Weddings/
Proposals

I would be honored to play music for your special day!

Baethoven plays many types of events annually, but weddings and surprise proposals are among her favorites to do! Celebrating love with music is a beautiful thing, and a duty she holds sacred, as she has for the hundreds of weddings and proposals she’s played over her career. She would love to add her style of magic to your big day! Able to learn or improvise over ANY song in any genre and take on-the-spot requests, whether it’s a secret elopement for two, or a party for hundreds - She’s available for all styles of wedding/proposal/romantic event - Queer/Cultural/Religious ceremonies welcomed and encouraged!

Message now for a complimentary consultation

Reviews/Gallery

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Valerie L. | Wedding

"Baethoven, was Amazing! Not to mention beautiful and fun! Everyone was up dancing at my daughter's wedding. She interacted with all the guest, and took request. I'm so glad I hired her. She is so charming, talented, and kind, and has truly become like another daughter to me. I will be using her again!"

Dan P. | Wedding Ceremony

"Melissa was a pleasure to work with.She was accommodating, showed up early, and was dressed to impress. Just take one look at her extensively songs catalogue and realize that she can handle any request. From classic rock to contemporary pop-she's got it all.

From one artist to another, Melissa you are legit. (Alexa, play 2 Legit 2 Quit by MC Hammer) - oh wait, Melissa could probably play that for your event as well!"

Amanda M. | Surprise Proposal

One of the best nights of my life!

"Melissa made my engagement night complete. Her skills, expertise and professionalism were top notch. Prior to the event she was very responsive, provided a song list and was excited to be a part of our special evening. I had originally requested a set amount of tracks that she agreed to learn and not only were they beautiful but Mel went above and beyond playing overtime. She was prompt on the delivery of the actual proposal and as the night went on we didn't want her to stop! She used a Bluetooth speaker as accompaniment and it was just perfect. I highly recommend Melissa as a violinist and look forward to using her again for future events. Thank you!!"

Osvaldo G. | Wedding Reception

"Melissa's performance made our night. She was so good we booked her an additional two hours! She was very easy to work with and versatile in her music profile. She played on various impromptu songs for us. Will definitely use her services again in the future."

Wesley W. | Proposal

"This is my second event with her and she's been amazing each time! Definitely recommend booking."

Lucas S. | Proposal

"I had the pleasure of hiring Melissa from Baethoven the Violinist for a proposal, and she did an amazing job! She arrived on time and was very prompt. Her performance was beautiful and created a romantic atmosphere. She played with skill and emotion, making the moment even more special. She was easy to communicate with and paid attention to the details. Overall, I highly recommend her for any event where you want to add elegance and grace."

Tom K. | Marriage Proposal

"Look no further!! Baethoven's the best!

I hired Baethoven for a surprise marriage proposal and could not be happier with how professional, kind, patient, and helpful Baethoven was throughout the entire process. This was my first experience coordinating something like this and I was nervous about planning the details and executing the surprise. Nevertheless, Baethoven knew exactly what to do, where to be, and seamlessly pulled off the surprise better than I could've hoped. She gladly learned the two songs I requested and plated them brilliantly. If that wasn't enough, her fee is a real bargain for the priceless experience she curates. Did I mention Baethoven gladly accepted this gig despite it being on her birthday?! You won't get that sorta accommodation from anyone else!

Angelina C. | Wedding's Cocktail Hour

"Thank you so much not only did you stay for the time I asked, you stayed 2 hrs longer so my guests could enjoy your music - amazing playing of the violin and made our night so lovely... thank you again!!!"

Blanca A. | Wedding Ceremony

"We had the privilege of having Melissa play for our wedding ceremony on 5/4/24. Let me tell you it was a dream come true for me. Once we set a wedding date I knew I wanted to walk down to a violinist playing Lover by Taylor swift. My husband who is a Star Wars fan wanted to walk out to the Star Wars theme music and Melissa delivered for us both. It was beautiful, different and so special. She played during our cocktail hour and all our guests loved it. I had multiple family members gushing over how beautiful she played and how special it felt. Melissa was kind, professional, listened to our wishes and made us feel like her priority and not to mention the way she plays that violin!!!"

