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Weddings

About

Enhance your wedding day and impress your friends and family with a lovely solo mandolin and guitar music. Boasting large experience and a great repertoire full of choices, Joel McDermott will help you add that romantic touch you are seeking for your big day.

Experience

Joel has been playing stringed instruments for more than three decades. He has performed across the country at festivals, concerts, weddings and private functions. His music pieces and recordings have been featured on major radio stations, such as BBC Radio. Besides, he also teaches mandolin and guitar.

Services offered

A classic wedding ceremony performance includes solo mandolin or guitar music while guests arrive at the venue, during the bride's arrival and walk up the aisle, signing the register, leaving the venue, and at any other pre-agreed stages of the day. In addition, he will also provide accompaniment for singers or other musicians, if needed.

After the ceremony, Joel usually moves on to the wedding reception to play for 1 to 3 more hours -this usually has a 15 minute interval break.

How he works

Joel plays finely crafted acoustic instruments and uses first quality amplification for impeccable sound quality, ideal for any sort of venue -volume can be adjusted, if requested:

  • Churches
  • Register offices
  • Gardens
  • Stately homes
  • Art galleries
  • Restaurants
  • Clubs, pubs and wine bars
  • Private homes
  • Village halls, country parks
  • Ballrooms, hotels
  • Sports clubs
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Frequently asked questions

What services do you offer?

Ceremony music
Cocktail/banquet music

What is included in the wedding package?

Romantic solo mandolin or guitar music during wedding ceremony for guests' arrival, bride's walk up the aisle, register signing, exit, etc., followed by music for reception

How far in advance should I contact you?

Bookings taken up to one year in advance. Short notice enquiries welcome

What style of music do you offer?

Classical
Lounge
Jazz
Regional
Spanish
Ethnic
Folk
Other (Baroque, romantic, Jazz standards, Italian, Spanish, other European, Latin, Celtic, show tunes, original arrangements and compositions)

Type of musical group:

Solo

Size of group:

Soloist

Is it possible to request something that's not in the repertoire?

Yes. Joel writes arrangements for most types of music. Also bespoke compositions with handwritten manuscript for presentation. Please enquire for price. NB Joel retains copyright for all compositions

What's your experience?

Joel has played solo mandolin and guitar at wedding ceremonies and receptions since 2008. Previously in bands and duos at a very wide range of venues and events

Do you have your own equipment?

Yes

Do you need specific materials or conditions to offer your service?

Yes, a chair without arms and an electricity socket within 5 metres. A cover (e.g. patio type umbrella) if playing outdoors in direct sunlight. Outdoor performance is unlikely if rain is forecast

Can you travel?

Yes, ilfracombe, Devon, Cornwall and South West UK

Is there a charge for travelling?

Yes, devon and North Cornwall: No charge. Rest of Cornwall: £30. Somerset: £30. Please enquire for Bristol and Dorset

Do you cover more than one wedding a day?

No

Do you work alone or do you have a team of professionals?

Alone

What is the length of time of the act?

Usually 2 hours playing time, split between ceremony and reception venues. Travel time between venues not included. If booked for reception only: usually 2 hours. Maximum playing time is 4 hours

How much time do you need to prepare for an act?

Approximately 20 minutes from unpacking instruments and equipment, plus another 10 minutes to warm up before guests start to arrive

Do you do open-air acts?

Yes

Do you charge per hour or per event?

Per event

If needed, would you be able to work extra hours?

Yes

How do you charge extra time?

£50 per half hour playing time if booking is for more than 2 hours in total

What are the forms of payment?

Cash, cheque, debit and credit cards (for online payments), PayPal, or bank transfer
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Do you have any questions?

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138 High Street EX34 9EZ Ilfracombe (Devon)

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