Hire Richard Ellis Hawley Music | Pianist in Tyne and Wear

Check availability and get a free quote now - no commitment to book

From£300

1 hour

Like Richard?

Watch & Listen

About Richard

From ceremony to celebration — live piano, organ & keyboard music tailored to your special day

3 of 3 photos

Pianist

Houghton le Spring

Public liability insurance of £10 million

I'm Richard Ellis Hawley, a North East pianist, organist and keyboard entertainer with over 30 years of live music experience. I specialise in creating tailored music for weddings, ceremonies, drinks receptions, wedding breakfasts and special occasions across the UK. From a beautiful entrance piece to the songs your guests suddenly recognise during the drinks reception, I build the music around you. My repertoire covers modern wedding favourites, pop, Disney, musical theatre, film music, classical pieces, hymns, jazz, nostalgic favourites and even strict-tempo ballroom and Latin music. Special requests are always welcomed and I love discovering the story behind the songs that matter to my clients. I can perform on a venue's piano or church organ, or provide my own professional Yamaha keyboard and sound system. I'm a two-time North East Keyboard Entertainer of the Year, having received the award in 2018 and 2020, and my performance experience includes churches, cathedrals, weddings, private celebrations and major special events. For couples looking for one musician to help with more of their wedding day, I can also provide evening DJ entertainment, creating a seamless journey from ceremony music through to the dance floor. I hold £10 million Public Liability Insurance and offer a friendly, calm and flexible service from your first enquiry to the final note. Tell me about your event, the atmosphere you want and the songs that mean something to you — and I'll create the music around your day.

Richard

5 out of 5

4 verified reviews

Richard's Reviews

5 out of 5

We were absolutely thrilled to have Richard perform at our wedding! His music created such a wonderful atmosphere, and the Tarantella — such an important part of my Italian culture — was brought beautifully to life. Our guests loved it, and it made the day even more special. We couldn’t have asked for a better musician. Highly recommended!

5 out of 5

I haven't heard the special opportunity to hear him play in person, I live in the States... but listening to him on Facebook and on YouTube has be an uplifting and cherished event in and of itself. I would recommend him for any event, with he'd travel across the pond.. it would be such an experience. Recommended him very highly, professional competent, and an expert musician, and a beautiful person. Any event, any time, with any amount. Thank you Reviewed by: Audrey Taylor Lewis (10 / 10)