Tracey A. | Wedding
'Melissa (Baethoven) and her trio played at my wedding earlier this month. Melissa was amazing to work with! She was attentive, communicative, and very flexible! My husband is a HUGE Star Wars fan and requested that we play the Star Wars main theme song as our recessional. Melissa and the band delivered! It was so fun!"

Paige S. | Wedding

"Wedding of my dreams!

Baethoven helped create the wedding of my dreams! Our intimate 16 person desert wedding was completed by her amazing music for the ceremony and cocktail hour. She learned and played two songs we requested and played great music during cocktail hour. She made our big day even better and is truly so talented!"

Danielle F. | Wedding

"Baethoven is such a pleasure to work with and all of my clients have absolutely loved booking with her. So professional, and has played every single sign request we have thrown at her. Would recommend her to absolutely everyone!!"

Alexis B. | Wedding Ceremony

"Melissa was amazing! Just what we needed. We hired her to set the mood at our beachfront ceremony and let me just say she got the job done! I thought I wouldn't cry but the first few notes into walking down the aisle and I was bawling. Our guests were all super impressed and loved the music. With all the wedding details, we love that she was very responsive to our specific requests but she is also so talented I trusted her to play what she did. We had her play classical music before the ceremony and a plethora of covers after while we took our family photos. Thanks Melissa!!"

So, how do we book?

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Then some simple
logistics...

Once the music is settled, a few additional details will be discussed, such as sound set up, location, number of guests, special requests (such as additional songs or equipment, custom audio recordings, etc) - all things that may effect pricing. After figuring out the audio/production needs, a quote will be provided. If everything looks good, the next step is gathering basic information, including the client's name, event date, start and end times, event address, and an email address for the agreement. A 50% non-refundable deposit (via paypal, venmo, zelle, cashapp, as well as other booking site services) is required to secure the booking. The remaining balance is typically due on the day of the service rendered.
3

Voilá! All done.
Easy.

Putting together an event or project can be a lot of work, so the goal is to keep this process easy and stress-free—one less thing to worry about! Feel free to stay in touch—whether it’s a song change, a timing adjustment, or a request for an extended performance. Even if it’s just to go over the game plan again or ask a quick question, don’t hesitate to reach out. There are no silly questions—just a commitment to making sure every client feels confident and supported. Let’s make your event unforgettable!
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First, let’s talk about the event or project!

Learning more about the client’s vision, musical preferences (including any song requests), and the overall vibe helps create the perfect experience. With an extensive song list and curated song “menus” to choose from, selections can be made, or a custom set can be put together if the client prefers not to choose. There’s also the option to play over a playlist that might not be on the list-jamming over music is always a fun addition! With versatility across all styles and audiences, whether it's a party of 2 or 2,000, an elegant affair or a wild rager, every event is covered. Services include performances for weddings, parties, corporate events, private events, surprise proposals, recordings, and tours.

Things we do

Explore our dedicated pages for Weddings, Corporate Events, and General Entertainment to find the perfect musical experience for your occasion. Visit each category to discover more about our tailored performances and offerings.

You have questions? I have answers!

What packages do you offer?

I offer solo, duo, trio quartet and full band packages, with a minimum of up to one hour and a maximum of 4 continuous hours and potentially up to 6 hours. Factors like location, other musicians needed, number of song requests, customized audio recording/songwriting requests, logistics, equipment and condition provisions may affect pricing upwards or downwards, depending on the needs of your event/project. Recording prices vary depending on scope/type/needs of the project. I am available for all event types and creative needs, including but not limited to: weddings, corporate events, surprise proposals, galas, fundraisers, parties, quincineras, private dinners/intimate occasions, recordings, theater, string arrangement, composition and more.

Do you have any recommendations for songs for wedding ceremonies?

Sure! Click here for a list of songs that I often play for romantic events - and please keep in mind that while some songs may be under certain lists as ‘for a wedding ceremony’ or ‘for a general event’ - that it’s always totally up to you what songs you’d like to use for whatever occasion you’re having - including and especially if it’s not on this list.

