We recognize that most of our clients don't hire music entertainment very often. In fact, many people don't even know what to ask when hiring a music service. We've assembled this list of most frequently asked questions to help you learn more about our service and to help you make a more informed decision about the music entertainment at your event.

How far ahead should we book your service?

It depends upon the date. Some clients choose to contract a year or more in advance, while some are comfortable waiting until several months prior. Saturdays are the busiest nights, so waiting too long to hire a band for a Saturday night might lead to disappointment.  The more popular the act, the sooner they tend to get booked in advance.  Some bands book out a year in advance during peak wedding season.

Do you use a contract?

Absolutely. You should get a written contract from all of your event services. No professional service operates without written contracts, and if a potential service tells you that you don't need one, turn and run! Make sure the contract includes the date, times and location of your event. We always send a written contract, guaranteeing your event details.

What are your rates?

Our rates vary depending upon the date, time frame, location, musicians chosen, your specific needs and other variables that impact the final rate. Please give us a call and we will work with you and present options and prices.

How much is your deposit requirement?

For any event with live musicians we require a 50% deposit with the returned contract. The final 50% is due 2 weeks prior to your event. We accept all major credit cards as well as checks.

Do you charge for travel?

Again, travel charges depend upon the circumstances, which is part of why we customize packages for each client. We normally do not charge travel for events in the Front Range area. Beyond that, it depends upon the distance involved, whether or not the trip will require an overnight stay, etc. Either way our pricing we give you will be all-inclusive of any travel charges.

Can we choose the music?

Most live bands have a playlist of songs that they know and perform regularly.  Many have a standard set list of songs that they know work well at events.  You’re always welcome to review a bands song list and choose songs that you definitely want & don’t want to hear in advance.  If there’s a special song or two you absolutely have to hear at your wedding, let us know in advance.  Most bands will learn 1-2 songs for your wedding as a courtesy (and with at least a month’s notice), but then will charge to learn more that that.  (Arranging a new song for a band can sometimes take up to 4 hours!)  Another option is to have the band play those songs during one of their breaks on a CD or iPod.

What happens if you don’t know a song we want--can we bring our own CDs?

Absolutely.  Many of our clients bring their own CDs or iPods. The band can then play these songs during their breaks.

Can I see a demo of the band?

Of course. After we talk with you to determine your needs we will send you links to a web page demo which will include music demos, pictures, descriptions, song lists and sometimes even a video on each of the live acts we’re proposing to you.

How long do I have to decide?

Again, this will depend on the musicians and the date of your event.   Most bands will “hold the date” (not book any other events on the same date as yours) for up to a month. After that you run the risk of someone else hiring the band that you like. If you know you’re going to take longer than a month to decide, let us know so we can have the musicians hold your date longer

What are the traditional ceremony songs?

Most of our clients ask us to play prelude music prior to the ceremony, along with a wedding processional for the bridal entrance and a wedding recessional for the exit from the ceremony. Occasionally, we are asked to play special songs for the seating of special family members or the entrance of the bridal party. Also, music can accompany any special moments that sometimes occur during the wedding ceremony (like a candle lighting, for instance). We are happy to make suggestions for these selections, if needed.  All of our ceremony musicians are familiar with and excel at these traditional songs.

What are your appointment hours?

Monday-Thursday 8am-6pm
Friday 8am-5pm
Saturday 10am-4pm
Other hours can often be arranged by special request. Besides our main offices at 5454 Washington St., we're also available for meetings in the Highlands at Studio Wed at 4500 W 38th Ave # 100.

Can we observe an event?

We are very hesitant to send potential clients to another client's event (and we will take the same approach in not sending potential clients to your event). Besides the potential inconvenience to our client, there is no guarantee that event you visit will be anything like what you are looking for at your event. Please see our References page for recent and event specific references from actual clients. If seeing an actual live event is an absolute requirement, however, we can usually find an option for you at a club or bar, although the style & set list are different at a band’s club gig that it will be at your event or wedding.

