Here are questions that have frequently been asked. Use These questions and answers to assist you.
General Overview:
Question: What is dueling pianos?
Answer: Dueling Pianos is an all request, high energy, interactive experience that thrives on audience engagement.
Question: Will people dance?
Answer (if the client is interested in a wedding): Yes! Our show is designed to get people dancing! Even though we’re taking requests, we’ll be favoring the tunes that we know people will engage with. It’s the main difference between going to a dueling pianos bar and having our team at your wedding, dancing is our priority!
Answer (if the client is interested in any other type of event than a wedding): It’s up to you! If you’re thinking it’s a dancing crowd, we can certainly lean into the uptempo danceable tunes. However, if you’re thinking the crowd is a bit shy, we often start our shows to be more about the comedy and interaction while we “warm up” the crowd. We’re comfortable with any type of show, from a theater event where people never dance, to weddings where that’s the #1 priority.
Question: How does it work at weddings?
Answer: We can cover everything! Ceremony, cocktails, dinner music, and of course the reception. I can send you over an itinerary that breaks everything down to the minute.
Question: What if no one makes any requests?
Answer: Not a problem. Unlike a bar, we’re not going to stop the show and wait for a request. We know which tunes will start to elicit more requests and what’s best to warm up the audience with. Sometimes they just need a little time to start thinking of tunes.
Question: Have you done my type of event before?
Answer: (be honest, but usually…) Yes! We love playing [event type], it’s actually one of the things we’re best at. We specialize in private events in general, so this is exactly what we do!
Question: What do you provide for ceremonies?
Answer: (Note: do this on the phone. If they email asking about this, call them. Talk through the options to get a quick answer). We generally recommend having the performers DJ your ceremony, which includes:
- Any music you’d like, starting as early as 30 minutes prior to the ceremony (Prelude music)
- If you’d like live music from one of our duelers, here our recommended list to select from: Ceremony List
- Sound system for up to 200 people
- A wireless handheld mic for the officiant/readers (One mic).
All we need from you is a power source within 100 feet.
Question: I’m not sure if I want live or DJed music for my ceremony, can I tell you later?
Answer: Yes! In the short term, I’m going to mark you down for DJed since that’s our default and all of our players can provide this. If you decide later you want your ceremony performed live, we’ll need to make sure you have a package that allows you to pick your player (so that we can get you a certified player), or we can bring in another musician who specializes in whatever you end up deciding on.
Timeline/Services Questions:
Question: Can you play for just 2 hours at my reception?
Answer: We can, however I’d love to grab a few more details. We certainly don’t want to be loading in and sound checking while people are eating, so can you walk me through your timeline? (Then quote out for the full price, unless there are extenuating circumstances)
Question: How long do you play for?
Answer: We quote per event, meaning you have us all day (up to 7 hours). We recommend the dueling show itself last for 2 or 2.5 hours, which we can do straight through without breaks. (This answer may not apply to bars or other venues with limited timeframes).
Question: When you DJ, what does that entail?
Answer: All of our performers have been trained as DJs. We’ll still be engaging with the audience and taking requests while we live-mix tunes. That being said, we aren’t club DJs, so we keep our mixes relatively simple.
Question: Can you play live music for the cocktails?
Answer: That depends on logistics, so we usually don’t recommend it. If we can DJ cocktails, that allows us more flexibility to work with your other vendors and keep things on schedule for when dinner starts.
Question: How do F&F public shows work? Bar gigs? Is that something you do?
Answer: Yes! Note for the rep: think 3-2-1: a 3 hour show, 2 players, 1 break. This is our standard approach and package, though exceptions may occur. Players should arrive 1 hour prior to the start time for load in (earlier if they are unfamiliar with the venue)
Question: What if we need you for more than 7 hours?
Answer: We have an overtime rate of $75 per 30 minutes per performer
Question: Can I make a QR code for song requests to automatically appear in an app?
Answer: Yes! As long as the client facilitates/creates this ahead of time to make it as easy as possible for the players. Players have seen the app Bidsmart often if the client needs a recommendation.
Pricing/Booking Questions:
Question: How early should I book?
