Kate Speck - Event Musician

San Diego, CA

$100 and up

Travels up to 90 miles

Get a free quick quote
Promotional video thumbnail 1 for Kate Speck - Event Musician

Bach- "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring" (solo excerpt)

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Pachelbel- "Canon in D" (solo excerpt)

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"The Swan" - Cello and Banjo

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"Till There Was You"- cello/guitar/bass

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Overview

I am a classically trained cellist who also arranges for sheet music plus. If you are planning an event such as a wedding, corporate gathering, party, etc. and need music either at center stage or in the background to create the perfect atmosphere, you've come to the right person! I'm happy to work with you on the style of music (ranging from classical to pop) and number of musicians (solo, duet, trio, or quartet) to make your event sound just how you imagined! Virtual performances included! Looking for "Behind the Scenes" work such as a sheet music arrangement or recording? I'm capable of creating a quality product to fit your project's needs. I can't wait to collaborate with you!


Reviews

19 reviews

Small thumbnail image for reviewer Gabe T.

Gabe T.

April 4, 2026
Verified review

Kate Speck Smashes It With BVCC

Kate did a great job for our Good Friday service. She knew exactly where to play and probably more important, where not to play. Looking forward to having her for a few more services in the future.

Hired as: Cellist


Small thumbnail image for reviewer Gino C.

Gino C.

March 11, 2026
Verified review

The perfect choice for our wedding!

Kate, Bridget, and Julia were amazing as our wedding ceremony ensemble. Kate reached out to my request for an ensemble and offered to assemble a team that could get the job done. I can confidently say that Kate, Bridget, and Julia went above and beyond to exceed our expectations! Everyone was so kind, courteous, and, most importantly, amazingly talented performers. Kate and her team graciously agreed to work with my musical arrangement, coordinate an extra rehearsal outside of the wedding itself, and on top of that, offered to perform prelude music as people were walking into the ceremony to find their seats. Moreover, Kate and her team were able to pivot during our processional and extend the piece on the fly, as the estimated performance time ended up going longer than expected. They seamlessly adapted and performed in such a way that made the ceremony magical. Thank you all for making our ceremony unforgettable, and I would highly recommend Kate's services for any and all musical needs!

Hired as: Cellist, Classical Ensemble


Small thumbnail image for reviewer Jerry F.

Jerry F.

October 5, 2025
Verified review

Wonderful cellist!

Kate is a wonderful musician and even agreed to a duet(me on guitar)
during my wedding ceremony.
I am just a hobby player so I was was very grateful and she made the endeavor easy!!
Highly recommended!

Hired as: Cellist


Small thumbnail image for reviewer Lizzie R.

Lizzie R.

December 4, 2024
Verified review

Everything we ever dreamt of!

Kate and the violinist that accompanied her were amazing. Each song was played beautifully and our wedding ceremony would not be the same without them. Thank you for everything! We are truly so grateful we were able to have you play at our wedding.

Hired as: Cellist, Classical Ensemble


Small thumbnail image for reviewer Robin

Robin

September 23, 2024
Verified review

Amazing

They went above and beyond to make a proposal magical! Starting with suggestions on the surprise to learning a new and favorite song of the bride to be. They took the moment to the next level!!!!

Hired as: Cellist

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Booking information

Price range: $100 and up

Languages: English

Gig length: 30 - 180 minutes

About

I have been playing cello for over half my life. I received my BA in cello performance from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, studying with Astrid Schween (of the Juilliard String Quartet) and Edward Arron. Growing up, I also learned guitar, electric bass, and upright bass. I have always enjoyed learning and playing a variety of musical genres, spanning from classical to pop. I currently teach and play professionally in the Cleveland area!

My performance experience ranges from playing in symphonic orchestras, operas, string quartets/trios/duets, musical pit orchestras, and jazz bands; at weddings, social events, and more. I love playing all different styles of music and with all different types of musicians. Behind the scenes, I am a practiced recording artist (with a home studio), arranger, and composer. I am more than happy to collaborate on virtual or pre recorded projects. If you are looking to have a unique arrangement of a piece of music for your event or project, I'd love to collaborate with you to provide the instrumentation and style you have in mind. Have a first dance or processional song that you want arranged to be played live (or pre recorded) for your wedding? I'd be happy to make it sound just right for you, on paper and during your big day. Check out my instagram for more examples of my playing and arrangements (@krobargemusic)

Performance Services:
-Wedding or social events (solo cello or small ensemble including but not limited to cello duet, cello/guitar duet, cello/piano duet, etc.)
-Concerts/recitals (Solo cello or small ensemble)
-Musicals or band performances. I'm happy to join ensembles for shows of any genre (cello, bass, or guitar)

"Behind the Scenes" Services:
-Record cello for a project or event
-Create a full track with acoustic and/or electronic instruments
-Arrange a work/song for specific instrumentation/event (sheet music)
-Mix pre recorded audio for a project or event

I'd be happy to speak with you about your needs and wishes and provide whatever musical services you are looking for. Feel free to write me a message!

