Paula C Snyder

** Customer Service: It is my goal to walk away with new friends and a five star reference! I am selective about performance opportunities and try to make sure we are well-matched. If not, I gladly share ideas to help you find your match.

** Versatility: As a singer/musician I perform a wide range of popular genres covering songs from as far back as the American Revolution to current selections (jazz standards, blues, folk, country/crossover, rock, Motown, Broadway, and original material). Time permitting, I will learn some of your favorites if they are not already in my repertoire. As a speaker, I come from many experiences to share. I strive to be consistent with your event vision.

** Reliability: You can count on me to be there when you expect me, or to contact you if there is an unforeseen problem on the way.

** Communication: If you have questions or concerns, I want to speak to them. I generally respond to e-mails and phone messages in 24-hours or less, or will advise you if something would keep me from doing that.

** Collaboration: My clients tell me they enjoy the process of working with me. Remember, it's your event! You are calling on someone to provide a service. It takes both sides to see and implement your vision. Collaboration helps you clarify the options and feel like you have some input on what happens at the end. Please collaborate with me for the best solutions/scenarios for your event.

** Detail Orientation: I try to anticipate how things would/could go, offer suggestions for smooth service delivery, and find ways to enhance your event. I love to work with my clients and thrive on building mutual trust.

** Customization: Let me prepare a special theme set, speech, original poem, or learn your meaningful song favorites (time permitting).

** Engagement: I will do my best to connect with my intended audience with program and delivery - or - stay in the background for ambiance (whatever is most fitting).

Specifics:
Paula C Snyder.....peforms for adults & mixed crowds self-accompanying strong vocals with guitar or piano. Extensive repertoire includes multiple pop-genres (like jazz, blues, rock, folk, country, pop, Broadway covers) and original music for entertainment or ambience from intimate to large gatherings.

Grandma Paula.....performs children's sets, using acoustic guitar and working with simple tunes, engaging chorus lines, dance, and play.

Give a unique gift with "Verses To Go". Provide some information about your intended for a customized original poem, song, and possible live presentation or (availability of live presentation is based on logistics) or request a "Serenade" (sweet singing telegram) for your special someone.

Note: For advanced bookings, a 50% non-refundable deposit is required. <a href="https://www.gigsalad.com/external/redirect/aHR0cDovL0dpZ1NhbGFkLmNvbQ%3D%3D">GigSalad.com</a> is the liaison for most of my bookings. If we work off site, a signed contract and deposit is expected to hold the date. Payments are made directly through <a href="https://www.gigsalad.com/external/redirect/aHR0cDovL0dpZ1NhbGFkLmNvbQ%3D%3D">GigSalad.com</a> when commitments are confirmed on site. Otherwise, I am able to invoice my clients for payment by ACH or Credit Card* (Merchant fees may be added), or checks under certain circumstances. I also have PayPal and Venmo accounts. (For serenades/singing telegrams, total payment is due before I leave for the job. GigSalad collects the entire amount up front and pays my deposit or the entire amount - whatever we agree.)

My clients ask about how they can offer me a Tips or Gratuity: Thank you for your special thoughtfulness. Tips/Gratuities are not expected, however, if you choose to reward outstanding service I provide you, your gratitude is appreciated. GigSalad has created solutions to add tips after the performance if you've paid by credit card. They will ask you to review me after my performance and offer a tip method (PayPal or Credit Card) at that time. (See customer support information & FAQs.) I also accept payments on my business Venmo: @PCSnyderCreative and (link hidden): @paulasmusic (note: Merchant fees are taken from my receipts). I accept cash tips on the premises (when appropriate), and also am glad to invoice directly, or work out some other method to accommodate. Thank you so much!

Paula C Snyder, Vocalist/Musician/Songwriter, Speaker, Writer, Functional Artist - Stirring hearts and sparking growth through music, storytelling, and inspired creativity.

MUSIC PERFORMANCES: From intimate gatherings to public events, Paula's voice, musicianship, versatile cover songs and originals uplift, foster connection, and build memories.

Through GigSalad, Paula has become very popular for her customized "serenades" (singing telegrams). Most of her reviews on-site refer to those services (for milestone birthdays, anniversaries, romantic evenings, retirements, holiday greetings, and even soothing people in distress). **ASK Paula to share her blog article "Singing telegram or tasteful serenade" for tips on planning that special surprise!

Paula has been receiving outstanding reviews and references for her work and work ethics over the years from employers, clients, and other creatives she's supported. Clients rave about Paula's attention to detail, reliability, and strong work ethics.

A strong vocalist, Paula accompanies herself on piano or guitar, covering versatile pop genres (jazz, blues, folk, rock, country, pop, Broadway, and more) through decades of music - personalized, customized, or themed for background or full audience engagement.

Adult or family style, Paula C Snyder also performs for and engages little kids as "Grandma Paula". Paula and her adult daughter duet for some special occasions.

HOW I ARRIVED: Congenial rebel and distracted dreamer on the outside, my inner fire since childhood led me on a lifelong journey of creative exploration. Age 15 was pivotal, when an art class experiment in cloisonne enameling led me into young entrepreneurship and I taught myself to play guitar. By 17, I started playing piano by ear. I relished challenges, organizing, and strategizing. Card games sharpened my analytical skills. Jigsaw puzzles honed my spatial and mechanical reasoning. I loved problem-solving, embracing failure as a natural step toward mastery. Music is my heart. Singing, my soul. Creative mindset, my method. These building blocks, combined, are my constant, grounding force, and sanctuary. My simple philosophy is, why not explore, create, and dream? Why not defy limitations and embrace possibilities? I strive to inspire others to do the same, offering creative solutions through music, words, and other arts as the vehicle.”

