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This vendor provides virtual services
Jessica Schaeffer, Harp
- Dayton, OH
- Harpist
- Travels up to 500 miles
- $200 - $2000
Overview
With over two decades of experience and the highest client reviews, I offer exceptional music for any occasion. Elegant, timeless, and versatile, the harp provides a memorable experience for you and your guests with out ever over-powering conversation. My repertoire ranges from classical to modern and beyond.
During this time of sheltering-in-place, I also offer virtual services for special events - live, custom music delivered directly to you, because life still needs celebrating!
I look forward to working with you!
18 Reviews
I booked Jessica for my virtual baby shower yesterday and she was such a pleasure to work with! Very nice and professional. She was very responsive, answered any questions I had and was so easy to work with when we ran into last-minute technical issues day-of. My guests thoroughly enjoyed her performance and kept telling us how beautiful her playing was. I definitely plan to book her again and highly recommend!
Harpist
We booked Jessica in September of 2019 for our October 10, 2020 wedding in Calistoga in a park. Then COVID came along and changed our plans. Jessica was prompt in responding to all of my questions and emails. When COVID changed our plans, she adapted with us. She was the perfect addition to our small backyard wedding. She was helpful and patient when it came time to picking out our music and walked me through that process ❤️. Having her play during our ceremony was the missing piece, it was absolutely beautiful. If you’re thinking of having her play at your wedding or event, I highly recommend her. You will be so happy you did.
Harpist
Yesterday, I hosted a virtual happy hour for my sales team - my first. Well, actually it was a virtual happy 'half' hour to be exact. Wanting to have a first time unique and amazing experience to remember together with my team.... I found Jessica and her Harp. She joined our happy half hour meetup and magic happened. Every song was perfect. Every short song break was met with a chat about her background, love of music, fun stories, and the Harp itself .. which made the event even more special. Her song selection and play - especially her final song....no words can really describe. One must experience. I'll just say Amazing. Simply Amazing!!! We all loved every moment and will have that special memory forever. Thank you Jessica for sharing your magic. Ray M.
Harpist
Working with Jessica was easy, stress free, quick, and well worth the investment. From the beginning, her communication was prompt and very clear. She arrived the day of our wedding and got settled without needing any assistance — a huge plus in the craziness of day of coordination! Our guests commented how her music created a magical setting and her timing execution was perfect. I'll never forget stepping through the doors and hearing some of her first notes. In the scope of a wedding budget and the touches you can add that will make a big impact, Jessica's value was well worth the allocation. Book her!!!
Harpist
Our guests so much enjoyed Jessica’s beautiful and mesmerizing harp playing during the cocktail hour! We enjoyed working with her and will definitely be booking again for other occasions. It was a true pleasure! Thank you for being a part of our special day❤️
Harpist
First, the business:
Jessica was extremely professional, and made it very easy to book our event. She is entirely self-sufficient, which made booking her very easy for me (a first time event-planner).
Jessica was perfectly on time, and communicates extremely well. She was extremely easy to work with, and accommodated all of the complex needs of our event.
Then, the opinion:
Jessica plays extremely well and has a diverse repertoire of both contemporary and classics. She has an excellent stage presence and is keenly attuned to both the space and the mood of her listeners. We were extremely impressed by how well she controlled the atmosphere, and were blown away by how much more beautiful our favorite pieces sounded when she played them.
We're already working on coming up with our next event we can invite her to.
Harpist
Jessica performed at our wedding and she was WONDERFUL! From the beginning, she was extremely accommodating and easily accessible. She even learned one of more favorite songs and played it as I walked down the aisle. If you’re looking for a harpist for your event, she’s the best!
Harpist
Talent and class. The music was just the perfect touch for our tiny, socially spaced wedding. Jessica is a beautiful woman and dresses so beautifully and appropriately. She did not add any work to the wedding, she took care of all of her own needs. She seamlessly added in a couple requests we gave to her.
Harpist
Response from Jessica Schaeffer, Harp:
Thank you, Cheryl! We were, indeed, socially spaced, but the love present among you and your guests was palpable. Congratulations on your new marriage!
Jessica was amazing! She is very professional. She gets set up to play surprisingly fast. Everybody at our wedding enjoyed her music and the passion she puts into playing! We definitely plan on having her back!
Harpist
Jessica was professional and was able to work collaboratively with others in our event.
Her music was beautiful and fit our occasion perfectly.