Answer: We tend to recommend ASAP. Some dates book sooner than others, but seeing as we allow our clients to choose their players, we always recommend booking early. Also, we have 6 people on our sales team, so even though there is availability now, I don’t know if someone else on the team has quotes out for your date.
Question: What if someone gets sick?
Answer: This is the benefit of booking with an established company with a team of players! We have the resources to solve last minute issues, even if it requires us flying someone in.
Question: The quote looks great, what’s the next step?
Answer: Amazing! I’ll work on getting out the contract to lock your players in. Once we have that signed with a deposit on file, we’ll introduce you to Jes, our event coordinator, who will handle most of the planning details.
Question: What are your packages?
Answer: Our dueling pianos quotes are custom to each event, but our standard “package” will cover absolutely everything that’s needed for a successful wedding/event.
Question: Does the price decrease if the venue provides the sound system? -or- Can you plug into the venue’s sound system?
Answer: Not necessarily, unless the venue has a dedicated sound tech who will also be onsite for the duration of the evening. Venue sound systems are ALMOST ALWAYS not appropriate for our show. Speakers mounted in the ceiling are designed for speeches, not for amplified instruments. There are rare exceptions where the venues have line arrays and a professional sound engineer on site, but more often than not, this is not the case.)
Question: Will you match price?
Answer: We don’t really match price with other companies, it’s just not an apples to apples comparison (if you want to see why, just compare our review sites!). However, if you don’t have a preference on the players we send, that does allow me to reduce the quote a bit. What’s the budget you’re working with?
Question: What’s your cancellation policy?
Answer: Any cancellations that happen more than 6 months in advance of the date are only subject to a $300 fee, any payments above this amount will be refunded. The fees increase though as the date gets closer (since it’s more difficult to rebook). However, if a date change is possible, we’ll do our best to accommodate without additional fees. (Note: this may not be possible if travel arrangements have been made, or if this is a last minute change and we owe players cancelation fees, or if they’re moving to a date we simply aren’t available)
Question: Do you offer a guarantee?
Answer: Yes! If you see a show any time within 2 months of signing the contract and decide that you made a mistake, then we’ll refund all payments and release the contract. All you have to do is let us know what show you’ll be attending and let the performers know you’re there.
Question (from a venue): What if we don’t sell enough tickets, or there’s not enough interest. Can we reschedule? What’s the cancellation policy.
Answer: (This is up to the sales rep. It really comes down to the date and your comfort level. Let’s say the client is looking at an off date and you’re 90% sure you won’t get a booking – or know you can sub as needed. Then fine, she can reschedule if she wants/needs. However, if she’s looking for a Saturday in October, then you won’t want to give up that date if there’s a reasonable likelihood that she’ll want to reschedule. If the client thinks there’s a chance they’ll have to reschedule, assume that they will. If you’re still OK booking the gig, then go for it and advise the client accordingly. If you’re not OK with booking the gig, tell the client respectfully. It’s OK to say “No, I’m sorry”.
Question (from a venue/client): What if we provide all gear (piano’s, P.A., lights, etc.) and only need players to perform a dueling show? Do we get a discount?
Answer: In short, no they don’t. We’re still providing a full show with trained players in the F&F process. So we can tell the venue/client: We price our events based on full day player commitment, so regardless whether we provide the gear or not, we charge the same price.
Question: What if our event gets canceled due to weather, snow, hurricane, tornado, earthquake, alien attack, whatever…?
Answer: Generally speaking, we’ll apply their deposit to a rescheduled date (assuing we’re available) with no fees. (Note: there are a couple other terms in the contract that cover some other less likely variables. See section 3.3)
Question: I’m in the military and might get deployed, meaning we have to cancel the wedding. What happens then?
Answer: Since you’re military (AND ONLY BECAUSE THEY’RE MILITARY), we will reapply the deposit to the rescheduled date with no fees. Thank you for your service!
(Note, we might still have to pay our players a cancellation fee)
Question: I’m in the [Military/Law Enforcement/Public service/Hosting a fundraiser], do you offer any discounts
Answer: Yes! We will provide our mini shells (F&F Shells) at no cost. If you’re booking a package with us that includes the mini shells (F&F Shells), then we can reduce that price by $250. (But only give this away if they ask)
Question: You said I get free mini shells, but my package (Rocket man/Great Balls of Fire) includes the shells. Do I get a discount? Do I still get free shells?