OTHER SERVICES:

MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKING: Paula's audiences are driven to reflect with, cultivate, and utilize creative mindset, transform obstacles into opportunities, and thrive through change.

INSPIRED CREATIVITY: Collaborate with Paula to craft your messages into engaging customized poems, lyrics, songs, or written content (straight, clever, factual, imagined).

FUNCTIONAL ART: "Pick Pretties" is Paula's line of hand-made guitar pick earrings. (Paula designed and sewed Grandma Paula's outfit too!)

ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
**Original Music: Music Collections (albums-singles) "Sing Me 3 Times" & "Start the Day With A Song 3 Times" in 2023, CD "Renewed"​ in 2007 (containing historical and new originals), EP "Love Trilogy in 3/4 Time"​ - melodic love stories ("gift" CD) in 2010. "Seasonal Sentiments"​ - holiday theme ("gift" CD) in 2010.

**Published Collaborations: "Contagious Optimism Volume I" (uplifting book series) - several excerpts (2013), "Living the Covid Experience (Gleanings 2020-21)" - ghostwriting for multiple storytellers and a published story, and "I Did It (Short Stories by Everyday People - Volume 3 & 4) in 2021 & 2022 respectively.

**Illustrated song for kids: "Meet Cookie (the dog)"​ original song, written into an illustrated picture book with collaborator/illustrator, Mac McCord in 2014, and multiple music singles throughout career.

**Blog: "Staying Inspired", found on Paula's official website with articles about creative things, and creative views about everyday happenings. Book of the same name is in progress.

**Creative Community: Paula collaborates with, mentors, and assists other creatives, women, and network members. She is open to collaborating on creative projects. A longtime member of NC Songwriters Co-Op, Paula has also served in the leadership capacity on multiple boards and in various organizations. She's a 9 year Toastmasters veteran as well.

^^Additional Notes: The audio music examples on this site are original songs written and performed by Paula C Snyder. The video music examples are a mix of covers & originals. See versatile cover song sampler under "Set Lists" here on site. Paula's event itinerary is posted on her official website.

Calendar: I keep an extensive calendar on my own website. Therefore, I do not duplicate most of my calendar here. Know that I keep very busy with music and creative activities, and many performances are with private groups where I would not post locations publicly.

Contracts: Generally, I book leads from <a href="https://www.gigsalad.com/external/redirect/aHR0cDovL0dpZ1NhbGFkLmNvbQ%3D%3D">GigSalad.com</a> by their quote/agreement process. I also have off-site contracts as needed. I require a non-refundable deposit (25 to 50%) depending on the nature and advanced notification of your request. If your event is coming up in the next two weeks, I generally require the entire amount up front, and these fees are non-refundable. The details are best discussed between us, so we can get things just right - a win-win for all parties.

Equipment Set Up: For events/weddings/parties requiring a full PA, I have a compact set-up, but need horizontal space to accommodate the keyboard and guitar (I often bring both). A wide corner or wide wall space works well. Electrical outlets should be nearby, even when performing vocals without a microphone, as the piano requires electricity to run. I would gladly use your piano if it has a working sustain pedal and, working keys. The piano should be in tune, and moveable so I can face the audience directly or at an angle while performing. Special rates are available for frequent repeat business (restaurants, wine bars, community activities, etc.) Shaded areas and cover are preferred during outdoor performances. The set up area must be dry for electronics (no dew or damp grass, rain, running water source in the immediate area). Make alternate arrangements for outdoor events in case of rain/snow or other extreme weather (heat/cold/wind, etc.) for the safety and protection of people and equipment.

Grandma Paula Set Up: When performing as Grandma Paula, I ask there be a clear area to sing and play with the kids. Normally I stand, but for little ones, it is better if I am closer to them - so I would want a chair (adult size without arms) available when I sit in front of them. I ask that parents/adult monitors remain present, as I cannot be a caregiver/disciplinarian and performer at the same time. I usually only bring my guitar - unplugged - unless I am doing a stage show that requires full amplification.

Customization: I will and often do, customize set lists, learn special songs, create themed arrangements for various occasions and events. Please allow plenty of time for customization (plan ahead) and consider this customization when you request price quotes.

Singing Telegrams/Serenades - Considerations: Before either of us should commit to a surprise situation, if you are requesting to have a telegram in a workplace or public venue, please check with the employer &/or venue to make sure they will allow a musician/vocalist to come in during the time you had in mind. Building security issues should be clarified, and in a public venue - over-head music should be turned off, so that your performer doesn't have to compete with the venue's music. At a private home, make sure the recipient will feel safe opening the door to a stranger. At a club, senior community, or other populated venue, check to make sure no conflicting activities will be occurring at the same time. Most of all, since I customize my telegrams to suit the specific event/person, I generally won't book a date without having a phone conversation to talk through music preferences and logistics. Though telegrams are usually a spontaneous idea, giving the most lead time possible will allow me to create the most special program to honor your loved ones. If you have flexibility regarding dates or exact times this program can happen, often I can work around my other commitments to fit your program in.