I would highly recommend her!
Harpist
Jessica played at our wedding and then we hired her again for a fundraiser. She's a wonderful harpist with a diverse selection of song to choose from. We really enjoyed her playing and the kids were absolutely captivated! It was wonderful to witness. Jessica is friendly, professional , easy to work with and a great musician. We'd hire her again in a second.
Harpist
Jessica was nothing short of amazing! From the moment I booked with her to the day of, she was kind, easy to work with and an amazing artist. Everyone loved having her there. I wish I could redo my wedding day just to hear her play again!! ❤️
Harpist
Ms. Schaeffer arrived ahead of time to set up her harp, prior to her presentation.
She selected an excellent variety of songs, including some requested specifically by this client.
Also, Ms. Schaeffer created a superlative rapport with our audience; and, she answered
all the questions from our group, about the special characteristics of her beautiful harp; and,
the similarities and differences between harps and pianos. She was pleasantly generous with
her time, staying beyond her "time commitment," to talk with our group members (and also,
willing to play additional songs beyond the completion of her time-allotment.)
I highly commend Ms. Schaeffer for her magnificent music on the harp. And, our entire group
continues to praise her for her excellent musical talent and unsurpassed ability to relate to her audience. Bravo !
Harpist
Jessica's harp playing was a wonderful addition to our event. She plays not only beautiful classics, but also incorporate music that we all know, from Disney tunes to standards by Stevie Wonder.
She was ontime, efficient and a pleasure to work with. I highly recommend her!
Harpist
Jessica was amazing. She filled the night with her beautiful music and gave us a memorable night to remember for many years. Thank you so much!!
Funeral Music, Harpist
What a special treat. Everyone at our event complimented on the elegance of having the harpist there. Jessica was very accommodating and easy to work with. We would definitely have her again. And highly recommended to complete your affair.
Harpist
Superb! Jessica nailed it! She provided the perfect audio experience for this event, creating and sustaining a loving mood throughout the evening. Would hire her again in a heartbeat!
Harpist
Jessica was professional, timely and played beautifully! I would highly recommend her!!!
Thank you!
Funeral Music, Harpist
Booking Info
Price Range: $200 - $2000
Gig Length: 30 - 240 minutes
Languages: English, Spanish
Insurance: $1,000,000 - Commercial General Liability Insurance
Website: Visit website
Phone Number: Call
What to Expect
As my dear friend and colleague once said, “The harp is the Hermès handbag of any event.”
In other words, the harp is the crucial accessory that completes any event and sets it apart as a truly special occasion. In most situations, the music is not the main event. I am there to provide an ambiance that is both aurally and visually pleasing for you and your guests. My job is to make yours as easy as possible. I set up and take down with efficiency and generally do not need any assistance. I do my best to make sure that all logistics concerning my involvement in your event are addressed ahead of time to ensure that my part in it is as close to seamless as possible.
About
Until recently, Jessica lived adventurous life of a professional freelance harpist in the San Francisco Bay Area. Memorable moments from her 20+ year career include performing with the National Symphony Orchestra of Bolivia, recording two albums with the harp-and-bassoon duo “The Harpoons”, and collaborating with The Broken Consort, a nationally-touring experimental chamber ensemble.
Jessica was one of the top performing harpists in the greater Bay Area, with a wide-ranging repertoire, tasteful arrangements of popular music, and general versatility. She has played for celebrities and for those without a home. She has played for audiences of two up to 20,000. She has worn ball gowns for black-tie events and performed for events where the suggested attire is 'athleisure'. She played San Francisco from top to bottom. (Literally. Everything from cocktails on the top of the Salesforce tower to busking at BART). Jessica was also part of the harp team at UCSF medical center which provides live harp music in the hospitals 4 hours a day, five days a week.
Jessica is now thrilled to return to her midwestern roots and provide beautiful music for weddings and events throughout the Dayton area and beyond. In addition to providing music for special events, Jessica also works with orchestras and ensembles in live performances as well as recording projects.
Originally from the Dayton, Ohio area, Jessica's formal education includes Interlochen Center for the Arts, Aspen Music Festival, Northwestern University (B.M.), Longy School of Music (M.M. & Dalcroze Education Certification).
Additional Booking Notes
My needs are very simple!