When choosing songs for your important moments, and in general when crafting such a momentous occasion, the most important thing to me is that you get what you want, without the pressures of what other people want or may think - if you have song choices that are popular, but YOU like them, then that’s all that matters! Or on the other hand, maybe what you have in mind is ‘unconventional’ but it would make you, the people actually in love and getting married happy, I really hope you choose to do that! It is your love that is being celebrated, it is entirely for you, and in my experience having seen hundreds of weddings and proposals first hand - there is a little extra special magic when people get to create the moment they truly wanted, and those who truly love you want that for you very much as well.

And if you don’t have songs picked, don’t feel pressure to have to have some mythical set list appear out of nowhere if music curation isn’t your thing - it’s my thing, so let me help you with it! We’ll talk about the vibe, your ideas and the guests, and I’ll suggest some things to you, or if you prefer, handle it myself. Click here for my full song list of over a thousand songs, or click here for my ‘romantic events’ playlist recommendations.

Do you have any recommendations for making sure the ceremony is smooth?

I highly recommend giving people times to arrive/timelines of the event, particularly around ceremonies/‘the big question’ type moments, that is reflective of when they should be there, and not when the big moment actually starts, especially if they are important members of the party. Not everyone has great time management ability, whether the event is local to you, or a destination one - I’ve seen plenty of weddings where pile into the back during the ceremony (some smoother than others), and a number that had to be delayed because someone important was not yet there. Mind you - lots of events, venues and planners are fairly accommodating around timelines, and I personally take my responsibility as the musician for an event like this very seriously, which is why my wedding packages are reflective of the parts of the event I’m needed for and not by hour - It’s much more important to me that we get the moment right and we’re not sweating small technical billing details when time’s running long, and you can just breathe easy and focus on the moment ahead of you.

Do you have any advice for surprise proposals?

If you’re planning a surprise event or proposal, are trying to increase your chances of it be successful, and are using a rouse to get your partner/friend/the surprisee to the surprise point location (like inviting them to a dinner out that’s actually a surprise proposal) - I HIGHLY recommend making the rouse something they absolutely would want to do/would not be likely to skip on or be late for. The only real hiccups that surprise events tend to have are around the arrival of the surprisee because there is no sense of urgency for them. If they’re not really hungry, getting them to a specific place for ‘dinner’ might be more difficult. If they’re on their way home where you have a surprise party planned but they decide to go grocery shopping before heading back, adding another 30 minutes, or decide to skip shopping and get back 30 minutes before you originally planned (and potentially have them get there while people are arriving and you’re still setting up!) can be a problem. So I’d keep that in mind.

Also, the more people you involve in your plan, the more likely someone may accidentally reveal a detail or give off a vibe that may lessen the surprise - big surprises can be fun and super rewarding, and I’ve been a part of plenty! But, all just things to keep in mind.

That being said, 100% of the surprise proposals and events I’ve played have all gone off perfectly, so maybe I’m actually a good luck charm and you should keep that in mind when selecting musicians for your big moment? Just a thought. ;)

How many songs should I choose?

If we’re talking about for a wedding ceremony, typically between 3-5 is typical, but it’s your day so you decide! Some people prefer only one song for the entire processional and one song for the recessional, and some people prefer an individualized song for every member of the processional party. Personally I think 3-5 is a good range, that keeps the vibe cohesive.

If we’re just talking about continuous music for stage or background music for an event, then 10-15 songs per hour, depending on the length of each song, usually will do it.

What styles of music do you play?

I play all styles, and I mean that sincerely. I’m a classically trained violinist, who is most often hired to do pop, hip hop, r&b, rock, afro beats, soca, dancehall, country, folk, funk, metal, musicals, video game and cartoon music, and basically any hit of the last 60 years (well, that last 300 if we’re counting the classical greats). You can view my songlist of over a thousand songs by clicking here.

Can we hop on a call to discuss details?

I would absolutely love to - click here to send me a message so we can schedule a call - I’m typically fairly flexible scheduling wise so you can expect to hear from me same day - often times within minutes!

What areas do you service?