Read all 4 reviews

Encore badges

3rd Anniversary

This act has been working with Encore for over 3 years

Encore expert

Demonstrated expertise by completing the Encore Academy

Member of the Encore community forum

Richard's Song list

# Richard Ellis Hawley Music — Repertoire

## Wedding and Romantic Favourites

1. A Thousand Years – Christina Perri

2. Can’t Help Falling in Love – Elvis Presley

3. Perfect – Ed Sheeran

4. All of Me – John Legend

5. Your Song – Elton John

6. Make You Feel My Love – Adele

7. At Last – Etta James

8. The One – Kodaline

9. How Long Will I Love You – Ellie Goulding

10. Amazed – Lonestar

11. From This Moment On – Shania Twain

12. The Power of Love – Jennifer Rush

13. Endless Love – Diana Ross and Lionel Richie

14. Truly Madly Deeply – Savage Garden

15. When I Fall in Love – Nat King Cole

## Modern Pop

16. Someone Like You – Adele

17. Easy on Me – Adele

18. Thinking Out Loud – Ed Sheeran

19. Photograph – Ed Sheeran

20. Shallow – Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper

21. A Million Dreams – The Greatest Showman

22. Flowers – Miley Cyrus

23. Just the Way You Are – Bruno Mars

24. When I Was Your Man – Bruno Mars

25. Stay With Me – Sam Smith

26. Firework – Katy Perry

27. Halo – Beyoncé

28. Chasing Cars – Snow Patrol

29. Fix You – Coldplay

30. Viva la Vida – Coldplay

## Classic Pop and Rock

31. Bohemian Rhapsody – Queen

32. Don’t Stop Me Now – Queen

33. Somebody to Love – Queen

34. Let It Be – The Beatles

35. Hey Jude – The Beatles

36. Yesterday – The Beatles

37. Imagine – John Lennon

38. Piano Man – Billy Joel

39. Just the Way You Are – Billy Joel

40. Rocket Man – Elton John

41. Candle in the Wind – Elton John

42. Bridge Over Troubled Water – Simon and Garfunkel

43. Fields of Gold – Sting

44. Every Breath You Take – The Police

45. Dreams – Fleetwood Mac

## Musical Theatre

46. Memory – Cats

47. Music of the Night – The Phantom of the Opera

48. All I Ask of You – The Phantom of the Opera

49. Love Changes Everything – Aspects of Love

50. I Dreamed a Dream – Les Misérables

51. Bring Him Home – Les Misérables

52. On My Own – Les Misérables

53. Defying Gravity – Wicked

54. For Good – Wicked

55. Somewhere – West Side Story

56. Tonight – West Side Story

57. Some Enchanted Evening – South Pacific

58. You’ll Never Walk Alone – Carousel

59. Over the Rainbow – The Wizard of Oz

60. Any Dream Will Do – Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat

## Film, Television and Disney

61. Beauty and the Beast – Beauty and the Beast

62. Can You Feel the Love Tonight – The Lion King

63. A Whole New World – Aladdin

64. Part of Your World – The Little Mermaid

65. Let It Go – Frozen

66. Into the Unknown – Frozen II

67. When You Wish Upon a Star – Pinocchio

68. Married Life – Up

69. City of Stars – La La Land

70. Mia and Sebastian’s Theme – La La Land

71. Moon River – Breakfast at Tiffany’s

72. My Heart Will Go On – Titanic

73. The Rose – The Rose

74. Concerning Hobbits – The Lord of the Rings

75. Main Title – Grease

## Jazz, Swing and Easy Listening

76. Fly Me to the Moon – Frank Sinatra

77. My Way – Frank Sinatra

78. New York, New York – Frank Sinatra

79. The Way You Look Tonight – Frank Sinatra

80. Unforgettable – Nat King Cole

81. L-O-V-E – Nat King Cole

82. What a Wonderful World – Louis Armstrong

83. Misty – Erroll Garner

84. Summertime – George Gershwin

85. Someone to Watch Over Me – George Gershwin

86. As Time Goes By – Casablanca

87. Blue Moon – Rodgers and Hart

88. Beyond the Sea – Bobby Darin

89. The Girl from Ipanema – Antônio Carlos Jobim

90. Strangers in the Night – Frank Sinatra

## Classical Favourites

91. Canon in D – Pachelbel

92. Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring – J. S. Bach

93. Air on the G String – J. S. Bach

94. Prelude in C Major – J. S. Bach

95. Clair de Lune – Debussy

96. Für Elise – Beethoven

97. Moonlight Sonata – Beethoven

98. Ode to Joy – Beethoven

99. Ave Maria – Schubert

100. Ave Maria – Bach/Gounod

101. Wedding March – Mendelssohn

102. Bridal Chorus – Wagner

103. Nimrod – Edward Elgar

104. The Swan – Saint-Saëns

105. Arrival of the Queen of Sheba – Handel

## Hymns and Sacred Music

106. Amazing Grace

107. How Great Thou Art

108. Be Thou My Vision

109. Guide Me, O Thou Great Redeemer

110. Abide with Me

111. The Lord’s My Shepherd

112. Love Divine, All Loves Excelling

113. Praise, My Soul, the King of Heaven

114. All Things Bright and Beautiful

115. Morning Has Broken

116. Jerusalem

117. I Vow to Thee, My Country

118. Here I Am, Lord

119. Make Me a Channel of Your Peace

120. Shine, Jesus, Shine

## Ballroom, Latin and Strict Tempo

121. The Blue Danube – Johann Strauss II

122. The Second Waltz – Dmitri Shostakovich

123. Moon River – Waltz arrangement

124. Fascination – Waltz

125. Charmaine – Waltz

126. Sway – Cha-Cha-Cha

127. Quando, Quando, Quando – Cha-Cha-Cha

128. Besame Mucho – Rumba

129. Spanish Eyes – Rumba

130. The Girl from Ipanema – Bossa Nova

131. Brazil – Samba

132. La Cumparsita – Tango

133. Hernando’s Hideaway – Tango

134. In the Mood – Quickstep

135. Rock Around the Clock – Jive

## Party, Celebration and Audience Favourites

136. Dancing Queen – ABBA

137. Mamma Mia – ABBA

138. Yes Sir, I Can Boogie – Baccara

139. Sweet Caroline – Neil Diamond

140. Celebration – Kool and the Gang

141. I’m Still Standing – Elton John

142. Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go – Wham!

143. I Will Survive – Gloria Gaynor

144. You to Me Are Everything – The Real Thing

145. Build Me Up Buttercup – The Foundations

146. Copacabana – Barry Manilow

147. Daydream Believer – The Monkees

148. Is This the Way to Amarillo – Tony Christie

149. You’ll Never Walk Alone – celebration arrangement

150. New York, New York – finale arrangement

Richard's Prices

Last updated: 2026

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

Duration	Price
Short performance (up to 15 min)	£234.38
Up to 1 hour	£300
Up to 2 hours	£750
Up to 3 hours	£1500

All prices include:My fee includes professional live piano music tailored to your event, along with full preparation and reliable, experienced service from first enquiry through to the performance itself. Included in the price: Live piano performance for the agreed duration, tailored to your event (ceremony, drinks reception, background music, or special service) Personal consultation before the event to discuss timings, musical style, and specific requirements Custom song requests, prepared in advance where possible Wide and versatile repertoire, covering classical, wedding favourites, jazz standards, musical theatre, and contemporary piano music Use of an acoustic piano at the venue where available, or provision of a high-quality digital piano and sound system if required Professional-quality sound equipment suitable for small to medium venues Set-up and pack-down time, ensuring music begins on time and finishes smoothly Travel within an agreed local area (additional mileage discussed in advance if applicable) Appropriate professional presentation, including suitable attire for weddings and formal events Experience working with venues, churches, and event coordinators, ensuring smooth communication and timing Public Liability Insurance for your peace of mind Punctual, reliable service from an experienced professional pianist There are no hidden fees for standard performance requirements. Any additional services, extended performance time, or special arrangements will always be discussed clearly in advance.