Answer: Yes, we can discount your total price by $150 (since it’s a package, there’s a discount for grouping add-ons, meaning we can’t refund them at full retail price). (Note: in SFDC, just reduce the base rate by $150 and leave a note about the price change. This is the simplest way to execute the update. If needed, use the Post PIP button)
Question: What are your packages for a bar show?
Answer: 3 hours, 2 players, 1 break. 3,2,1. Keep it simple:) This means we’ll play a 3 hour show with one short break at the midway point. Nothing more, nothing less. Since bar shows are generally booked at a much lower rate than private events, we try and keep this as cut and dry as possible. Also, we load in 45-60 mins in advance and do not DJ before/after the show. All our players are responsible for are playing during the contracted times, so with that in mind, these should be low-maintanance bookings.
Question: Is there a discount if I pay in full? Cash?
Answer: Unfortunately, no, we don’t offer discounts for that, but thanks for asking!
Question: Is there a discount if I provide a hotel room?
Answer: Possibly, I’d be happy to review! If you’re providing a hotel though, we do require 2 rooms, 1 for each performer. (Note to rep, if hotels are provided, you might want to offer an override. If including a hotel does nothing but lower F&F profit margin, then this isn’t a good reason to provide a discount. Check with VP of sales)
Contracts:
Question: Can you send me a pdf of the contract?
Answer: Adobe provides you (the client) the opportunity to download the contract via pdf. If you’d prefer to print, sign, and then email it back, that’s 100% acceptable.
Question: I can’t open the Quote/Contract on Pandadoc. Might be my firewall. Can you help?
Answer: Possible solutions:
- Send a direct link (you can get this from PandaDoc)
- Send a pdf
- Make a loom video (of the quote, this won’t work for the contract of course)
Question: Can I request Changes to the contract? I want to change some terms. Or can my team redline things?
Answer: Yep! We can send you a contract with redlining capabilities – here’s how: https://www.loom.com/share/dc9ce12161624d97a08efef44782366b
Question: If the venue will not accept liability for their guests, what can we say? They are arguing the part in our contract that says the client is liable for any damages to our equipment if an onsite guest damages our gear.
Answer: Removing the liability language from the contract would not remove their liability under premises liability laws. I recommend telling them something like the following:
Thank you for expressing your concerns regarding liability for the actions of guests in our contract. We understand the importance of clarifying this matter and want to assure you that the provision aligns with standard contract law and premises liability principles.However, it’s essential to understand that the law imposes certain obligations on property owners regarding premises liability, which cannot be entirely removed through contractual provisions. Property owners generally owe a duty of care to invitees (including performers and their equipment) to maintain the premises in a reasonably safe condition and to warn of any known hazards. This duty of care may extend to protecting the performers’ equipment from damage caused by the property owner’s guests.In our contract, the provision outlining liability is intended to establish a clear framework for responsibility and risk management. By including language that holds MJP harmless from liabilities arising from the actions of guests, we aim to provide a level of protection for our business while ensuring that you, as our client, are aware of your obligations regarding your guests’ conduct.It’s important to recognize that this provision does not absolve either party from liability for their own actions or negligence. Rather, it defines the scope of responsibility within the context of our contractual relationship. Our goal is to foster a collaborative and mutually beneficial partnership while adhering to legal standards and best practices.We firmly believe that clarifying and delineating liability in this manner is in the best interests of both parties, as it promotes transparency, accountability, and risk mitigation. Moreover, removing the liability of guests from our contract would not absolve you of liability for your guests’ actions. We value our relationship with you and are committed to addressing your concerns in a manner that reflects our mutual respect and commitment to a successful partnership.
Client Requests:
Question: Do you have any references?
Answer: We have all our references leave reviews for us online for the sake of client privacy. We’re actually the most reviewed dueling pianos show in the country on Google, GigSalad, The Knot, and WeddingWire
Question: How are you different?
Answer: The biggest difference is that our company doesn’t depend on booking freelance entertainers. F&F has full time, exclusive employees that truly understand what the F&F brand is about. Similarly, this gives our clients the ability to actually choose the performer they are booking! Also, not charging by the hour.
