My piano and amps run from battery power so I can position myself anwhere!

For outdoor events I may need to protect my equipment from adverse weather so on really hot summer days I use a small white gazebo.

I provide my own sound equipment - capable of providing enough volume for outdoor events and function rooms up to about 200 guests. I decorate pianos with fairy lights, fake candles and artificial flowers to blend in with the function and I also have access to LED uplighters if needed.

General information about it's layout so I can judge how many mobile pianos I will need to setup.

I can put on a background set through my sound equipment that provides that is compatible with the atmosphere created by my piano playing.

I have over £10 million in public liability cover through my Musicians Union membership and I am exempt from PAT testing because all my equipment is battery-powered.

Yes absolutely. I have a completely battery-powered and wireless setup so I can position anywhere. I also have a smart white gazebo and stage flooring for situations where I need to protect my equipment from rain or intense sun.

Yes, I can move my piano from room to room if it is on a level surface. If not on a level surface or longer travel distances are needed I may need to set up a second piano.

I would be very happy to play the venue’s piano. If it is an acoustic piano it will need to be in full working order and in tune. I also have a special set of microphones and speakers for amplifying acoustic pianos which can be necessary for noisy environments where there are about 100 guests. This also applies in churches where I accompany hymns on the piano.

I think playing the piano at the private post-show party of the cast of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory! They were singing and dancing along to my playing which was such a joy and a privilege. Willy Wonka thanked me personally!

The best venues; either Warwick Castle, Blenheim Palace or The Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew. I can't decide.

I enjoy being very versatile which means I am influenced by all sorts of artists and styles. This can range from, Beethoven to Disney to Classic Rock to Jazz and Ceilidh and lots more. My favourite artist is probably Elton John and the greatest song of all time has to be Rocket Man!

I have been playing for weddings and events for many years - in cover bands, ceilidh bands and solo piano. This used to be on a weekend semi-pro basis while still keeping up the day job. However, I went part-time for the day job in April 2017 when I started my official 'nigel hammond music' business which is mainly about playing the piano for weddings and events. By April 2019 I was able to give up the day job completely and be a full-time weddings and events pianist. I have not looked back since. I love what I do and I have had so many happy customers during this time, as bourne out by my 155+ 5-star reviews on Last Minute Musicians, which is at the top of the list of all the pianists!

I love playing at all sorts of events but weddings are my favourite. Everyone is smiling - well nearly every one and it's a very emotional time - in a good way which really inspires my playing.

Absolutely yes, I provide my clients with my 550+ repertoire of well known and loved songs and tunes. I help them along the way so they can request songs from my repertoire. If you require songs not already in my repertoire, I can create a bespoke arrangement, especially for your wedding. One of these requests is included in the pricing package.

Just take a look at my ‘Pricing’ page on my website www.nigelhammondmusic.com/pricing and I have also added information about pricing on Last Minute Musicians. This gives you my pricing package costs. If you would like to take this further, just contact me for a quote.

Yes, as soon as you know when the wedding or event is, you can secure the date by approving the quote I would send you and paying a £75 deposit. The remaining balance would not be due until 30 days before the event date. These payment terms may sometimes vary for corporate bookings where they have their own payment terms.

My diary tends to be about 2/3rds full or more for 12 months ahead and about 1/3 full for 24 months so it’s best to book as soon as you can to ensure availability.

I live in Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire and regularly travel to neighbouring counties such as Hertforshire, Northamptonshire, Oxfordshire and Bedfordshire. However, I sometimes take on bookings a lot further afield. So it’s always worth asking me.

It takes me between 90 minutes to setup and 60 to pack up but I like to arrive nice and early to make sure everything runs smoothly. I comfortably perform piano for a relatively continuous period of about 3 hours, 4 hours at a push. However when it comes to the combination of wedding ceremonies, drinks receptions and wedding breakfasts I can keep going for about five hours!

Absolutely. During the first lockdown I anticipated that outdoor weddings and events would be the way forward to I invested and developed an equipment setup that works anywhere. My pianos and speakers are fully battery-powered and wireless so I can set them up anywhere. This has incluced in the middle of a field (Costwold Field of Dreams) and in the middle of a forest (Lila's wood) - both of these were weddings. I have not performed on a beach or on the top of a mountain yet but I am ready for this!!

Yes I actively encourage my clients to be involved in music selection. I send them my repertoire and sample set lists and with my helpful questionnaire to guide them through the process of letting me know their preferences and any specific requests. For example for wedding ceremonies, the walk down the aisle and wedding exit tunes are nearly always selected by the wedding couple and often arranged specially. I also have to read the room so I tend to discourage a complete set list from clients as I need to be flexible on the day as well depending on how guests react and the ambient noise levels and general atmosphere of the venue.

Two things really. My performances are often described by their emotional impact. For example it will be comments like moving people to tears - in a good way with the ballads for ceremonies etc, and also creating a happy atmosphere with the uplifting tunes. I also often get told by my clients that they had lots of great feedback from their guests about my piano-playing talent.