As the festive season approaches, businesses across the UK gear up for their annual Christmas parties, seeking to create a memorable and enjoyable experience for their employees. While décor, food, and drinks play a significant role in setting the festive mood, there’s one element that can truly elevate your corporate Christmas party to an unforgettable level: live music.
At Encore Musicians, the UK’s largest musicians booking platform, we’ve witnessed firsthand the transformative power of live music in creating an extraordinary atmosphere for corporate events. Here’s why live music is essential for your Christmas party.
Key facts:
- Live music can increase social bonding and group cohesion. A study by (Tarr et al., 2014).
- Live music can improve mood and reduce stress (de Witte et al., 2019).
- Live music increases social connection and identity (Hargreaves et al., 2002).
- Sets the Festive Mood
Live Christmas party music instantly puts your guests in the festive spirit.
Whether it’s the familiar melodies of traditional carols or the upbeat tunes of contemporary holiday hits, live music creates a sense of joy, anticipation, and togetherness that sets the perfect tone for your celebration.
- Enhances Engagement and Interaction
Live music has an unparalleled ability to captivate and engage your guests. A live performance’s energy and passion will encourage guests to mingle, dance, and enjoy each other’s company.
A 2014 study by Tarr et al., found that participants who attended live music parties were more likely to develop new friendships and have a sense of belonging to the group than those who attended recorded music events. Further proving the benefits of live music on social bonding and cohesion.
Furthermore, a study by Hargreaves et al., (2002) showed that shared musical experiences, such as live music performances, contribute to a sense of social connection and identity. In turn, this can increase team bonding and employee satisfaction in the workplace.
- Increases employee wellbeing
Live music at work parties serves as a powerful stress-relief and steam-venting tool for employees. Whether it’s through dancing to the rhythm, singing along to familiar tunes, or simply appreciating the live performance, employees find an effective and enjoyable way to unwind.
In fact, one 2019 study by de Witte et al., found that live music has a greater effect on stress reduction than recorded music.
- Adds a Touch of Personalisation
Unlike recorded music, live music offers a unique opportunity to personalise your event. By selecting musicians who align with your company’s culture and values, you can create a truly bespoke experience.
You can also request songs that might hold significance for your colleagues to make the event even more special.
- Demonstrates Appreciation for Employees
Choosing to have live music instead of recorded music shows that management has put extra thought and effort into planning the event and that you have invested in their employee experience.
Similarly, planning an office Christmas party with live music reflects the company’s recognition and appreciation for the hard work and contributions of its employees throughout the year.
Top Tips for Hiring a Musician for Your Christmas Work Party
- Establish your budget and style
Determine how much money you’re willing to spend on live music and think about the overall style and atmosphere you want for your party. Do you want a traditional Christmas band that plays carols and classics, or do you want a more cheerful and contemporary band that plays modern holiday hits?
Feeling stuck? Check out our corporate musicians homepage to get inspiration or speak to one of our experts today to get tailored recommendations.
- Plan and book early
Popular musicians are often snapped up early, especially during the busy Christmas season. Begin planning early in order to get the best performers for your event.
- Consider the venue and acoustics
Check if the musician’s style and volume are appropriate for the venue’s size and acoustics. Consider a smaller ensemble or acoustic performance if the venue has limited space or poor acoustics.
If unsure, you can always talk to one of our experts who can answer any of your questions.
- Incorporate variety and entertainment value
Choose a musician who can play a wide range of songs and genres to keep your guests entertained. One of our function bands, The Burning Shoes are a great example of this. They are a function band with over 15 years of experience who play everything from Rock to Pop to Reggae, and even renowned Jazz standards. With The Burning Shoes, you are guaranteed to create a playlist that will keep all your guests happy.
Likewise, to give a more dynamic experience (and save some money), consider hiring a multi-talented artist where the singer also plays an instrument. For example, Robyn Taylor is a talented singer-saxophone player who has over 12 years of experience performing or singing pianist, Cat Delphi, who has performed with big names such as Shania Twain and Alicia Keys and currently has a residency at The Dorchester Hotel.
- Provide clear communication and expectations
Clearly communicate your vision for the event and your musical preferences to the musician. Discuss the songs you want played, the desired atmosphere, and any specific requests or arrangements.
Additionally, you can always check the musicians’ FAQs on their profiles to see what equipment they can provide (and what you’ll need to provide) such as lighting and PA systems.
- Check experience and reviews
Evaluate the musician’s experience, credentials, and online reviews. All of our musicians have customer reviews available and most musicians will have several recordings of their performance so you can evaluate whether their stage presence and performance style is suitable for your event.
How Encore Musicians Can Help
At Encore Musicians, we understand the importance of finding the perfect musicians to match your company’s style, budget, and event requirements. Our extensive network of talented musicians across the UK ensures we can find the ideal ensemble for your corporate Christmas party.
We’ll work closely with you to understand your vision and preferences, taking into account the venue, ambience, and desired musical style. Our team of experienced event managers will handle all the logistics, from booking and coordinating the musicians to ensuring a smooth and seamless performance.
With Encore Musicians, you can rest assured that your corporate Christmas entertainment will be filled with the enchanting sounds of live music, creating an unforgettable experience that your employees will cherish for years to come.
Ready to book? Check our corporate Christmas entertainment musicians here or speak to one of our experts today to get tailored recommendations for your event.