Question: Is there a wedding we can see you at? I promise we’ll be quiet!
Answer: I’m sorry, but we don’t allow people to come to clients’ weddings, it’s just not aligned with our company values. However, there are plenty of public shows you could catch us at. Where do you live?
Question: Can I see you at a live show?
Answer: Absolutely! Though it’s not possible to “crash” a wedding, we have plenty of local public shows that you can find at https://events.felixandfingers.com
Question: I can’t make your public show, but we can’t book until we see you, any other options?
Answer: We offer a booking guarantee! Since our team is exclusive and we don’t want you to miss out on your performers, we recommend booking as soon as possible. But then, if you check out our show and decide that you no longer want to book with us, we’d be happy to release the contract and refund your deposit in full. It’s a risk-free way of booking if you want to see us first!
Question: Do you have any videos with a drummer?
Answer: Yes! https://youtu.be/WXLonoFDSaE
Question: Can I lock in my players at a later time? I paid to pick my players.
Answer: We can try to accommodate, but can’t make any guarantees since other clients may reserve players in the interim. Feel free to follow up and ask your rep in the future and we’ll do our best, but till then, we recommend choosing your players at the time of booking.
Question: We don’t allow social media at our events, so you won’t be able to post about this. Is that a problem?
Answer: No issue at all, this is actually something we advise our players on when requested.
Company Questions:
Question: Where are you based?
Answer: We’re headquartered in Chicago but have local offices around the country. For your event, we’d use players based in your area.
Question: How come I haven’t heard of you before?
Answer: We specialize in private events as opposed to public venues and bars. However, be sure to check our reviews online, we’re literally the most reviewed dueling pianos show in the country!
Question: Are you insured? or Can you provide proof of insurance for the venue?
Answer: Fully insured and we’d be happy to send over a COI to the venue if needed.
Question: We need you to list the venue as additional insured, is that possible?
Answer: Yep! Just let us know exactly how you’d like it to be listed.
Product Questions:
Question: I’m interested in uplights, is that something you provide?
Answer: Yes, Uplights is an add-on option we offer. Our uplight package includes 8 lights, which work great for lighting up a smaller space. If you’re looking for more lights than 8 though, we recommend working with a professional lighting company (so that we can focus on the music!)
Question: What color are your uplights?
Answer: The uplights have a number of different colors built in as pre-sets, was there something specific you had in mind? (Internal note: different players have different uplights, and some sets have more colors than others. Book with caution, if the client is super specific about what they want, then they might need a professional lighting company. Check with the REDs)
Question: What can you tell me about the projector? Is it good for my event?
Answer: We generally recommend the projector for smaller events as we have a mobile unit. However, if you have any type of apple-compatible file (like something we can play on an iPad), then we can plug that into our projector and have the sound routed through our speakers. Here are some pics: https://drive.google.com/drive/u/2/folders/1TR-i5cnO7Z-Sab7AByhu_WUwf5OGZPQ9
Question: What does the AV package include?
Answer: The Pro show includes 4 additional 12in speakers and subs. The Pro Plus includes the same as the Pro with 4 additional satellite speakers. Lighting: 30 DMX uplights, minimum of 2 moving head lighting fixtures, stage lighting (wash)
Payment Questions:
Question: Do the players take tips?
Answer (during show): For private events, we DO NOT take tips only because we think it seems tacky. We don’t want any one feeling like they have to pay money to hear a song. However, if you’d like us to take tips and donate it to a honeymoon fund or charity in your name, that can work really well!
Answer (post show): The players will accept a tip, however, it’s absolutely never expected (though always appreciated!)
Question: How do I pay the deposit? Or what payment options do you accept?
Answer: We send out an invoice as soon as the contract is signed. One for the deposit (due within 30 days of the contract being sent out to the client) and one for the remaining balance (due the week of the event). You can then either send a check, pay the invoice online via ACH (via checking account), or we can accept credit cards with a 3.5% fee. (Zelle is also an option through [email protected], please list the invoice number in the memo)
Question: My gig is within 30 days, do I need to pay a deposit?
