done by the planner.

No mater how informal, someone should conduct the festivities.

Perhaps a responsible family member who speaks well could be assigned the responsibilities of the Master of Ceremonies.

The wedding coordinator works in the future setting up the next thing for the Master of Ceremonies to do. This is how they work together to ensure the smooth progression of the evening and an organized presentation.

Please see: The Working Relationship Between The Wedding Coordinator and The Master of Ceremonies

Invite people you like.

Recently it has been my observation that guests will be on their best behavior and mindful of creating a safe environment. They are so glad that you have given them the opportunity to be out of the house and visit with family and friends.

Music Too!

For an intimate event, if you are considering having live music, a soloist or small ensemble will be perfect.

See: Duos, Trios, Quartet, Soloists – Elegant Music Video Index

Dance Music?

If you would like to encourage dancing but are concerned about disturbing the neighbors, I recommend DJ Dance Floor Surround Sound. Dance music should be focused on the dance floor. Elegant Music DJ Dance Floor Surround Sound does just that and helps to prevent loud music bouncing all over the neighborhood.

See: Elegant Music DJ Dance Floor Surround Sound

Backyard Oasis

There are many more details and factors to consider when planning any event. It may be more convenient to find a restaurant or an outdoor venue, pitch a tent, have the party and at the end of the night just leave. However utilizing the resource of your back yard might provide a certain level of safety and freedom that might not otherwise be available in a public place.

Also see: Backyard Wedding Checklist. You can do this!

And please see: Great Gatsby Backyard Party

Planning a wedding or party is a very creative activity and is certainly a lot of fun. For me, helping plan music for an event is almost as much fun as performing for one :-)

I look forward to hearing your ideas.

Sincerely, Eric Zimmermann Elegant Music 626-797-1795

Master of Ceremonies

Pianist

Bandleader

Host of Wedding & Event Podcast

Invitation. It’s time to get together & enjoy food & live music.

June 22, 2020 By Eric Zimmermann

The Three B’s Cathy Biagini, Seth Biagini, Sarah Biagini with Elegant Music in concert on the front lawn.

You Are Invited :-)

“It’s time to get together and enjoy some food & live music.”

Sheila and I were talking with our neighbors and it just seemed like it was time to have an informal get together with food and music.

Here is the invitation:

Date: Sunday June 28, 2020.

Location: Home of Sheila and Eric Zimmermann 3190 Crestford Drive, Altadena, CA. 91001

Times: 5:00 – 6:00 We gather.

6:00 – 7:00 We eat!* It’s a neighborhood potluck/social so you are welcome to bring a dish to share or just bring your own food to eat; that’s okay too.

Tim Nichols one of my neighbors across the street will be making his famous chicken chili. I am told it is “Reeeeeally Good!”

I will be bringing hotdogs. I’m thinking he and I can combine the two to make Coney Island style dogs.

Location: Elegant Music 3190 Crestford Drive Altadena, CA. 91001 — You are invited :-)

7:00 – 8:00 Live Concert. My wife Sheila and I will perform with the Elegant Music Quartet. We will be performing a variety of motion picture themes in our neighbor’s driveway across the street. They have a very nice front yard, besides, it’s too sunny on my side of the street for string instruments.

You are welcome to bring lawn chairs and be comfortable.

After the concert I will be DJ-ing from 8:00 – 9:00 providing pre-recorded background music for more socializing and dessert.

Please RSVP

RSVP is an abbreviation for a French saying: “Répondez s’il vous plaît” means “Respond please” to confirm receiving an invitation answering whether or not invited will be attending.

“Viens comme to es” “Come as you are.”

Don’t worry, this is a casual event and no one will be speaking French.

Reply to eric@elegantmusic.com.

Or reply/text here via cell phone: 323-270-3650

Or just show up :-)

You can call me just about anytime on my cell phone: 323-270-3650

It’s going to be fun!

Flute & Piano — Sheila and Eric Zimmermann. Founders of Elegant Music 626-797-1795

Sincerely, Eric & Sheila Zimmermann 3190 Crestford Drive, Altadena, CA 91001

Master of Ceremonies

Pianist

Bandleader

Host of Wedding & Event Podcast

PS: This a social event purely for fun and out door recreation. If you decide to attend please be mindful of your responsibility to maintain a safe environment in which we can all enjoy the company of each other.

PPS: Well, we had our concert. It was a success! Here is a picture. Post soon to come :-)

Let others know you’re okay :-)

March 21, 2020 By Eric Zimmermann

People who need people…

…are the luckiest people in the world.

Hello:

My name is Eric Zimmermann. I am a DJ/Master of Ceremonies, Pianist, Bandleader and Host of Wedding & Event Podcast.

At every event I have ever performed for, guests “catch up” and talk and talk, and very much enjoy the company of each other.

At a wedding for example guests are very happy for the bride and groom. Getting married is indeed an accomplishment that is shared by everyone.

People are comforted just knowing you are there; it’s important to them that you’re all right.

Even in these exceptional times, carry on and try to do the usual. Soon things will be back to normal and then it will be time to get together with friends and have a party!