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Live Guitar / Piano Music For Concerts

Weddings, Parties and Corporate Events

“Without music, Life would be a mistake”

— Fredericke Nietszche

Concerts
I offer a unique concert experience.  With my self designed 23 string Harp Guitar I play many formal and informal concerts for arts centers, churches, clubs, societies, festivals, charities or house concerts.  A fusion of Classical, original, folk based, Flamenco and South American musical styles. 

The Harp Guitar is an amazing way to inspire your audiences and other musicians.  It has an enourmous and very original distinct sound.  The music I compose for it is usually themed in some way and I always present it with the story that inspired it.

Where appropriate I also have pre-made video backdrops for this, creating a multi-sensory music and story telling experience.


On Harp Guitar I mostly perform my own original music of Classical / folk / modern crossover (see Harp Guitar page) but I also arrange other works and play music by other Harp Guitar composers.  Audiences consistently love the originality of this.

On 'normal' Guitar I usually play a mix of  Classical / Spanish / South American repertoire - from traditional favorites to lesser known works.  I'll also often include some Flamenco tunes and / or one or two of my own arrangements of modern, well known songs.

My repertoire is extensive and varied, and I frequently change my playlists as I add new repertoire. 

I am very happy to play for charity events with an agreed percentage going to your charity.  I am happy to work with you on ticket price etc and can provide poster blanks and press releases to help with advertising.
Classical Harp Guitar concert in church
Harp guitarist Jon Pickard live on stage at festival
Classical Guitarist talking at concert

"With the Barrios piece you really took us to another level!"   Bath Literary Club

WEDDINGS

Weddings are my favourite events to play for as they are such joyful occasions.  I have played for close to 1000 weddings over the years and every single one is as different and unique as the couples getting married. 

 

I am very familiar with all aspects of playing for the Ceremony, Drinks Reception, Wedding Breakfast or Evening Reception and will discuss your requirements in detail to ensure that you get exactly the mood and music that YOU want.

 

Whatever your musical requirements I am here to help and I do recognise that this is perhaps the most important day of your lives, so I always treat every wedding as more precious than the last.

You may want some 'icebreaker' music before the ceremony for about 15 minutes as guests take their seats.  Then you may want music for the Bridal Entry, the Signing of the Register, and the Exit (Recessional).

 

The ceremony music is usually gentle and melodic but can also be made to be fun - it all depends on the mood YOU wish to create.  It may or may not need gentle amplification depending on numbers of guests, and how clear you want it to be.
 
Later, if you want music for the Drinks Reception or Wedding Breakfast everything is more relaxed and the mood is much more informal so the music should reflect this.

Spanish and Latin music can work really well here to set the party mood, or you may prefer a selection of well known tunes that your guests will recognise.

The quality of music is equally important during this time, as guests will be half-listening and often use the music as a talking point - often playing 'name that tune' with the well known modern tunes that I play for them.

 

I will take the time to discuss your musical requirements well in advance to make sure you get just the music that you want.  I can use discreet amplification when required or can play unplugged and acoustic for smaller events. 

 

All of my equipment is PAT tested and I carry public liability insurance to meet legal requirements.

Weddings
"Don't get married without Jon Pickard!"
Nikki (Bride and client 2014)

FUNERALS

Jon Pickard classical guitarist for funerals

Why Guitar for Funeral Music?

 

The classical or Spanish guitar is loved and recognised throughout the world for its elegance, versatility and emotional beauty.  Most people could name one or two famous guitar tunes that they love and that people would recognise. 

Almost any song can be arranged for Classical guitar, though this does take a little time to do well.  The mood can switch between sombre, elegant, romantic and upbeat and happy depending on your wishes.

You may wish for a certain piece to be played at a key moment during the ceremony, before or after the ceremony, or even during the reception afterwards.

The guitar is portable and can play anywhere for small and intimate gatherings, or amplify with PA to fill a marquee.  If your loved one had a liking for Spanish guitar, or you think guitar music would suit your occasion well please get in touch to discuss.