Will the musicians help with announcements?

All of our bands perform at weddings regularly and are happy to make announcements and to help coordinate activities at your event, if you want them to. We plan these activities and announcements with you ahead of time so there are no surprises or disappointments at your event.

What do your musicians wear?

All musicians are different but for any wedding or corporate event, band members will wear semi-formal attire.  If you have any special requests for your band, be sure to discuss that with your entertainment consultant so we can ensure the band is wearing appropriate dress.

How long have you been in business?

Locally owned A Music Plus has been in business and under the same ownership since 1985.

Do you carry insurance?

Absolutely. You should require any vendor you work with to carry liability and workers comp insurance. It is unfortunate to have to consider such things when planning an event, but should something happen and your vendor has no insurance, you could be held liable.

What time will your musicians arrive?

This will depend on the event itself.  Most ceremony musicians can be set up in less than 10 minutes and will arrive usually 30 minutes before their scheduled performance time. Band will need to arrive an hour or two before guests arrive in order to have enough time to set up their equipment as well as have a sound check.  Be sure to let us know your events timeline especially the time guests will start arriving so we can ensure everything is set up well in advance of that time.

What do you need the facility to provide for you?

Most bands are fully self-contained with their own equipment and only need access to a few standard electrical outlets.  Keep in mind the power source will need to be close to the location where the band will perform.  If this is not possible, let us know so we can arrange for an alternate power source.  Any live act will also need a level surface, preferably a stage, to set up their equipment & perform on. For ceremony musicians, armless chairs are typically required as well. Be sure to let us know the contact information with someone at your event location, so we can coordinate directions, load in information and other details to ensure a smooth event for you.

Do you need to see the room you’ll be working in before the day of my event?

Almost never. We've worked in every possible venue in our 15,000+ events over the years and can make virtually any room or area work.

Can your musicians play outdoors?

Typically, Yes.  The ideal scenario is to have the musicians playing under some sort of cover (tent, overhang, etc.)  Certain instruments like violins need to be shielded from the elements as sunlight can event damage them.  If you are having your event where there is no chance for the musicians to be in a covered location, be sure to let us know so that we can discuss this with your musicians.

How often do musicians take breaks?

It is typical for musicians to take a 15 minute break for every hour of performance.  (The longest live musicians will play straight is 90 minutes.) Some people book one of our DJs for these breaks; otherwise your musicians will play appropriate background music during these times.  For a traditional wedding ceremony, musicians will not need to take a break.

Do we need to feed the musicians?

If you’re just having live music during your wedding ceremony, they will not expect a meal.  For bands and at events that run through a typical mealtime (like the usual wedding reception), feeding the musicians is a common courtesy.  They can either eat after their sound check (and before they start performing) or during a break.  We have our musicians eat either in the kitchen or somewhere out of sight of your guests. Caterers are very familiar with this scenario and can assist you in planning for these meals (many have separate menus & food choices for this situation).  Some arrange for the same food as they serve their guests, but others will have something more basic like sandwiches for the musicians. 

How much should I tip the band?

Tipping is not expected, but our musicians do work hard to provide you with the best possible event and appreciate any show of recognition that you might deem appropriate. Tips typically range from 10% or 20% for "wow, you were incredible and we'll never forget this night!"

Why should we choose A Music Plus over any other service?

We believe that we provide the best service in the Rocky Mountain Region. We pay attention to every detail and make every effort to make every event we do absolutely perfect.  We’ve also personally seen every musician in a live setting and have already “auditioned” them for you.  

Why should I use an agency to book live musicians?

We have the experience of 1000’s of events to back us up.  We know what type of music works best & what acts are the best fit for each individuals needs.  Plus, we’ll handle all the coordination for you (musicians are notoriously not the best at this) and be sure you event goes smoothly. We’re also able to get better pricing on live music (than you would yourself) since we book these musicians on a regular basis and get special pricing from them. 

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