Sonja Westberg, harpist

I generally arrive about 45 minutes before my start time. This allows ample time to unload, set up, and tune my harp. You can expect me to be prompt and professional, and to hear beautiful, high quality harp music.

Q: What sets me apart from other freelance harpists?
A:
•Highly skilled - I have my Master’s degree in harp performance from the University of North Texas, which is one of the top schools for music in the country.
•Quality musician - I play professional level harp arrangements with great ease and artistry. You’ll never see me looking stressed or nervous as I play!
•Experience - I have over a decade of experience playing harp music for weddings, receptions, private events, proposals, tea parties, open houses, graduation ceremonies, concerts etc. You can read my 5+ star reviews on my Google Business and GigSalad profiles!
•Equipment - I provide the highest quality equipment for my services to ensure the best performance and sound possible. My harps are professional models, and are frequently regulated and well maintained with new strings for a beautiful and warm sound. I use a music stand and bench that match my harp, so that visually everything looks clean and coordinated. I use an iPad Pro for my music, for seamless transitions between pieces. You won’t see any sheets of paper flying away in the wind, and won’t find any stacks of music near my feet.
•Easy to work with - I realize that planning a wedding or event can be time consuming and overwhelming, but I am here to help! I am happy to provide recommendations, or even put your set list completely together, in order to help your planning be more manageable.

Q: What factors comprise a harp quote?
A: I charge what my service is worth. My rate is comparable to other harp professionals with the same amount of collegiate training and experience.
•Preparation - Harp is one of the most difficult instruments to master, and takes a lot of dedicated time and practice (especially when making arrangements of special requests or learning brand new songs).
•Service - I am a highly proficient harpist, and play with finesse and artistry. I am able to comfortably multi-task and improvise, and don’t get caught up in looking at the music on my music stand (i.e. while performing music during the processionals of a wedding ceremony, I am able to look up/around so that I can perfectly tailor the arrangement to meet the amount of time needed for walking down the aisle. I am also able to interact with guests or speak with a wedding coordinator while I play, so that the music doesn’t stop all of a sudden.)
•Cartage - The loading/unloading of a harp can be physically demanding, but also “wears down” the instrument, affecting the regulation.
•Harp maintenance - Harpists get their harp or HARPS regulated by a professional “harp doctor” at least once a year (sometimes twice!) to ensure that everything is sounding at its best, with all mechanical parts working properly. A basic regulation for one harp costs several hundred dollars…not including additional repairs needed for damage. Imagine what the bill looks like if you own several harps…
•Harp strings - These can break unexpectedly (due to weather changes, the string’s age, and just because they feel like it!), and are quite an investment to replace. Depending on the length of the string, replacements can cost anywhere between $6 to $30 EACH…and concert grand harps have 47 strings! Generally, a few back up string sets are also purchased, since strings can only be special ordered online. You get the idea…
•Self-employment tax

Q: What kind of harp do you use?
A: The harps that I play on most frequently are an Italian-made Salvi Minerva pedal harp, crafted with ornate carvings on the column, or a Salvi Ana lever harp. They are both professional model instruments, with a rich, luscious, and soothing tone. I use my Marini-made bass LAP harp for music therapy services or events that have limited spacing for set-up.

Q: What kind of music do you play?
A: I am classically trained musician, but I play a variety of Classical, Traditional, Popular, Disney, and light Jazz music! I pride myself on my extensive repertoire list due to my love of all music genres. The list is not exclusive, and I am constantly updating my selections! I also play therapeutic music for healing and treatment sessions.

Q: Do you play special requests?
A: I am happy to accommodate special requests as long as the music is available in print, and I am given at least 30 days notice! What song would you like to hear on the harp?

Q: Is the harp loud enough?
A: One of the best features of the harp is that it projects well, without being overpowering. I can provide additional amplification if needed, at no additional charge.

