Note: The rates below are accurate as of 2020.

While there is some regional variation in rates charged by harpists, the list below indicates "average rates" currently charged by conservatory-trained harpists for harp bookings in the Capital District (Albany) of NY.

Note: These rates represent the minimum price charged for the booking. The minimum booking accepted is for a duration of 1 hour and the maximum is for 3 hours.  

Wedding ceremony, indoors:  $300
Includes pre-service music, processional, incidental music, recessional, receiving line.

Cocktail hour or brunch, indoors: $300
Up to 90 minutes of harp background music during a cocktail hour or brunch.

Wedding + cocktail package, indoors: $400
Wedding ceremony followed immediately by cocktail hour in the same location - harp does not need to be moved more than 75 feet to an adjacent room for cocktails. Up to 2.5 hours total of harp music.

Cocktail/dinner/party package or "extended cocktail hour," indoors: $425
Up to 3 hours total of harp background music during cocktails and while guests are dining.

Funeral/memorial service, indoors: $300
Up to 90 minutes of harp music total; includes prelude, incidental music or hymns, postlude.


Note: There are surcharges to the above rates for special circumstances. (See below.)

Surcharge for Flute & Harp combination: add 30% to the above rates.

Surcharge for Outdoor Functions: add minimum of 25% to the above rates.
In addition, the harpist must be sheltered by a porch roof, gazebo or waterproof tent during all outdoor events, as harps are very sensitive to sunlight or moisture. All outdoor events must have a contingency plan in place to move indoors during inclement weather, or the booking will not be contracted.

Surcharge for Lateness: $50 per late half hour.
Engagements are expected to start within 30 minutes of the contracted time. A late fee of $50 per additional half hour may be imposed if the event starts or ends after the contracted time.

Surcharge for Premium engagements: add minimum of 25% to the above rates.
Bookings on any holiday or holiday eve are considered "premium" engagements and charged accordingly. (Examples are: Christmas, New Year's, Thanksgiving weekend, Mother's or Father's Day, Valentine's Day, St. Patrick's Day, etc.)

Surcharge for out-of-town functions:
Add hotel, meals, and current IRS mileage charge to the basic rate.

Surcharge for excess mileage:
An additional mileage charge will be assessed for all events more than 40 miles away.

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Discounts:
Some charitable 501c institutions (i.e. nursing homes, hospice) may qualify for a small discount. Please inquire for special pricing for these events.

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Written contract: 

Once a verbal agreement has been executed, a written contract will be sent to each client confirming the details of the engagement, including the fee. The client signs the contract and returns it to the harpist with a deposit to hold the date. (Orchestral bookings and charitable institutions are exempt from deposits.)

Payment:

A deposit is required to "hold" the date of the engagement. Payment is accepted via PayPal. (http://www.paypal.com). Make payment to: dragonflowermusic@gmail.com