Tomoko Sato
Harpist
specializing in wedding harp music and harp and piano lessons in Orange, Long Beach and Los Angeles Counties.
Please choose from
Harp solo
Harp and Flute
Harp and Violin
Harp and Cello
Harp, Flute (Violin) and Cello
Wedding Ceremony Music includes the following:
Prelude Music (30 minutes prior to ceremony)
Music for Family (including Grandparents, Minister, Groomsmen)
Music for Bridesmaids, Flower Girls and Ring Bear
Processional
Music During Ceremony
Recessional
Postlude
FAQ about Wedding Ceremony
Q. When should I book you for my ceremony?
A. Harp performance can be booked one year in advance. Early bookings are recommended during wedding season (April-October) and Christmas Season.
Q. Do you take requests?
A. Yes, one music arrangement is included in the fee. You can request additional music for $10
per song. Music request needs to be in print-in the form of sheet music, preferably in piano notation. You can check the availability at musicnotes.com. Please submit your request two weeks prior to your event date.
Q. Can you play anything on the harp?
A. Most of music can be played on the harp. The Music that has lots of repetitive notes in the melody or has heavy rhythms, or music that have many layers are hard to play and don't sound great.
Q. Do you accompany a singer?
A. Yes. A singer needs to provide the music to match the key he/she will be singing. Rehearsal takes place at my studio or before the ceremony.
Q. What space and conditions are needed for the harp?
A. Musical instruments are very sensitive to extreme temperatures, and exposure to direct sun and rain can damage and change the sound of the instrument. For outdoor ceremony, shading is required at temperature above 75F and heater is required at temperature below 65F. The ground needs to be solid, flat, and dry (no grass, turf ok). If on grass, harp can be placed on a wooden platform of 6 by 4 size.
Q. Do you have your own sound system?
A. Yes, I bring my battery-operated amplifier to outdoor events, or for any party of more than 50. Sound system is included in the fee. It is cordless yet powerful and the harp will be heard.
Q. Can I reserve you a best parking spot?
A. Yes, that would be nice! and I'm rarely asked that question. When possible please provide a best parking for a harpist. Due to its size transportation can be difficult when parking is away from the event site. Additionally, please notify me any difficulties at the venue prior to the day, such as stairways, off-site parking, and map not showing on GPS. Failure to do so may delay the contracted performance time. Thus, consideration for a good parking and extra hands are highly appreciated.
Q. Do you have a liability insurance?
A. Yes, a copy of liability insurance will be provided upon request. Please provide the exact wording that is required by the venue two weeks prior to the event. A nominal fee will be added to the performance fee.
Q. What form of payment do you accept? Deposit and dues?
A. I accept Venmo and Zelle. General deposit is $100 for a ceremony and balance is due two weeks before the event date. For duo, deposit will be $200.
Q. What is included in the fee?
A. Fee includes travel, insurance, amplification, music, performance, set-up, and unlimited e-mail consultation/communication.Unlike most of other instruments, maintenance fees associated with harp is costly. I bring my own instrument, bench, stand, amplification, lighting, which can add up to 200lb and it would require 15-20 minutes for set-up. To ensure your event is on schedule I arrive 30-45 minutes prior to the playing time.
Q. Can you play a beach wedding?
A. Yes! I can bring my lever harp and play on the sand beach. Due to the mechanism of the lever harp, the repertoire on the lever harp need to be music without much key changes. Thus, the repertoire will be narrower than the pedal harp selections.
Q. How do I proceed with booking?
A. Please send me an email with date, time and location of the event along with your best contact number. I will contact you with my availability, fee, and other information. Upon agreeing on the service, I will send you a contract via email. When a signed contract is returned with a deposit the service is confirmed.
Why choose Tomoko over other Harpists?
1. Repertoire
I have over 500 songs in my repertoire-that cover traditional Classical music to modern popular songs heard on the radio, Hymns and religious music to Jazz. I can also improve over chords and make music more spontaneous and interesting. I don't just play from written music- I arrange the music idiomatically fit for the harp, incorporating techniques and sounds that feature the instrument. Also, a lot of my arrangements are more rhythmic than traditional harp playing, which means it sounds fresh and fun.
2. Responsive
I always respond back to clients in a timely manner, within 48 hours. Communication is important in running things smoothly and I will always confirm the details prior to your events.
3. Sound System
I always bring my amplifier to events, unless you request no to. I have Boss Pro S1 battery-powered amplifier that can be charged prior to arriving at venues, so no outlets are required. Harp can be hooked-up with an in-house system in some available venues as well.
4. Reviews
I have extensive reviews from happy brides on Yelp, WeddingWire and Google. I love what I do, and I do my best to make your event special.
Accolades
"Tomoko is a true gem! Walking down the aisle with Tomoko playing the harp was like a dream. I couldn't ask for a more sentimental and romantic ceremony." - Quinn, Los Verdes golf course
"Tomoko was ABSOLUTELY AMAZING! She made our wedding so memorable and special. Having her put the frosting on the cake for our ceremony and we can't thank her enough." -Janise, The Loft on Pine, Long Beach
"Tomoko is absolutely wonderful! My sister hired her for her wedding and my fiance loved it so much, he insisted we book her as well. I had a very specific song in mind to walk down the aisle, and I asked Tomoko to learn it for the ceremony. It was played exactly like I had pictured it, and I've gotten so many compliments on the ceremony music. Her talent is astounding!" -Brinn, Villa San Juan Capistrano
"Tomoko is a consummate professional. I have hired her twice, and both times, she was very punctual, was careful to follow our playlist wishes, and dazzled our guests. I recommend her without hesitation." -G.G. Mission Viejo
"Tomoko graced our Nutcracker Ball during the cocktail and dinner hours. I have received an overwhelming response to her beautiful playing and repertoire. Beautiful, Elegant, incredible, delightful, and fun...just a few adjectives that described her playing. She did a marvelous performance.
- Elizabeth, San Juan Capistrano
"Tomoko played at my luncheon for 80 guests. We truly enjoyed her performance. Being a musician myself with one-fifth of guests as professional musicians, we gave her the highest regards for the beautiful playing. She's very friendly, responsive and needlessly to say, truly professional. Divine music performance!!" -Caroline, Fig&Olive, Newport Beach