Q: How do you move your harp?
A: My pedal harp weighs about 100lbs and my lever harp weighs about 50lbs! I move my own instruments, using a custom “harp dolly”. It is not difficult to move short distances, but I sometimes need assistance for rough terrain or going up/down stairs.

Q: How much space is required for the harp?
A: The harp is just as unique an instrument visually, as it is aurally - so please don’t squish me in the corner! I require an area of approximately 5 X 5 feet for the set-up of my harp, bench, music stand, and sound system. If using sound amplification, an outlet located within 15 feet of the harp is necessary.

Q: Do you play outdoors?
A: Yes! But, I require a flat, stable, and dry surface for any outdoor service. There must also be a backup location in the event of inclement weather - outdoor services are "weather permitting", and I will not play if there is risk that my harp could be damaged. Outdoor services will need to be moved inside due to the following conditions: precipitation or the chance of precipitation at/or above 40%, winds at 20+mph, and temperatures below 50°F and above 95°F. Shade must be provided (umbrella, awning, plant etc.) for all outdoor services that are at/or above 80°F. Please note that extreme cold and humidity may interfere with my ability to play, as it affects finger dexterity.

Q: What is included in a wedding ceremony package?
A:
•30 min of Prelude music as guests arrive
•Processional music of the bride/groom/wedding party/family
•Optional Interlude music (ie unity candle lighting, knot tying, communion etc.)
•Recessional music of the bride/groom/wedding party
•10 min of Postlude music as guests depart
If you’re interested, I can also provide music for your cocktail hour! I offer discount/combination pricing for this additional service.

Q: Do you come to the wedding rehearsal?
A: These days, I almost never attend the wedding rehearsal. I have found that ceremonies almost never go the same way as they do during the rehearsal, and because of that my attendance is not necessary. I have several years of experience and have played for hundreds of weddings - I am able to perfectly tailor each music selection to fit what is needed during the ceremony, and seamlessly transition into the next piece without hesitation. My only request is that I be seated in a position where I have a clear view of the aisle.

Q: What is included in your services?
A:
•Customized song list
•Recorded song samples
•Cartage/set up of harp
•Speaker for amplification (harp has built in pick-up mic)
•All equipment (music stand, bench, iPad for music)
•Mileage/drive time (within a 30 mile radius of Ballwin, MO)
•Communication via phone, email, FaceTime, etc.
•Consultation at home studio available upon request - $50 for one hour

Q: What is required to secure your services?
A: A signed contract and a 50% non-refundable deposit are required to secure your booking in my calendar. Payment will be made through a secure portal on Square invoicing. The remaining balance is due 30 days prior to the event.

Q: How far in advance do I need to book you?
A: I accept bookings 6-8 months in advance. You should book as far in advance as possible to guarantee my service, especially for events on either Friday or Saturday, or for events during a Holiday Season (Christmas, Valentine’s Day, Easter, Mother’s Day, etc.). However, last minute bookings are always welcome if I am available! You can check my availability on my calendar page!

Just a little bit about myself -

I have both a BM and MM in Harp Performance from The University of North Texas! I also have a minor in Hospitality Management and a related field in Music Entrepreneurship. I have over a decade of experience playing harp music for weddings, receptions, private events, tea parties, open houses, and graduation ceremonies etc. My harp performances have taken me internationally - I have performed throughout India, Thailand, the UAE, and China! As an orchestral harpist, I have performed with the McKinney Philharmonic Orchestra (principal harpist), El Paso Symphony, New Mexico Philharmonic, and Santa Fe Symphony.

I provide all of my own equipment for a gig - including my harp, my iPad Pro for my music, a bench, a music stand, and small sound system for amplification.

A confirmation of the ceremony music is required at least 30 days prior to the ceremony date. I reserve the right to reject special music requests that are made less than 30 days prior to the ceremony date. I will not accompany any other instrumentalists or vocalists, unless a rehearsal has been arranged ahead of time.