Pianist

Ben Waddilove

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(5.0)Read all 33 reviews
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About Ben

Accomplished solo pianist, recently appeared at Ronnie Scotts. Crafts artistic innovation and improvisation to connect directly with guests.
Pianist
Chipping Norton
Public liability insurance of £2 million
Verified profile

Ben is an accomplished and versatile musician and has appeared playing keys for contemporary, jazz and blues bands, choirs and vocalists in various venues around London, Dubai and the Cotswolds, - Ronnie Scotts, jazz-at-Pizza Express, The Groucho Club, The Alleycat, The Kindred Club and The Big Feastival. He has a real passion for jazz, blues, gospel contemporary and classical music and loves to perform. He also has extensive experience in leading congregations in worship so is ideal for weddings! Supplies Pro digital stage piano and PA, with upright shell or a stunning 'DutchGrand' baby grand shell. He crafts artistic improvisation around classic songs in a wide range of styles and genres from playful boogie and subtle jazz to upbeat swing and contemporary. He has a genuine love of the instrument and connects directly with audiences. He also loves to compose and create – including a recently published production music album ‘Panoramic Piano Stories’ He has also written and recorded numerous songs, collaborating with Indian artist Zeffereen, New York based gospel singer Ptah Brown.

Ben
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5 out of 5
33 verified reviews
Satisfaction
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5.0
Professionalism
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5.0
Communication
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5.0
Punctuality
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5.0

Ben's Reviews

From Encore customers:

SG
Sankalp G
19 days ago
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5 out of 5

Ben was a great addition to our evening. He played very well, and was very professional in his communications. I highly recommend.

Reply from Ben
18 days ago

Thank you Sankalp, I very much enjoyed playing for you all!

JM
Jummai M
2 months ago
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5 out of 5

A very talented and fantastic pianist love loved working with him .. Highly recommended.

PG
Paddy G
4 months ago
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5 out of 5

Ben, thank you so much for your beautiful playing and accompaniment to our wedding day. From first to last you provided a melodious backdrop to the celebrations, and wonderful poise and solemnity on the auditorium piano for the more formal wedding processions. Ben was able to play the room and match his repertoire to our music hall venue. He really captured the party mood. We can’t thank or praise Ben enough He is so user friendly, professional and well … good! Ben, you are our favourite wedding pianist!

Reply from Ben
4 months ago

Thanks Paddy, I thoroughly enjoyed it!

MP
Marius P
5 months ago
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5 out of 5

We had the pleasure of having Ben play at our wedding ceremony, and he was absolutely brilliant. He performed all of our favourite songs beautifully and created a wonderful atmosphere that made the day even more special. Our guests were full of compliments about his performance. Ben is not only highly professional and incredibly talented, but also very friendly and easy to work with , we couldn’t recommend him more!

Reply from Ben
5 months ago

Thanks Marius, it was a pleasure to play for you and your family and friends!

Read all 13 reviews

From other customers:

SN
Spiridoula N
3 months ago, for a Wedding in Waterlow Park
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5 out of 5

"We were so lucky to have Ben as part of our wedding day. From the moment we reached out, he was so easy to communicate with and made the entire process smooth and stress-free. He learned all of our song requests with such care and played them beautifully, creating the perfect atmosphere for our ceremony. Not only is he incredibly talented, but his professionalism and warmth added a personal touch that made our day even more special. Thank you for making our wedding day unforgettable!"

HL
Honey L
4 months ago, for a Wedding in Mells
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5 out of 5

Ben, a HUGE thank you! The bride and groom were so thrilled with how everything went and we wanted to say a big thank you for playing your part in their special day. I’ve personally never seen them so happy and joyful, which was so special for me to see as MOTB! I just personally want to add, that I thought you were absolutely brilliant! And also so lovely and helpful to work with right up to the event too. I really appreciated that. You made the ceremony just so special, and helped us keep our volume up in the hymns! Thanks also for being so flexible on all the last minute changes, and for playing out in the garden for us and staying on until late. Everyone was saying how great you were. I also thought you did a cracking job MCing for us too. So it’s a huge thank you from all of us!

