by Aryeh Berkowitz

Whether you’re planning a chasana, a bar mitzvah, or a vort, everyone knows that music makes the simcha. But what music? And which musician? One-man band or orchestra? Extra singer? Which songs? How loud?

When it comes to choosing the musical entertainment, I have found that people have many questions. Here are answers to some of the common ones as well as some you may never have thought of.

Should I go with a one-man band or an orchestra?

Your first decision will be whether to hire a one-man band or a full orchestra. From my perspective as a musician, an orchestra is always preferable; a keyboard can never fully capture the richness of live sound. But a one-man band wins big when it comes to affordability. A one-man band can replicate the sound of a full ensemble at a fraction of the cost. And the keyboard has become so common nowadays that most people have become accustomed to the electronic sound and may even prefer it.

I am hiring a one-man-band. Do I need to hire a singer as well?

It depends. If the keyboardist doesn’t sing, hiring a singer is a great idea. If he does sing, an additional singer isn’t strictly necessary. Hiring a keyboardist who also sings can significantly lower your cost. If budget allows, however, having both can enhance the performance. The keyboardist can focus on the music while the singer engages the audience, creates harmonies, and brings extra energy to the event. A singer can also interact with guests in a way a keyboardist – who is stuck behind his keyboard – cannot.

Should I hire additional musicians myself or let the band leader handle it?

It’s best to let the band leader hire additional musicians. A dynamic performance hinges on chemistry among the performers, and band leaders know who works well with each other. I was at a chasana once where the band was made up of top-notch musicians and singers, but they had never or rarely worked together before. I could tell the difference.

Can I ask the musician to lower the volume?

Volume control at simchas is a complex and emotional issue, but as the paying customer, you always have the right to make requests. Usually, the musician will be able to work something out with you.

What if I am a guest at a chasana, and the music is painfully loud? Can I approach the band leader?

Absolutely not. All requests to the musician should go through the baal hasimcha or the one who’s paying for the music.

I found an earring, and I need to ask the musician to announce it. Can I talk to the musician while he’s playing?

When a musician is playing, all his concentration is focused on the music. While some musicians may be able to multitask, most cannot. So it’s generally not advisable to interrupt them mid-play. Instead, write your message on a piece of paper and place it somewhere visible to the musician.

How do you pick your songs?

When I play a song, and the crowd responds positively to it, I can feel the energy. Those songs go on my setlist. I have a setlist for every occasion and am constantly revising my setlists  – adding songs, removing songs, and rearranging the order of the songs. I end up with a list of leibedik songs that keep the room hopping from beginning to end.

Can I provide a list of songs that I like or dislike?

Absolutely! This is your simcha, and you have the right to request whatever you want. I always ask if there are any particular songs that you do or do not want played.

Is it proper to ask for references?

Yes. Musicians love when you ask for references. It allows us to showcase our talent through the eyes of someone who really enjoyed our music. This is much better than listening to an audio or video.

How does the payment agreement work?

Payment terms vary among musicians. Some require a deposit to secure the booking, while others do not. Regardless of the arrangement, it’s essential to establish a clear agreement on the amount and the payment timeline. Getting confirmation in writing is always a good idea. While a formal invoice isn’t necessary, a simple text or email can help avoid misunderstandings and ensure that both parties are on the same page.

We’re planning a “flash dance.” When should I provide the music?

Of course, the best time to give the musician any music is way before the simcha takes place. Handing it over last minute – especially on a phone with unfamiliar apps or missing adapters – can lead to technical difficulties. Providing the tracks ahead of time ensures they’ll be played correctly on professional equipment.

Aryeh Berkowitz, of Music by Aryeh, has been bringing joy to Baltimore simchas for over 30 years. You can reach him at 443-676-8386 or musicbyaryeh@gmail.com – because every simcha deserves beautiful music.