Book Matt Penn, Pianist in Stratford-upon-Avon

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From£160

1 hour

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Matt - Organist Demo

About Matt

Whether it’s Sinatra on piano, Bach preludes and fugues on the organ, Disney film hits or an improvised jazz background, Matt does it.

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Pianist

Stratford-upon-Avon

Public liability insurance of £1 million

Matt brings the ability to morph between styles, songs, artists and composers to set the perfect tone for your event. Twenty years of experience allows the flexibility to tailor things exactly to your needs - or if you like things simple - just leave it all to him. Friendly chat with guests, good humour and a keen eye for a chance to improvise, Matt is an exceptional talent, schooled at both the RNCM in Manchester and also the University of Leeds. However, it’s the playing for raw kicks that makes him the player he is today. Quite a few things will likely influence the style of music you want for your event. Your guests... the venue... and most importantly the event VIPs like bride and groom or someone celebrating a special birthday. Your own personal taste will come into it too. Matt is multilingual as far as the piano is concerned. He can play a set list of classic pop hits, or some late-evening smooth jazz... or any number of musical styles... or alternatively switch it all around based on your guests' requests.

Matt on Instagram

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Musicianship

Genres:

Traditional church music, Christmas, Contemporary Christian, Musical theatre, Film / TV music, Classical, Baroque, Classical crossover, Contemporary classical, 1960s era music, 1970s era music, 1980s era music, 1950s era music, 1990s era music, 1940s era music, 1920s era music, 1930s era music, Jazz, Blues, Light music, Pop, Acoustic, Covers, Motown, R&B, Soul, Top 40, Tribute, Vintage, Rock, Classic rock, Pop rock, Rock 'n' Roll

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Instruments:

Piano, Organ

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Event types:

Wedding, Funeral / Memorial service, Wedding proposal, Church service, Hotel / Restaurant event, Bar / Club / Venue event, Private event, Corporate event, Charity event, Birthday party, Christmas party, New Year's Eve

See all event types

Other skills:

Accompanist, Fluent improviser, Instrumental teaching

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Song list

As well as taking song requests, I always ask for client’s preferred songs or bands so that I can include them in my repertoire.

The various lists below give a flavour of the sort tunes you’ll hear for each style. Use it like a pic n’ mix. Have a bit of everything or stick to one if you prefer.

Relaxed Jazz Bar

Fly me to the moon

Something

Wonderful World

Stand by Me

I Got Rhythm

Let it be

My Way

Blue Moon

Moon River

Yesterday

Summertime

Here Comes The Sun

Imagine

I Wish I Knew How

Contemporary Hits

Easy on me

All of Me

Something

Make you feel my love

Memories

Hallelujah

She’s Always a Woman to Me

Perfect

Guilty Pleasures

Sweet Caroline

The Wonder of You

Theme from Titanic

You Raise Me Up

From a Distance

One Moment in Time

Always on my Mind

I Can’t Help Falling in Love

I Will Always Love You

Disney Hits, Film and Musicals

I Dreamed a Dream

Somewhere Over the Rainbow

Can you feel the love

This is Me

Rewrite the stars

Somewhere Out There

When I Grow Up

Classic Bands & Pop

Every Breath You Take

Father and Son

Dream Dream Dream

You Are Not Alone

Vincent

Tears in Heaven

Whiter Shade of Pale

Dream a Little Dream

Wonderful tonight

Customer questions

What do your clients love most about your performances?

People love an informal ‘chat with the piano-player’ when they can hear their song choices getting played… The white baby-grand piano is loved everywhere too! Above all, people like the basic formalities of a friendly face with a smile and a nod as they relax and listen to the entertainment. I am approachable and happy to play and chat all night long…

Which venues have you performed at in the past?

Leeds Town Hall Walton Hall, Warwickshire Bourton Hall, Rugby St Mary’s, Warwick Birmingham Cathedral St Luke’s, Bowden J.C. Manor, Oxfordshire The Shakespeare Annual Birthday Celebrations, Stratford upon Avon

Which artists have you been most influenced by?

My favourite Beatle is George Harrison, and I particularly love his music as well as the other Beatles of course. Sinatra, Bach, Elton John and the composers of wonderful musicals such as Les Miserables and Matilda - they are all heroes. Today I’m a fan of Adele, John Legend and Ed Sheeran. You’ll hear flavours of each of these throughout my setlist.

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

It’s a not-very-well-kept-secret that I’m also an organist. I once accompanied a visiting choral society who sang morning and evening as I accompanied on the colossal organ at Lichfield Cathedral to a packed house. You can imagine the sense of drama in an atmosphere like that!

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

No problem at all - as long as you let me know as soon as possible. If there’s a date where I already have other bookings that mean changes will be difficult, I’ll let you know that from the outset.

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

My breaks are typically only 5 minutes or so, but I can provide music when I’m not at the piano. Let me know when making your booking.

How much time do you need to set up?

20 minutes is ample if I am bringing a piano with me. If not, I need no set up time at all!

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

This is the best type of gig for me… (no heavy lifting involved!) …so yes, absolutely! As long as it’s in playable working order, I’d love to play on the venue’s own piano.

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

I try to make sure every booking suggests at least a few of their own tunes or favourite bands/artists so that I get the mood exactly right for them. I weave these choices into my usual set list, having identified the style best suited to the atmosphere people are after. You are welcome to choose the exact running order from my songs if you want to.

Are you able to bring your own piano or keyboard?

Absolutely. This is a frequent add-on. The best option is the portable white baby-grand piano for £80 but I can also provide a smaller white Kawai ES8 digital piano for £40.

Can you learn song requests before the event?

This is positively encouraged! I love it when I can play the songs people want to hear. Suggest as many as you like! (That goes for people at the event too!).

Prices

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

Performance duration	Price
Short performance (up to 15 min)	£100
Up to 1 hour	£160
Up to 2 hours	£240
Up to 3 hours	£320

Ceremony (Wedding, Funeral, Church Service etc.

All ceremonial music is included at this rate, alongside consultation prior to events.

£160

Wedding ceremony

This includes music before the service begins, music during the signing of the register, and music as guests leave.

£160

Drinks reception

Two performances of up to 55 mins each during your drinks reception

£240

Wedding ceremony + Drinks reception + Dinner

- Music before the service begins, music during the signing of the register, and music as guests leave. - 2 x 55 min performances at the drinks reception. - 2 x 55 min performances as dinner is being served.

£520

Matt

5 out of 5

4 verified reviews

Satisfaction

5.0

Professionalism

5.0

Communication

5.0

Punctuality

5.0

Reviews

5 out of 5

Matt was fantastic from start to finish. There was nothing that was too much trouble and Matt was very reassuring from the moment we booked him for our wedding ceremony. We were even told by the church (a week before the ceremony) that the organ was broken and Matt navigated the situation perfectly, ensuring there was absolutely no stress. Very talented and we are very pleased we found Matt's profile!

5 out of 5

We booked Matt after a friend recommended him to us and we are so grateful! The music for the ceremony was just right and Matt was just so chilled out about needing to fill a bit here and there. The best bit was just walking up to him like lots of our friends did and asking if he could play a song. First, He’ll talk to you while he’s playing and then the song will just appear! It’s infectious to watch, never mind the music. Matt we’re so thankful you came to play for us. See you again I hope!

5 out of 5

Matt played organ and piano at our wedding and was absolutely amazing! We had several slightly unusual requests for music but nothing was a problem for him and his playing went above and beyond what we were expecting - including an incredible medley of Disney songs. Would 100% recommend!

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