Read all 20 reviews
Encore badges
10 gigs
Experienced: 10 bookings through Encore
Saved the day!
Booked for an Encore gig with less than 24 hours’ notice
2nd Anniversary
This act has been working with Encore for over 2 years
Encore expert
Demonstrated expertise by completing the Encore Academy

Ben's Song list

JAZZ/SOUL/BLUES/R&B
Take 5
Moanin'
Autumn Leaves
I get a kick out of you
Mack the Knife
Come fly with me
Lady is a Tramp
At Last
Night and Day
I got rhythm
Georgia
Makin' whoopee
My baby just cares for me
It had to be you
I got you under my skin
Stormy weather
Feeling good
Summertime
Fever
Let there be love
Cry me a river
My funny valentine
Dream a little dream
Spain
The girl from Ipanema
Corcovado
Fly me to the moon
Blueberry Hill
Hit the road jack
Every time we say goodbye
Pink Panther theme
All of Me
Take the A train
St Thomas
That Ole devil called love
Lullaby of birdland
Misty
Hello Dolly
Aint Misbehavin
Moon River
Dream a little dream
My baby just cares for me
Favourite things
Blue Moon
We'll meet again
Bye Bye Blackbird
As time goes by
Over the rainbow
Every time we say goodbye
Green onions
Watermelon man
When the saints go marching in
To good to be true
New York New York
The Chicken (jazz/funk instrumental)
This Masquerade
Aint no sunshine
Just the 2 of us
Isnt she lovely
Hoochie Coochie man
Mustang Sally
Alberta
Wade in the Water
Bewitched, bothered and bewildered
Someone to watch over me
Smoke gets in your eyes
You made me love you
It dont mean a thing
Honeysuckle rose
Round the Clock blues
Billies Bounce
Sunny side of the street
POP/ROCK/CONTEMPORARY
Mama told me not to come
Sweet Home Alabama G
Brown Eyed girl
Romeo and Juliette
Crazy little thing called love
No woman no cry
Twist and shout
Come together
Dont stop me now
We are the Champions
Purple Rain
New York State of mind
Black magic woman
Sway
Swing Low
Layla
Rocket Man
Your song
Dont look back in anger
Angels
Easy
Grapevine
Valerie
Make you feel my love
Hallelujah
Hotel California
Lean on Me
Hello
Nobody does it better
I will survive
All you need is love
American Pie
Hey Jude
Hallelujah
Knocking on Heavens door
Let it be
Summer Loving
My Way
Take me Home Country Roads
House of the rising Sun
Thank you for the music
Those were the days
Whiter Shade of Pale
Wonderwall
Son of a preacher man
Clocks
Fix you
Scientist
No one is to blame
Wonderful world
Somewhere over the rainbow
Bond themes
You only live twice
Skyfall
Crazy little thing called love
River Flows
Stand by Me
Local hero theme
CLASSICAL
Chopin Nocturne
Clair de Lune
Mozart piano Concerto
Fur Elise
Bach well tempered clavier
Concerto de Aranjuez
Swan Lake
Blue Danube
Cavatina
For the beauty of the earth
Ode to joy
Gymnopedie
La vie en rose
WEDDINGS /CHURCH SERVICES
MODERN CCM
Goodness of God
How great is our God
In Christ Alone
Here I am to Worship
What a beautiful Name
Waymaker
God I look to You
Cornerstone
This amazing grace
Build my life King of my heart
One thing remains
10,000 reasons
TRADITIONAL
ENTRY, EXIT, SIGNING of the REGISTER
Wagner - processional entry
Mendelssohn - Wedding March
Jesu Joy of Man's desiring
Canon in D
River Flows
HYMNS
How great thou art
Make me a channel of thy peace
Love Divine all Loves Excelling
Amazing Grace
Guide me Oh thou great Jehovah
All things Bright and Beautiful
Holy Holy Holy, Lord God Almighty
How deep the fathers love for us
The Lord's my shepherd
Seek Ye First
Jerusalem
Abide with me
All Creatures of our God and King
And can it be
I will sing the wondrous story
Blessed Assurance
Lord for the Years
Now thank we all our God
Oh for a thousand tongues to sing
Be thou my vision
Because He lives
Crown Him with many Crowns
Give me Oil in my lamp
The King of Love my Shepherd is
Morning has broken
Great is thy faithfulness
When I survey
Praise my Soul the King of Heaven
Tell Out my Soul
To God be the Glory
When Peace like a river
I vow to thee my country
Blessed Assurance
GOSPEL
Turn your eyes upon Jesus
When the saints
Jesus loves me
This little light of mine
What a friend we have in Jesus
Oh Happy Day
Soon and very soon
Were you there when they crucified my Lord
CLASSICAL
For the beauty of the earth
Panis Angelicus
Ave Verum
Dona Nobis
CHRISTMAS - CAROLS
Oh come all ye faithful
Hark the Herald
Once in Royal Davids City
O little town of Bethlehem
Away in a Manger
Good king Wenceslas
While Shepherds watched
Silent Night
Joy to the World
Long time ago in Bethlehem
Angels from the realms of glory
Ding Dong Merrily on High
CHRISTMAS - JAZZ and POPULAR
Winter Wonderland
Let it Snow
Fairytale of New York
I wish it could be Christmas everyday
I'm dreaming of a white Christmas
Mary did you know
Santa Claus is Coming to town
Go tell it on the mountain
Frosty the Snowman
Have yourself a Merry little Christmas
God rest ye merry gentleman
Twelve Days of Christmas
Rudolph the red nosed reindeer
Jingle Bells

