Fees for Receptions, Special Events, Adult Living Centers, Hospitals, Museums, Libraries, & NFP Benefits

Fees listed below include: artist performance fees, agency time & administrative fees to facilitate the performance agreement, music preparation & library services, artist payroll, & MISC 1099 forms. Be sure to read our Mission, and Fees & Policies pages in this web site to be fully informed on the level of care you can expect from 1st Choice Music Services. First hour fees listed below apply to reception engagements not immediately following a wedding. Fees for any ensemble or portion of performing immediately after a wedding will be billed at a discounted 2nd hour rate unless a new artist is required.

Purchase, research, & arranging costs to accommodate special, popular music requests:
To save research fees at $45/hour, clients are free to research, find and purchase sheet music for special song requests which will accommodate the ensemble they have engaged. No extra costs ensue when music is available in our artist's personal libraries, personal loans from a colleague, or in state library holdings.

In the event additional rehearsals are required to learn special requests not already in a group's repertoire, a first hour rehearsal fee could be applicable. Arranging services are available for a fee of $100 song when other options have been exhausted. Extensive searches and arranging fees apply for special music requests which are: 1) not published 2) not published for the ensemble engaged for your event or 3) music which requires arranging, printing efforts & expenses, and additional rehearsals.

Entertainment Programs  for Adult Living Centers, Healthcare Facilities, VA Hospitals,  & NFP Fund Raisers   
1st Choice Music Services provides musical programs in retirement centers and healthcare facilities for residents, guests, and staff entertainment. Programs, supported by the center or families to commemorate special occasions - birthdays, anniversaries, retirement, holidays, or memorials. In the case of multiple events, several families often share program costs.

           View our YouTube videos at this URL 

A Windsor of Savoy birthday recital feedback: "The special program to honor our mother's birthday went “superbly”. We want to thank the performers & you from the bottom of our hearts. Our mother was “transported”. We hoped the recital would prove to be a gift to our mother and the Windsor of Savoy community and it was."

Angelika Hustedt, Music Therapist at U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (Danville, IL) & former Windsor of Savoy Life Enrichment Coordinator -  "You made a very positive impact.
It was so well received (which has always been the case with you & any of your performers). Angela and I loved scheduling you... always professional. Residents loved your  music and any of your performers. I really hope they have you back more often, because you touch so many!! You make a difference in their lives & make smiles on their faces! Trust me! I always enjoy it too."

Angela Overholt, former The Windsor of Savoy Life Enrichment Coordinator - "You were able to see my vision and make it come to life. Thank you so much for all your help and hard work making that happen!!"

O'Brien Memorial Service Feedback - Sept. 19/2021 Funk's Grove Church, McClean, IL  - "I really wanted to take the time to say thank you so much for everything you did for our Father's Memorial Service. The music was so wonderful and perfect.... The flow of the service was beautiful and the flow between you and the Pastor was right on key.  I will never be able to express just how perfect you and the ensemble were. No words would do your level of quality justice. Thank you, thank you, thank you." Kevin O'Brien 

Jean Osborn Memorial Service and Home Concert October 16, 2021, Urbana, IL - "Thanks again for your help and wonderful performance at Jean’s memorial service. You played splendidly and with great emotion. It was thrilling to hear Jean’s piano and cello again, and to have you play a piece so close to her heart. Thank you!" - Steve Osborn

Program Benefits:

Musical selections can be tailored to fit special events and personal preferences. Repertoire includes selections from all eras. Emphasis on music familiar to the resident will have special significance. Many of our past clients requested music from their youth. We work closely with directors, guests, and family members to create a meaningful program for honorees & their guests. 

Classical Performance and Travel Fees

Duos            

Flute & Cello, Violin & Cello, Keyboard and Sax, Guitar & Violin - 1st hr. $600, 2nd or 3rd hr. $150/hr.

Harp Duo with Flute, Violin, or Cello   - 1st hr. $500, 2nd or 3rd hr. $250

Trios - Violin or Flute, Viola, & Cello, or 2 strings & keyboard  - 1st hr. $700, 2nd or 3rd hr. $225/hr 

Quartets - 2 Violins (or 1 Flute + Violin), Viola, & Cello, or Trio & Keyboard/Piano/Organ - 1st hr. $800.00, 2nd or 3rd hr. 300.00/hour

Brass Quintets Regional professional brass quintets (Sycamore Brass) - 1st hr. $950, 2nd or 3rd hr. $500.00/hr.

Solo Artists (not harp or strolling players) - Piano/Electric Keyboard, Violin, Cello, Flute, Classical Guitar - 1st hour $250. , 2nd or 3rd hour $75/hr.

Harp Fees will vary per artist, their experience, & availability. Their reception fee range lies between @$250-400. Note: Some harpists require a 2-hour minimum to play background music and charge a $50 outdoor surcharge. Estimate: $350 1st hour, 2nd or 3rd hr. $100. pro-rated (in the same building or extra for moving) 

Strolling violin, guitar, or vocalist ++ - 1st hour $250 (Note: Be sure to check with the catering staff and event managers for approval before trying to engage a strolling artist & avoid liability concerns.) ++ Strolling violinists  - except fiddlers - are rare in Central Illinois, but we will investigate to find highly qualified one for your event.

Birthday or Engagement Surprise Serenades - A noted baritone & pianist will serenade a loved one for their birthday or surprise engagement (with sample songs such as All the Way, Unforgettable, Love & Marriage, September Song, Some Enchanted Evening, That's Amore, Without a Song, Happy Trails, an old standard I Love You Truly, or others TBA) Proceeds support In School Musical programs. Duo fee $350 for up to 3 songs plus keyboard rental and travel reimbursement if over 20 miles 

Exceptions - Christmas Eve & Major Holidays events are billed at double scale


Chamber Music Concerts & Recitals  

Fees vary based on repertoire, preparation & performance time, length of program, location, & travel expenses.

Bands & Dance Combos - Note -Two-hour minimums are required for each band. Cartage for drums and keyboard is included in the price  quote.
Sound system equipment rental -  if needed - will be an additional cost.

Jazz Combo - 3 players (Piano/Keyboard, bass, & drums, or Piano/Keyboard, Sax, & bass) (CD & Videos available) - First 2 hrs. $600, Hrs. 3 or 4 @$180/hr.

Jazz combo - 4 players (Piano/Keyboard, sax/flute/vocalist, bass, & drums)- 1st 2 hrs. $700, Hrs. 3 or 4@$250/hr.

Celebration Variety Band - 6 players & vocalist - First 2 hrs. $1050,  Hrs. 3 or 4 @$500/hr.

Cartage for drums &/or digital performer's keyboards - $25.00

Travel Reimbursement
Travel rates apply for events located 15 or more miles one way from our business office. Events occurring in a location 40 miles or more one way from our office require a 2 hour minimum. Mapquest.com, Google Maps, or our mileage log can easily compute mileage to churches, country clubs, & concert halls. Clients will compensate drivers at $.56 per mile and $.56 per mile per artist for travel time.

Popular out of town wedding mileage distances from our studio: ** requires a 2 hour minimum.

Danville, IL wedding mileage distances from our studio:

Equipment: Clients will please supply:

To sign a performance agreement & secure artists: contact the Award Winning “Prairie Mother"

Mrs. Barbara Hedlund, 9AM-9PM CST Daily, Music Studio - 505 Eliot Drive, Urbana, IL 61801- 6727,  Tel: 217-384-0874, No FAX | E-mail: vcello1@comcast.net