Indoor: I just need enough space for myself and the harp, about 4x6 feet
Outdoor: Dry, level ground & shade - either natural (from a tree) or an umbrella
Stairs: If there are more than 6 stairs to the venue I may need to arrange for professional assistance
Amplification: I have both plug-in and battery powered amplification option. If I am using amplification for your event I will want to know firstly if I can plug into an existing system then, if not, electrical accessibility. I generally do not use amplification for wedding ceremonies or memorial services. I do generally use amplification for events/cocktail hours for 50 or more guests.
Past Booked Events
| January 16, 2021 • 1:30pm - 1:45pm | Baby Shower |
| October 01, 2020 • 5:30pm - 5:45pm | Virtual Event |
| August 15, 2020 • 5:00pm - 5:45pm | Wedding Ceremony |
| August 01, 2020 • 5:00pm - 6:00pm | Wedding Reception |
| August 01, 2020 • 10:30am - 12:00pm | Personal Occasion |
| May 02, 2020 • 6:00pm - 6:45pm | Wedding Ceremony |
| April 18, 2020 • 2:30pm - 4:00pm | Wedding Ceremony |
| March 11, 2020 • 11:00am - 11:30am | Funeral/Memorial Service |
| December 31, 2019 • 6:00pm - 7:00pm | New Year's Party |
| December 14, 2019 • 7:00pm - 11:00pm | Christmas Party |
| September 07, 2019 • 4:00pm - 5:30pm | Wedding Ceremony |
| August 12, 2019 • 12:00pm - 12:30pm | Personal Occasion |
| June 19, 2019 • 6:00pm - 7:30pm | Corporate Event |
| April 13, 2019 • 5:30pm - 8:00pm | Funeral/Memorial Service |
| February 01, 2019 • 7:00pm - 8:00pm | Personal Occasion |
| December 15, 2018 • 6:00pm - 7:00pm | Christmas Party |
| September 07, 2018 • 5:00pm - 8:00pm | Wedding Reception |
| May 13, 2017 • 12:00pm - 1:00pm | Funeral/Memorial Service |
Set List
The following is a list of my most popularly requested pieces and songs. It is frequently edited and updated. If you don’t see a song you have in mind, ask me!
CLASSICAL & WEDDING
Adagio-Albinoni
Le Cygne-Saint-Saëns
Air from Water Music-G. F. Handel
O Mio Babbino Caro-Puccini
Air on a G String-J.S. Bach
On Eagles Wings-Joncas
Alleluia from Exsultate, Jubilate-Mozart
Nocturne, Op. 9 No. 2-Chopin
Amazing Grace-Trad. American
Prelude in C-J.S. Bach
Arioso-Bach
Reverie-Debussy
Ave Maria-Schubert
River Flows in You-Yiruma
Bridal Chorus-Wagner
Sheep May Safely Graze-J.S. Bach
Canon in D-Pachelbel
Theme from 'The Moldau'-Smetana
Clair de Lune-Debussy
Time to Say Goodbye-Andrea Bocelli
Eine Kleine Nachtmusik-Mozart
Trumpet Tune-Purcell
Für Elise-Beethoven
Wachet Auf-J.S. Bach
Gymnopedie No. 1 -Erik Satie
Wedding March-Mendelssohn
Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring-J.S. Bach
When Love is Found-Haas/Cotter
*additional classical, religious, medieval and traditional selections available
POPULAR
A Thousand Years-Christina Perri
Hey Jude-Beatles
All My Loving-Beatles
Hotel California-The Eagles
All of Me-John Legend
House of the Rising Sun-Alan Price
And So it Goes-Billy Joel
How Long Will I Love You-Ellie Goulding
Annie’s Song-John Denver
I’m Yours-Jason Mraz
Bittersweet Symphony-The Verve
Killing Me Softly-Fugees
Can’t Help Falling in Love-UB40/Elvis
Love me Tender-Elvis
Clocks-Coldplay
Morning Has Broken-Cat Stevens
Do you Know the way to San Jose?-Dionne Warwick
Nights in White Satin-Moody Blues
Dream a Little Dream of Me-Mamas & Papas
No Surprises-Radiohead
Eleanor Rigby-Beatles
Nothing Else Matters-Metallica
Everything-Michael Buble
Photograph-Ed Sheeran
Fields of Gold-Sting
Stairway to Heaven-Led Zepplin
First Day of My Life-Bright Eyes
Tea House Room-Enya