 

I have been a professional musician for over 25 years and have played for countless ceremonies of all kinds.  I always conduct myself with professionalism and fully respect every occasion.

I live in Somerset but am happy to travel if costs are covered.  I hope you will like this idea and look forward to playing for you.

"Your music was perfect, my husband would have loved it.  Thank you so much"     Josephine (2019)

Jon Pickard concert guitarist with 23 string harp guitar

HOUSE CONCERTS

What is a House Concert?

A house concert is an increasingly popular way to experience an intimate concert of music of your choice, in your own home for you and your circle of friends.  If you like the music I play and would like to hear my music up close, live and acoustic then I'll be delighted to come and play Guitar or 23 String 'Harp Guitar' for you.

Its a great way to give your guests a unique experience and I'm more than happy to talk and mix with your guests during and afterwards and share stories about this amazing instrument.  CDs will also be available for sale.

How Does It Work?

All you need is enough space to seat a few guests indoors or outdoors in good weather. 

 

It can be as formal or informal as you like, anything from a corner of a living room to a larger hall or venue.  I can play acoustically or can provide full amplification.

I have a minimum fee which you can either pay yourself or spread the cost by selling tickets to friends.  The amount will vary depending on location, weekday etc so please do get in touch and we can discuss details.

I live in Somerset but am happy to travel if costs are covered.  I hope you will like this idea and look forward to playing for you.

House Concerts
"That was AMAZING!  I have NEVER heard anything like that before!"
Audience member 2017

I have played guitar and piano for countless corporate events across the country for many years now.

 

Whether you want sophisticated Dinner Jazz Piano, Spanish Themed Flamenco Guitar, Gentle Classical Guitar, Easy Listening background music for an office party, or an exciting on stage performance I will treat your booking with the utmost professionalsm and enthusiasm and deliver the best possible quality for you. 

 

I regularly work for Entertainment Agencies across the country, but of course you will save the agent's % if you book me directly from here.

Previous corporate clients / venues have included Wembley Arena (main stage), The British Museum, Mitsibushi, Suzuki, Center Parcs (over 600 performances), British Airways, MacDonalds, Bath's Historic Venues, Thompson Cruises, Hilton Hotels, De Vere Hotels, Park Lane Hotel, Trafalgar Hotel, - the list goes on and on.

 

I can play anything up to 3 hours of music per instrument without repeating repertoire (maximum of 5 hours combined per day) and I can provide amplification for up to 400 people or am happy to work with your sound team on your PA.

 

Corporate
"His exceptional qualities as an artist were matched by the professionalism that he showed in communication and arrangements before and after the event."          
Aydin Nassehi (Bath University 2016)
Spanish gutarist themed Tapas event
Spanish guitarist live in concert
Jon Pickard Spanish guiarist for hir

Are you planning a Spanish themed event, Tapas night, Paella party, Spanish Wine Tasting, Flamenco evening etc? Or any Spanish themed event, perhaps launching a Spanish related product or business - or maybe you just want to create that atmosphere.  Nothing sets the mood for these events like live Spanish Guitar Music.

 

This is my specialty and I have been doing it for decades.  I have played for literally hundreds of Spanish themed events across the UK.  I had a residency for nearly 7 years at the Ortega Spanish Tapas bar at Centre Parcs Longleat - playing to packed crowds twice a week from its opening night to its closing night 7 years later.

I have played seasons in Gran Canaria Spain, often for the locals - who really know how to party and who appreciated the honesty and energy of my playing, inspired by Gitanos like Paco De Lucia, Vicente Amigo and Gerardo Nunez.  Ah how I miss those days!

 

Whether you want the romantic, sophisticated Spanish sound or the fiery uptempo sensual rhythms of Flamenco I will inspire your guests to clap their hands, snap their fingers and reach for their castanets.

Get in touch to see how I can provide this music for your event.

Spanish Themed Events

Spanish Themed
“Hearing Jon in person was a very special treat. He plays the Spanish guitar as if he is a native of Spain! 
Helen, party hostess - private Spanish Themed party 2014)

CONTACT NOW

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