Frequently asked questions

 

Are you a string quartet?

Yes, (amongst other things) Akina Strings provides:

String Quartets - which consist of two violins a viola and a cello. This is our and our clients’ main preference as a string quartet provides a beautiful balance of sound.

String trios (a violin, viola and 'cello) and string duos (violin and 'cello or two violins). We provide these for more intimate venues and smaller events. We can also provide larger ensembles on request as well please contact us for further details.

 

How do I book the Akina Strings for my event or concert?

Contact the quartet via the online enquiry form with details of your event to obtain an accurate quote. To book you then need to complete and return a booking form, confirming the date and location of your wedding or event. Bookings remain unconfirmed until we have recieved both your fully completed and signed booking form and the deposit.

 

Which areas do you work in?

We are based in Berkshire and provide music for weddings and events in the Hampshire, Oxford, Berkshire, London and Swindon areas. Of course we can perform in other areas subject to travel costs, so please contact us directly for more information.

 

How much do you charge?

We charge competitive rates given the professional experience and training our musicians posess. As a guide our starting rate for a string quartet is £600.00. Each event we play for is unique so contact us directly with details of your event for an accurate quote.

 

Do you have an online booking system?

To book us you need to fill in the form on our 'contact' page giving us as many details of your event as possible. Once we have this we can give you a quote and confirm our availability at which point you decide whether you would like to book us or not. Having worked in the industry for many years has shown that the best results are gained by deveoloping a good relationship with clients and having a good understanding of them, their event and their specific requirements. Having this inital contact helps to give us a good idea of your requirements which is invaluable.

 

Will you play outside?

We can play outside and have done so on many occasions, however please take in to consideration that we require a shady sheltered spot. The group all perform on fine instruments to ensure the best possible quality of sound. Playing outside in extremes of temperature can unfortunately damage our instruments so, for this reason we will only play outside prior agreement, if conditions are permitting.

 

I would like some music played that isn't on your repertoire list - can you play it?

Yes we are happy to arrange new pieces of music whatever the genre if appropriate. There is an additional small fee for this service, please contact us for details

 

How much space do you need?

Ideally a space of about three metres by two metres, with adequate lighting.

 

What do you wear?

We usually wear smart all black,

 

Can I hear Akina Strings play?

On our music samples page we have several studio recorded demo tracks performed by some of the Akina Strings' players. Please contact us via our enquiry page if you encounter any problems with playing these and we can email you mp3 files directly. Generally it is not possible to come and watch the quartet performing at wedding and other events as the majority of our work consists of private events. We occasionally perform at wedding fairs and public concerts which we try to publicise on our facebook page www.facebook/akinastrings

 

How do I confirm a booking?

If after contacting us you decide to book us, You will be emailed a booking form along with a copy of our terms and conditions. Having read the terms and conditions you should fill in the form and return it to us along with a deposit cheque of £75.00. Once we have received these we reserve your date.

 

When do I need to let you know my music choices?

We need to know a month in advance of your wedding or event. If you would like a piece that isn't on our repertoire list then we do offer an arrangement service at an additional fee of £50.00 per piece.

 

Do Akina Strings have public liability insurance?

Yes we do - please state at time of booking if your venue requires public liability insurance.

 

What happens if one of your members is ill on the date of an engagement?

Akina Strings' comprises of a select group of professional musicans. We have 8 musicians in our core group of players plus several deputies we regularly work with if needed.

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