Flora’s Secret-Enya
What a Wonderful World-Louis Armstrong
God Only Knows-Beach Boys
Wonderful Tonight-Eric Clapton
Hallelujah-Leonard Cohen
Your Song-Elton John
Have I Told You Lately-Van Morrison
You’ll be in my Heart-Phil Collins
Here Comes the Sun-Beatles
DISNEY
A Whole New World-Aladdin
Beauty and the Beast-Beauty and the Beast
Can You Feel the Love Tonight-Lion King
How Far I’ll Go-Moana
Let it Go-Frozen
Married Life-Up
Under the Sea-The Little Mermaid
When you Wish Upon a Star-Pinocchio
You’ll be in my Heart-Tarzan
MOVIES
A Time for us-Romeo and Juliet
Portuguese Love Theme-Love Actually
Always With Me-Spirited Away
Puff the Magic Dragon-Puff
Cavatina-Deer Hunter
Pure Imagination-Willy Wonka
Can’t Help Falling in Love-Crazy Rich Asians
Rainbow Connection-The Muppet Movie
Concerning Hobbits-Lord of the Rings
Selections from Amelie-Amelie
Edelweiss-Sound of Music
Somewhere Out There-An American Tale
Falling Slowly-Once
Somewhere in Time-Somewhere in Time
Flight to Neverland-Hook
Song on the Beach-Her
Moon River-Breakfast at Tiffany’s
Theme from Love Story-Love Story
My Favorite Things-Sound of Music
Theme from Star Wars-Star Wars
My Heart Will Go on-Titanic
JAZZ & BROADWAY STANDARDS
Ain't Misbehavin
Everybody Loves Somebody
My Cup Runneth Over
All I Ask of you
Falling in Love with Love
My Funny Valentine
Angel of Music
Fly Me to the Moon
Over the Rainbow
Anniversary Waltz
Georgia on my Mind
People
As Time Goes By
Harlem Nocturne
Send in the Clowns
At Last
I Don't Know How to Love Him
Smile
Autumn Leaves
I got Rhythm
Someone to Watch Over Me
Besame Mucho
I left my Heart in San Francisco
Somewhere
Blue Rondo a la Turk
It's Been a Long, Long Time
Summertime
Body and Soul
Memory
S’ Wonderful
But Not For Me
Misty
Take Five
Can't Help Falling in Love
Moon River
Tea for Two
Chances Are
Moonglow
The Shadow of Your Smile
Charade
Moonlight in Vermont
Think of Me
Don't Cry for me Argentina
More
Time After Time
Don't get Around Much Anymore
Music of the Night
Try to Remember
Dream a Little Dream of Me
What a Wonderful World
Ebb Tide
Where or When
Embraceable You
TELEVISION & VIDEO GAMES
Downton Abbey
Final Fantasy - Aerith’s Theme
Game of Thrones - Theme
Game of Thrones - The Rains of Castamere/Lannister Song
Final Fantasy - Theme of Love
Final Fantasy - Eternity Memory of Lightwaves
Halo - Cortana Keep what you Steal
Super Mario Brothers
Uncharted - Nate's Theme
Zelda - Fairy Fountain
CELTIC
Arran Boat Song
Haste to the Wedding
Roving Galway Boy
Chanter
Inis Siar
Si Beag Si Mor
Danny Boy
Lord Inchiquin
Skye Boat Song
Eleanor Plunkett
Rhosymedre
Young Brid O’Malley
Give me Your Hand
Maids of Mourne Shore
SAMPLE CEREMONY MUSIC SELECTIONS
MODERN CLASSIC
Prelude: light classical mixed with standards (Can’t Help Falling in Love, All I Ask of You - Phantom of the Opera)
Bridal party: A Thousand Years
Bride: Canon in D
Ceremony music: What a Wonderful World
Recessional: Fly me to the Moon
TRADITIONAL
Prelude: Air on G String, Prelude in C, assorted light classical pieces
Bridal party: Canon in D
Bride: Bridal Chorus
Ceremony music: Sheep May Safely Graze, Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring
Recessional: Wedding March
MODERN
Prelude: Portuguese Love Theme (from Love Actually), Pure Imagination (from Willy Wonka), Photograph
Bridal party: Falling Slowly (from Once)
Bride: A Thousand Years
Ceremony music: Improvised
Recessional: Dream a Little Dream of Me
Setup Requirements
Jessica provides all her own equipment, unless otherwise specified in contract