Questions & answers
Booking an Organist: Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about booking Jay for a wedding, funeral, service or concert. Can't see your question? Just ask.
Booking and fees
How much does it cost to hire an organist?
Every quote is personal, because a short midweek service needs very different preparation from a wedding with special music or a full concert. Send the date, venue and type of service and I'll reply with a clear quote, confirmed in writing before anything is booked.
When is my booking confirmed?
Once we've agreed the final fee and I've sent written confirmation. For weddings and concerts, a non-refundable deposit may be needed to secure the date. Sending the enquiry form doesn't commit you to anything.
When do I pay?
For weddings and concerts, the balance is due 7 days before the event. For funerals and short-notice bookings, payment is due before the service or on the day. You can pay by bank transfer or card.
What is your cancellation policy?
For weddings and planned events, cancellations within 14 days are charged at 50% of the fee, and within 48 hours at 100%. There's no cancellation fee for funerals. Full details are in the terms of booking.
Do you charge for rehearsals?
The standard fee covers playing at the service. Rehearsals with choirs, soloists or instrumentalists are charged at £80 per hour (or part hour), agreed in advance.
Is there a fee if the service is filmed or live-streamed?
Yes. If a wedding or concert is professionally filmed or live-streamed, a recording fee applies — normally 50% of the performance fee — in line with UK performance rights. Please tell me when you book.
Availability
Which days are you available?
Monday to Saturday, daytime and evening, plus Sunday afternoons and evenings. I'm not available on Sunday mornings because I'm Organist and Choir Master at St John the Evangelist, Worsthorne.
Can you play at short notice?
Often, yes — especially for funerals. For anything in the next 48 hours, please call or WhatsApp 07359 670332 so I see it straight away.
Which areas do you cover?
Lancashire and Greater Manchester, including Burnley, Pendle, Blackburn, Darwen, Accrington, Clitheroe, Bolton, Bury and Rochdale. I'm happy to travel further for weddings and concerts. See areas covered.
What happens if you're ill on the day?
I'll arrange a competent deputy organist. If that isn't possible, you'll receive a full refund.
Music and the day itself
Can you help us choose the music?
Of course. I'll suggest hymns and pieces that suit the service, the building and the instrument, and talk you through each part of the service.
When do we need to confirm the music?
For weddings, 14 days before the service. For funerals, at the time of booking or no later than 48 hours before.
Can you play a modern song on the organ?
Usually, yes. Give me as much notice as possible and I'll arrange it to suit the organ in your church.
What time do you arrive?
I need access to the organ 45 minutes before the service to prepare. The venue is responsible for making sure the organ is in playable condition.
The church already has an organist. Can we still book you?
Check with the church first — resident organists often have first refusal, and some churches charge a fee when a visiting organist plays. If the church agrees, I'm happy to liaise with them directly.