Tulsa Quartet Frequently Asked Questions

How soon should I contact Tulsa Quartet?

As soon as you have chosen an event date, contact us by text, phone or email. Bookings are made on a first-come, first-served basis, and Saturdays and dates near a holiday can fill quickly.

Why does Tulsa Quartet stand out?

When the same group of four musicians has played together regularly for years, as Tulsa Quartet has, a certain gelling happens; the musicians can read each other and make the adjustments and refinements to take good music to great music. It stands to reason that quartets who play together frequently will become a more solid ensemble, and will produce better music than a random of group of musicians, even if the random individuals' talents are comparable. In addition to performing together, Tulsa Quartet musicians rehearse together throughout the month to keep the music polished and ready to perform. Some quartets use the same twenty pieces for every wedding, making frequent rehearsals less necessary, but with Tulsa Quartet, you have a tremendous collection of music to choose from, and the music is kept fresh on our musicians' fingertips. We constantly build and refine our music library to offer you the pieces you want; we are proud to say it is the largest in the region. Not only that, we are one of the few quartets that lets you choose all the pieces you want played, not just the music for the bride's processional. This allows you to create a truly custom wedding or event. If we don't already have the piece you want, we love working up new music. For music that is not commercially available, we have a composer who can arrange the music for string quartet. Last, we are reliable. There are multiple occasions where we have been emergency substitutes for a music group that "flaked out." That is something we have never and will never do. Some are tempted to hire student musicians to save a little money, which is something we don't risk, because students often don't have much "skin in the game." Our reputation and livelihood depend on our proven record of quality and reliability; you will find that we are true to our word and take your once in a life-time event as seriously as you do. We hope to perform for your event!

What is the process for getting Tulsa Quartet to perform at my event?

Start by contacting us or by filling out the Information Please form and we'll be happy to send you a quote. If you decide to book us, we'll send you a contract, which we'll ask you to complete and return, along with a deposit. Our music coordinator will collaborate with you on the music choices and how you want music to fit into your event, to develop a music plan. This plan will be used by the quartet the day of the event so that everything dovetails perfectly. The day of your event, our lead musician will arrive early to meet the person responsible for giving cues or the event planner. Finally, the quartet will perform at your event!

Does the Quartet play events outside of the Tulsa metropolitan area?

Yes, we love performing at new venues! Travel within a 30 mile radius of midtown Tulsa (the Tulsa Fairgrounds) is free. Charges begin outside of the 30 miles and are calculated in 15-minute increments; please contact us with the specifics of your request.

How are performance fees calculated?

Wedding ceremonies are billed at a flat rate starting at up to 1.5 hours of musician time. This time includes performance time, coordination required to facilitate performance of specific requests (including any rehearsals with other musicians), prelude music while your guests are being seated, processionals, the ceremony music, recessionals, and postlude music while your guests exit the ceremony location. Thirty minutes of music selection consultation is included. Additional time is charged in half hour increments.

Quartet fees for other events, including wedding receptions, are based on the amount of performance time requested. Hours can be prorated to the half hour after the first full hour.

How and when do we pay the quartet?

We require one half when you return your signed contract. This will confirm your reservation and secure the Quartet's performance at your event. The balance is due two weeks before your event.

Checks should be made out to Tulsa Quartet and mailed to:

Does the quartet attend the wedding rehearsal?

All performance details will have been coordinated with you and the musicians well in advance of the rehearsal date, so rehearsals are not usually attended. We only recommend booking the quartet for the rehearsal if cost is no object.

Where should the quartet be set up?

For coordination of the music with entrances, exits and the ceremony, the quartet lead needs to be positioned where he or she can see the processional or the person giving cues and needs to be able to hear the officiant.

What physical staging or set up does the quartet need?

The performance area must be flat, and at least 10 feet by 10 feet. Four stationary, stable, armless chairs must be provided (folding chairs are fine). Tulsa Quartet provides music stands and stand lights.

Does Tulsa Quartet perform outdoors?

Tulsa Quartet enjoys performing outdoors in most months, but our instruments are made of natural materials and are delicate and expensive to repair. The instruments cannot be exposed to harsh direct sunlight, natural or man-made sources of liquid, such as mist from fountains or any type of precipitation, temperatures below 60° or above 95°, or any other conditions that could cause damage. Temperature extremes typically prohibit outdoor day-time performances in July and August, and outdoor performances in November, December, January and February.

For outdoor weddings or events, inclement weather contingency plans must be included in the contract.

Can we choose the pieces that are played?

Yes. You can choose all pieces, some pieces, or let us know the mood you would like to set and we'll choose the pieces.

Can we choose any song?

We have an extensive music library, so we may already have what you have in mind. We will be glad to check for you, or feel free to look through our music libraries. If you have a request for a piece that we don’t already have, we may be able to find what you want fairly quickly, although some music, such as rap, does not lend itself to string quartet ensembles. If the piece is not readily available, we use an experienced arranger to write the music for string quartet performance. Please allow 60 days lead time to accommodate the arranger. Additional charges apply.

Would the quartet be able to accompany a vocalist or work with an organist or other musician?

Yes, we are happy to collaborate with vocalists and other musicians on commonly performed wedding music, such as Ave Maria or Trumpet Voluntary, or other music if sheet music is available. Additional charges may apply.

Would the quartet be able to recommend additional musicians?

If you would like an additional performer and need referrals, the Quartet can make recommendations for other respected instrumentalists, such as a harpist or trumpet player. Please contact us for a referral.

Will the Quartet need to take breaks?

A 10-minute break is required hourly after the first 90 minutes.

What if a musician in the quartet becomes ill?

Our musicians are vaccinated, boosted and will be masked as recommended by the local health department and Center for Disease Control. We are very active in the music community, so you can rest assured that we know nearly every qualified musician in the metropolitan area. In the event of illness of a musician, we will find a qualified replacement musician.