In the fourth of my monthly series of interviews with members of The Wedding Partners – (a local group of fantastic wedding suppliers that includes Aardvark Wedding Films), I have asked Suffolk Wedding Pianist Matt Carter to answer a few questions.
Hi Matt. How long have you been playing the piano?
I’ve always loved music and started playing the keyboard in 1985. I moved onto the piano in 1990, then got a degree in Pop Music (no – I’m not joking!) where I got the opportunity to play the piano with amazing musicians every day. I still enjoy every moment I’m playing.
How did you get into playing at weddings?
I started off as a pro playing jazz standards in hotels and restaurants. When I looked at what other events I could play at, weddings were the number one choice. I played at a couple of wedding fairs (with a whole new repertoire) to test the water and got inundated with bookings. Weddings are now around 80% of my business!
During which parts of the day do you usually play?
The ceremony, drinks reception and wedding breakfast are when I usually get asked to play. I have occasionally been booked for evening receptions too when the bride and groom have wanted an alternative to a DJ or live band. Having said that, I am also in a wedding band and get many evening bookings from this.
Do you have a standard playlist?
I have a repertoire of songs that is increasing all the time. I’m happy to learn new songs for couples and have had some fantastic and sometimes challenging song requests in the past. I will play anything, from Chopin to Snow Patrol, Frank Sinatra to Beyonce, Beethoven to The Beatles. Having this wide range of songs to hand allows me to create the right atmosphere and surprise guests when I can play their impromptu requests!
What if there’s no piano at the venue?
I have a portable Roland EP880 digital piano that I can bring along, as well as a 300 Watt amplification system. With the constant advances in music technology, it now actually sounds like a grand piano is in the room with you! It also means that I can set up outside as I’m fully portable. I’ve had the privilege of playing on many beautiful terraces, ornate verendahs, and in marquees and private gardens for brides and grooms.
What’s your favourite part of the job?
I genuinely love everything about my job! But to choose a favourite part – I’d say it has to be putting smiles on people’s faces with what I do. To give you an example: a bride’s father used to play Beethoven’s ‘Fur Elise’ to her when she was a little girl. The bride requested it and I said I’d incorporate it into my set. During the wedding breakfast, I saw the bride’s father talking to the bride and linked from the song I was playing (Sting’s ‘Fields Of Gold’) into Fur Elise. They both stopped talking and stared at each other for what seemed like ages to me. Then they turned around together, misty eyed, and both gave me the biggest smile. Music is an extremely powerful and emotional force.
How far in advance do couples need to book you?
The majority of couples tend to book 9-12 months in advance. Leaving it any later will always increase the risk that I’ll be booked. Please contact me to check availability.
What do you wish couples already knew before they came to you?
Some couples book their evening entertainment before coming to me for their afternoon entertainment and ceremony music. I wish they already knew about my wedding band, Cupid’s Wish, beforehand. Then they’d have their entire day’s music sorted!
We’ve played alongside some of the top names in the music industry, including Jimmy Page from Led Zeppelin, The Verve, Newton Faulkner, Bonnie Tyler and Brian May from Queen. We’re available as a trio (with professional backing tracks), or as a completely live 5-piece band and will have your guests on their feet all night! Our website is www.cupidswish.co.uk
And finally, what makes Matt Carter – Event Pianist special?
Apart from it being an anagram of a tongue-in-cheek marriage reference (Matt Carter Event Pianist = ‘Entrapment is attractive’)….
I’m different to most people’s idea of a pianist; I’ve found that the word ‘pianist’ typically conjures up images of either classical recitals in large halls or late-night cocktail bars. I play classical music and jazz of course, but there’s a whole range of popular music to choose from too: classic rock, pop, soul, disco, indie, motown, Rat Pack, right up to the songs in the Top 40 right now!
Why restrict yourself to a certain musical style when I can turn your favourite songs into piano instrumentals especially for your wedding day?
I’m passionate about detail. I pride myself on providing a very personal service. And I cover the whole musical package for you, from pre-ceremony music as guests arrive through to the last encore when the bar shutters have come down.
For MP3s, Youtube videos, my repertoire and more, visit Matt’s website at www.eventpianist.co.uk. And for enquiries, or just to have an informal chat about your music requirements, contact him on his mobile, 07770 734414, his landline, 01284 700014, or you can email: matt@eventpianist.co.uk
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You can see the difference for yourself by placing a round object - a bottle, mug, grapefruit, whatever - about two feet from you, somewhere where the background isn’t just a blank wall. Now look at it with just your left eye, then just your right eye. With your right eye closed, you’ll see a bit more of the background on the left of the object and vice versa. When you look with both eyes, your brain blends these images together and the object looks a bit thinner simply because you can see more of what’s behind it on both sides at once. The camera’s single lens doesn’t have this luxury.