I am currently based primarily coast to coast in NYC and LA and can easily service within several hours of both - but I am also available to travel nationally and internationally!

Do you take song requests?

Yes! Firstly you can always check my complete song list of over a thousand songs here, but if your song isn’t on that list, I can either learn it ahead of the event (which does take time and requires more preparation, and depending on the amount of requested material may be an additional fee), OR I can simply play along with the original track, improvising and solo-ing over any song even if I’ve never heard it before, with an unlimited number of songs and for free. I do it all the time, it’s very easy! Just know that any song requests not discussed prior to the event, the location must have wireless signal, so I can play the song on the spot.

Do you provide your own sound system?

I can, yes - I have a battery powered option appropriate for most occasions, ranging from a two person picnic to an outdoor ceremony with up to 200 people present. For occasions where a larger sound is needed, depending on the occasion and location I may be able to provide larger sound, but I do offer some more generous pricing to those who have already employed a DJ/sound personnel that I can collaborate with.

Can you create custom audio/music?

Yep! I have been a recording studio operator and producer for many years and can easily do that. Whether you’d like a custom arrangement of a song (like this request I got for the bridal march in the style of Queen which you can see here) or including your own voice recording into a song to give the moment a special personalized touch (like for this wedding which you can view here), I would be more than happy to bring your musical vision to life. Talk to me about what you have in mind, I’m sure we can make something work!

Can I pick all the songs you play/Can you curate the music yourself?

Yes and yes! My service is all about making sure YOU get your vision fulfilled, so whether you would prefer to choose every song I play, or just a few particular songs, or you’d rather just have me curate all the music, whatever YOU want is what’s gonna happen.

How far in advance should I book?

Ideally, ASAP, especially if your date is close! I book on a first come first serve basis, and certain dates and times of year are more popular than others, so I encourage you to reach out and get the ball rolling to confirm my availability, even and especially if you don’t have song choices already picked out - we can always lock that in later. If I’m available, I do take last minute bookings, as long as I’m able to!

How to proceed with the booking?

First, reach out and see if I’m available, preferably with as much detail regarding your event as you care to provide. We’ll discuss the specifics of your needs, agree on a package and price, and sort out necessary details like location, equipment needs, timing, etc. I’ll send you an agreement, and once signed and returned, we typically settle a 50% deposit (with the only acceptation being corporations/institutions where there is a hard policy preventing deposits, which we can discuss). Once the deposit is settled, we’re all locked in! Things like song requests/playlists can always be worked out after the booking.

Can you lower your price? I only need 1-2 songs/have a small budget.

I’ll be perfectly honest - I am not the cheapest possible option. If you need a cheap violinist like a student, then I’ll likely recommend another musician for you - if you’re looking for undeniable quality that your guests will remember for a lifetime, that is why some of the largest companies in the world trust me to handle the music for their events. I’ve had a 100% satisfaction rate from all of my clients, who routinely are moved to be inspired, dance, and even cry during my performances.

So while I am not cheap - ask yourself - is cheap what you really want?

That being said, I try my best to accommodate the budgets of others within reason, and there are suggestions I can present to be more flexible, including but not limited to: video and text testimonials, tip jars, AV equipment being provided (aka sound), referrals, high quality picture and video, repeat business, etc.

I have a price estimation tool you can use by clicking here to get a ballpark idea of what my services may cost.

Do you have COI?

Yes! I can easily issue a COI upon request up to 2 million per general aggregate. Just confirm what official entities and addresses need to be listed, and if there are any parties that need to be additionally insured and I’ll send it right over.

What should I expect the day of the event? Do you need anything?

I typically arrive between 30-60 minutes before my start time - we’ll discuss prior to if your sound needs require me to bring my own speakers, and if that speaker requires power or not. If your event already has sound personnel working and they’ve agreed to collaborate on providing sound, then I’ll have already connected with your sound personnel to iron out any details. If a chair can be provided for me to rest between sets, that would be lovely, but isn’t strictly necessary, especially if the event is less than two hours or outdoors in a remote location - I generally prefer to stand while playing anyway.

What’s your booking/cancellation policy?