Bronze 1 hour

Ceremony Music Only ✔ 15–20 mins music as guests arrive ✔ Entrance music ✔ Signing the Register ✔ Exit music ✔ All equipment included

£200

Silver 2 hours

Ceremony + Drinks Reception ✔ Full ceremony ✔ Up to 1 hour drinks reception music ✔ Custom playlist included

£250

Gold3 hours

Half-Day Piano Package ✔ Ceremony ✔ Drinks reception ✔ Afternoon background set ✔ Up to 2.5 hours total playing

£300

Platinum 4 hours

🎹 Platinum – All-Day Piano Package ✔ Ceremony ✔ Drinks ✔ Meal music ✔ Early evening ✔ Up to 4 hours total across the day

£1500

Customer questions

What do your clients love most about your performances?

Music has a powerful way of getting under our skin. Music subconsciously affects our mood, energy levels, memory recall and even behaviour. It can heighten our sense of connection to people, experiences and spaces – even businesses. Here at R&R Entertainments we’re determined to understand your event.

Which venues have you performed at in the past?

Venues I have performed in the past are; Various churches for weddings, funerals and services.

Which artists have you been most influenced by?

The artists I am influenced by are; Andre Rieu James Last

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

The most highest profile gig I’ve performed at is Atlantic Tower - Thistle Hotel - Liverpool for the 175 years of Cunard

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

We always try our best to be flexible to help ensure your event runs as smoothly as possible. If timings change slightly in the run up to the event just let us know.

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

Absolutely. This is a really popular request and we actually offer this service for free. If you'd like a DJ service via our PA after the final set until the venue closes, we provide this for an additional £100.

How much time do you need to set up?

We usually set up about 1 to 1.5 hours before the performance time. As soon as our PA is set up we can provide a free playlist service to help set the atmosphere and get your guests ready for our live performance!

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

“Yes, of course - as long as the piano is in working order and in tune, then I'm happy to play on it!”

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

Our set lists are crafted from countless performances and learning what works best to ensure guests dance and have an amazing time. However, we're definitely happy to chat through and make sure we find what works for your event.

Are you able to bring your own piano or keyboard?

Yes, absolutely! I bring my own instrument to play acoustically.

Can you learn song requests before the event?

If a song isn't included in our song list there may still be a chance we already know it. If there is a special song you'd like us to learn we are happy to do this for you. There is a fee of £30 for this service to take into account rehearsal times etc.

Musicianship

Genres:

Pop, Easy listening, Christmas, Contemporary Christian, Military, Traditional church music, Classical, Classical crossover, Film / TV music, Ambient, Folk, Bluegrass, Country, Traditional English folk, Traditional Irish folk, Traditional Scottish folk, Welsh folk, Jazz, Blues, Gospel, Swing, Avant garde, Marching, Light music, Disco, Covers, Vintage, Tribute, Rock, Rock 'n' Roll, World music, 1920s era music, 1940s era music, 1960s era music, 1930s era music, 1950s era music, 1970s era music, 1980s era music, Bossa nova, French music, Greek music, German music, Italian music, Scottish music, Early music, Musical theatre, Renaissance, Opera, Medieval music, Fanfare, Contemporary classical, Baroque, Electronic, Breakbeat, Drum 'n' Bass, EDM, Electronica, Ibiza club, Jungle, Triphop, House, IDM, Garage, Electro-Swing, Dubstep, Deep house, Industrial, Techno, 1990s era music, Ceilidh, Folk rock, Rockabilly, Irish rock, Cabaret, Gypsy jazz, Latin jazz, Postmodern jukebox jazz, Ragtime, Modern jazz, Jazz fusion, Dixieland, Barbershop, Experimental, Noise music, Ambient pop, Funk, Hip Hop, Motown, Funk rock, Americana, Acoustic, R&B, Top 40, Britpop, Glam rock, Hardcore, Indie, Post rock, Progressive rock, Punk rock, Power rock, Pop rock, Heavy metal, Hard rock, Classic rock, Alternative rock, Latin, Polka, Karaoke, Soul

See all genres

Instruments:

Piano, Keyboard, Organ, Singing pianist, Singer

See all instruments

Event types:

Wedding, Virtual event, Funeral / Memorial service, Church service, Hotel / Restaurant event, Bar / Club / Venue event, Private event, Corporate event, Charity event, Concert, Recording session, New Year's Eve, Christmas party, Birthday party, Burns night, Cruise, Theatre / Show, Wedding proposal

See all event types