Upcoming booked events

September 2026

05

Saturday

Wedding Ceremony

5:00pm - 7:00pm

San Diego, CA

Past booked events

April 2026

03

Friday

Religious Celebration

6:00pm - 8:00pm

Bonita, CA

February 2026

22

Sunday

Wedding Ceremony

4:00pm - 5:00pm

Carlsbad, CA

September 2025

27

Saturday

Wedding Ceremony

6:00pm - 7:00pm

Cardiff By The Sea, CA

May 2025

17

Saturday

Wedding Ceremony

3:30pm - 5:30pm

San Diego, CA

February 2025

13

Thursday

Retirement Community Event

2:30pm - 3:30pm

San Diego, CA

November 2024

23

Saturday

Wedding Ceremony

4:30pm - 5:30pm

San Diego, CA

12

Tuesday

Wedding Ceremony

3:30pm - 4:00pm

San Diego, CA

September 2024

21

Saturday

Surprise

6:30pm - 7:00pm

San Diego, CA

08

Sunday

House Party

5:00pm - 6:30pm

San Diego, CA

July 2024

12

Friday

House Party

10:30am - 1:00pm

San Diego, CA

06

Saturday

House Party

11:30am - 1:00pm

San Diego, CA

May 2024

24

Friday

Wedding Ceremony

4:00pm - 8:00pm

Carlsbad, CA

March 2024

30

Saturday

Wedding Reception

2:00pm - 4:00pm

Bonita, CA

February 2024

11

Sunday

Nonprofit Event

7:00pm - 7:15pm

San Diego, CA

November 2023

11

Saturday

Wedding Ceremony

3:30pm - 4:15pm

Coronado, CA

02

Thursday

Funeral/Memorial Service

2:00pm - 3:00pm

San Diego, CA

September 2023

02

Saturday

Wedding Ceremony

3:00pm - 4:00pm

Cleveland, OH

July 2023

29

Saturday

Wedding Ceremony

6:00pm - 7:00pm

Medina, OH

June 2023

24

Saturday

Wedding Engagement

12:00pm - 1:00pm

Cleveland, OH

March 2023

04

Saturday

Studio Session

1:00pm - 2:00pm

Akron, OH

November 2022

05

Saturday

Dinner Party

6:00pm - 7:30pm

Cleveland, OH

October 2022

02

Sunday

Wedding Ceremony

4:00pm - 4:30pm

Lakewood, OH

September 2022

30

Friday

Wedding Ceremony

5:00pm - 7:00pm

Cleveland, OH

July 2022

30

Saturday

Wedding Ceremony

2:00pm - 3:00pm

Oberlin, OH

May 2022

28

Saturday

Wedding Ceremony

5:00pm - 6:30pm

Bellville, OH

21

Saturday

Wedding (ceremony and cocktail)

All-day event

01

Sunday

Funeral/Memorial Service

1:30pm - 3:30pm

Cleveland, OH

December 2021

18

Saturday

Birthday Party

6:30pm - 8:00pm

Avon Lake, OH

September 2021

04

Saturday

Wedding Ceremony

2:30pm - 3:15pm

Amherst, OH

August 2021

01

Sunday

Wedding Ceremony

3:00pm - 4:00pm

Dover, OH

Set list

Very much open to requests!
Here are just a few songs/pieces I have at the ready

Solo- Classical
Bach Cello Suite 1 in G major
Bach Cello Suite 2 in D minor
Bach Cello Suite 3 in C major

Solo or Cello Duet- Classical
Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring- J. S. Bach
Air (on the G string)- J. S. Bach
Cannon in D- Pachelbel
The Swan- Saint Saëns
Vocalise- Rachmaninoff
Ave Maria- Schubert
Après un Rêve- Faurè
Elegy- Faurè
Meditation from Thais- Massenet
Ode to Joy- Beethoven
Theme from Symphony No. 1- Brahms
Trumpet Voluntary- Jeremiah Clarke

Pop! (Best for string duets, trios, or quartet, but can be done on solo cello)
"A Thousand Years"- Christina Perri
"Across the Universe"- The Beatles
"All of Me"- John Legend
"All of the Lights (Prelude")- Kanye West
"All You Need is Love"- The Beatles
"Anyone"- Justin Bieber
"As the World Falls Down"- David Bowie
"At Last"- Etta James
"Beyond"- Leon Bridges
"Bold As Love"- Jimi Hendrix
"Bridgerton Opening Theme"- Kris Bowers
"Budapest"- George Ezra
"Can you Feel the Love Tonight"- Elton John
"Can't Help Falling in Love"- made famous by Elvis Presley
"Firework"- Katy Perry
"Forever"- Chris Brown
"Glad You Exist"- Dan and Shay
"God Gave Me You"- Dave Barnes
"Hallelujah"- Leonard Cohen
"Halo"- Beyonce
"Here Comes the Sun"- The Beatles
"Higher Love"- Steve Winwood
"How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You)"- James Taylor
"I'm A Believer"- The Monks/Smash Mouth
"I'm Yours"- Jason Mraz
"I'm A Believer"- Neil Diamond (The Monkees)
"Latch"- Disclosure feat. Sam Smith
"Love Story"- Taylor Swift
"Mad World"- Tears for Fears
"Make You Feel My Love"- Bob Dylan
"Marry Me"- Train
"Mr. Blue Sky"- Electric Light Orchestra
"Moon River"- written by Mercer and Mancini
"Over the Rainbow"- from "The Wizard of Oz"
"Perfect"- Ed Sheeran
"Senorita"- Shawn Mendes
"Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I'm Yours)"- Stevie Wonder
"Simply The Best"- Noah Reid (Schitt's Creek Version)
"Sunflower"- Post Malone and Swae Lee
"The Bones"- Maren Morris
"The Middle"- Zedd, Maren Morris, Grey
"The Scientist"- Coldplay
"The Way You Look Tonight"- written by Jerome Kern and Dorothy Fields
"Wildest Dreams"- Taylor Swift
"Yellow"- Colplay
"YMCA"- Village People
"You Are The Reason"- Callum Scott

AND MORE

*For Holiday concerts: I have every holiday song imaginable, just let me know your favorites and I'll be sure to fit them in.

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