Ben's Prices

Last updated: 2025

Note: prices may vary based on travel distance. For an exact quote, click “Check availability”.

Standard Prices
DurationPrice
Short performance (up to 15 min)£50
Up to 1 hour£160
Up to 2 hours£300
Up to 3 hours£400
Packages
Private Party
2x50 minute sets of live background piano music for a birthday/celebration. High quality stage piano and PA if needed
£312.50
Wedding Ceremony
Suitable background music before and after the service, music for the bride to enter and the bride and groom to exit. Strong lead vocal (baritone) to lead congregational singing. Traditional or Modern Hymns/Worship Songs. Digital Piano and PA if needed.
£343.75
Background piano and Sing for your Supper
2 x 50 minute sets of live background piano music during drinks/dinner, plus 1x 50 minute set of me leading the singing of popular songs (Hey Jude/American Pie/All you need is love/We are the Champions etc etc ) with guest participation. This can really make a party go with a swing! Have had some great nights using this format. I supply the lyric books for guests.
£500
Customer questions

What do your clients love most about your performances?

Genuine love of playing and the ability to connect with an audience. Reliability and professionalism.

Which venues have you performed at in the past?

Ronnie Scotts, Jazz@pizzaexpress Dubai, Alleycat Club London, Groucho Club London, Kindred Club London, Bedford Pub, Balham, Car Fest Hampshire, Alex James' Big Feastival. St Georges Church Hanover Square.

Which artists have you been most influenced by?

Oscar Peterson, Chick Corea, Keith Jarrett.

What is the most high profile gig you've performed?

Ronnie Scotts

What if my timings change after I've booked you?

Will do my best to accommodate any changes in timings.

Can you provide an iPod/DJ service before and between your sets?

Yes I can provide an exhaustive playlist of songs!

How much time do you need to set up?

For solo piano with PA, around 45-60mins Without PA around 30 minutes

If I have a piano at my venue, are you happy to perform on that?

Yes please, as long as it is in tune and a good standard.

Can I pick the songs you play from the set list?

Yes, happy to chat about any preferences from my list.

Are you able to bring your own piano or keyboard?

Yes I have a Roland RD 88 digital stage piano.

Can you learn song requests before the event?

If there is a special song that you would like me to learn, I am happy to do this, there is a fee of £30 for this service to take into account rehearsal times etc.
Musicianship
Genres:
Jazz fusion, Contemporary Christian, Traditional church music, Christmas, Blues, Modern jazz, Swing, Gospel, Cabaret, Musical theatre, Film / TV music, Classical, Classical crossover, 1930s era music, 1940s era music, 1950s era music, 1990s era music, 1980s era music, 1970s era music, 1960s era music, 1920s era music, Easy listening, Light music, Acoustic, Funk, Motown, R&B, Soul, Covers, Rock 'n' Roll, Jazz
See all genres
Instruments:
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Event types:
Wedding, Wedding proposal, Funeral / Memorial service, Church service, Hotel / Restaurant event, Private event, Corporate event, Charity event, Recording session, Christmas party, Birthday party, New Year's Eve, Bar / Club / Venue event
See all event types
Other skills:
Composer, Songwriter, Producer, Arranger, Accompanist, Fluent improviser, Instrumental teaching, Composition teaching, Community music worker, Music therapy
See all skills