Directly from our contract:

Booking confirmed once Baethoven receives at minimum a 50% non refundable deposit from Client securing the event unless discussed otherwise. The balance is due the day of the event, and in the case of the entire balance being prepaid before the event, is eligible for refund up to 60 days before the event. In the event of a cancellation on the part of Client occurring 60 days before the event, the remaining balance will be due. If significant details surrounding the event change (such as a drastic shift in location/date, safety concerns/unsecured locations, severe inclement weather with no cover, guest conduct, etc), Baethoven will do their best to accomodate and adjust, but reserves the right to refuse service in unsafe or unreasonable conditions, in accordance to the timeline of the cancellation policy above. In the event that force majeure, such as, but not limited to, fires, adverse air quality, earthquakes, illness, national emergencies, road accidents, severe weather conditions, or other similar acts of war or acts of God, occurs affecting the part of Baethoven at any point leading up to and including the day of the event, Baethoven will offer a full refund of any deposit/balance payments made, and will do their reasonable best to find and replace themselves with another musician from their extensive network of musicians. In the event of a Force Majeure occurrence affecting the Client —the deposit paid by the Client shall remain non-refundable. However, the balance payment shall be waived.

If the Client desires to reschedule the event, they must notify Baethoven of the intended rescheduled date within 90 days of the initial cancellation. The rescheduled event must take place within 15 months of the original date, and Baethoven must be available for the new date. A new deposit will be required for the rescheduled date, however Baethoven will honor the original rate agreed upon at the time of the initial booking, regardless of any subsequent increases in Baethoven’s rates.

What if you’re not available/you’re out of our budget/we’re not the right fit? Should I still send a message/can you still help me?

Yep! I have a network of talented musicians who I often work with, and would be happy to recommend to you in the event I’m not able to perform for you. Please do reach out and let me make your search easier! I only work with responsible, talented, kind and charming people, so you can be assured I will be sending along good selections.

Do you perform with backing tracks?

Yes, I often perform with backing tracks to create a cohesive sound and provide a fuller experience. This is especially useful for solo and smaller ensemble performances. If you’d prefer an acoustic-only performance, that’s also an option—just let me know your preference!

What do you wear to performances?

I dress appropriately for the occasion! Whether it’s formal attire for a wedding, a sleek and stylish look for a corporate event, a themed outfit for a special event, or something crazy and flashy for a wild night, I will always do my best to tailor my appearance to fit the vibe. If you have specific requests, feel free to let me know!

Can you play multiple instruments at an event?

Yes! While violin is my main instrument, I also sing and play guitar (and some keys/bass). If you’re looking for a mix of sounds throughout your event, we can absolutely discuss incorporating multiple instruments!

Do you offer any add-ons or upgrades?

Yes! Some options include additional musicians (like a cellist, pianist, more violins, or a full band), extra performance time, extended song request lists, custom compositions, custom recordings and/or song arrangements, and even live looping for a more dynamic sound. Let’s talk about how we can elevate your event!

What happens if you get sick or have an emergency?

I take my commitments seriously, and in the rare event that I’m unable to perform due to an emergency, I have a network of top-tier musicians I can call on to ensure you still have an incredible performance. I will always do my best to take care of you! And in the unlikely event I’m unable to secure someone for you, I will offer a full refund.

Do you take breaks during performances?

For sets longer than one hour, I typically take a short break every 60-75 minutes, but I make sure the music doesn’t stop! This can be arranged with background tracks, or DJ collaboration.

Do you require a meal for long performances?

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Etiam vitae posuere nisl. In dictum luctus arcu, eget feugiat quam varius at. Fusce magna ante,For performances that are 2+ hours, a meal is appreciated, particularly if the event features food/a buffet, but is not required. If I’m part of a larger ensemble, meals are typically included in the contract for all musicians if the event features food. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Etiam vitae posuere nisl. In dictum luctus arcu, eget feugiat quam varius at. Fusce magna ante,

Can you travel for destination events?

Absolutely! I perform all over the U.S. and internationally. Travel costs depend on the location, and I offer custom quotes for destination events that may require flights, accommodations, or additional travel time.

Sound good? Great! Let's get started.

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