Answer: No, for short notice bookings, we require payment in full a week prior to the event. Rep note: to send a $0 deposit, just leave the deposit field in PIP Blank (no value) when sending out a standard (not manual) invoice.
Question: Can you add a PO number to my invoice?
Answer: Yep – I can list that on the memo section of the invoice. (Note: create the invoice in SFDC the normal way and then ask MP to add the PO number on QBO and resend)
Question: Can I pay your players day–of? I don’t want to send a check prior to services being received
Answer: Unfortunately we can’t accept payment at the event. The players have limited ways of getting payment to the office (and are much more likely to lose a check during an event). If you’re worried about us not showing, your best bet is to mail a check the week of the event.
Legal
Question: Can you send me a W-9?
Answer: Yep! (And then send it. The MJ Productions Inc W-9 should live on your desktop, or in an easily accessible folder. People ask for this a lot, the most recent version lives in the Sales Resources folder)
Question: We’ll need to send you our own contract, can you sign this and return it?
Answer: Sure, let me just forward that over to my manager. (MP should be the only one reviewing and signing other contracts. This happens a lot with public institutions and universities).
Question: I reviewed your contract and we need to move the legal venue (or dispute location) to [state]. Is that possible?
Answer: Unfortunately we can’t move the legal venue as our contract was written by IL attorneys under IL law. That said, with all the hundreds of events we play every year, we’ve never once been involved with a dispute that escalated to a legal venue, and we don’t plan to start now!
Question: Is your music licensed? Is that something you provide? Are you part of ASCAP, BMI, SESAC? Do I have to pay these services? Since you’re playing covers, who pays for the rights?
Answer: For venues generating income through music, our understanding is that it is actually the venue’s responsibility to pay for ASCAP, BMI, and SESAC. As long as you’re licensed by these three organizations, then you’re covered! For more info, feel free to review here: https://www.ascap.com/help/ascap-licensing/why-ascap-licenses-bars-restaurants-music-venues#:~:text=Is%20there%20a%20connection%20between,who%20that%20money%20goes%20to. Note: we’re not licensing attorneys and this is not legal advice.
Logistics:
Question: How much space do you need?
Answer: (16’ wide x 12’ deep if we’re adding a drummer). And of course, we’ll always take more!
Question: How do you move your pianos?
Answer: We don’t use real pianos – actually, no one does any more, including all the established dueling piano bars. Just give us a regular sized door and we can get our gear just about anywhere!
Question: What are the dimensions of your piano shells?
Answer:The Keyhole and Presto Shells are about 30 inches deep and 60 inches wide.
Question: How much power do you need?
Answer: A single 20amp circuit will work!
Question: Do you need the venue to provide any tables or chairs?
Answer: It’s helpful (and can clean up the look) if the venue is able to provide a 6ft banquet table with a linen. We might not use it depending on the performance layout, but some times it’s a big help!
Question: How long do you need to load in?
Answer: Our rule of thumb is that we arrive 2 hours prior to guests for load in. We technically only need 45 minutes, but like to play it safe 🙂
Question: do you need a stage?
Answer: Nope! A stage is definitely nice as it offers better sight lines for the show, but open floor space is perfectly acceptable.
Question: How loud are you?
Answer: Our entire system is digital, so we are able to be any volume you need us to be. We can track our decibel output if it’s a concern.
Question: How many people can you play for?
Answer: Our system tops out around 500 people, depending on the size/shape of the room.
Question: How do you load in?
Answer: Quickly and efficiently. We typically load-in 2 hours prior to the event and are happy to coordinate with your on-site events team to follow your guidelines. We typically need no special accommodations.
Question: My event/ceremony is outside with no power, can you use a generator? Or a battery?
Answer: Yes, though it’s not something we provide (or are responsible for if it fails). We’d recommend a generator of 5000 watts or greater on a 20amp fuse
Question: What do you require for load in?
Answer: To be able to load in as close to where the players will be playing and for parking for each player.
Question: I don’t need you to play till 12:00am, how should we list that on the contract?
Answer: For the sake of clarity, list the contract, SFDC listing, and PIP event as 11:59pm. That way people won’t get confused looking at the calendar or when receiving emails about the date of the gig. A gig that starts at midnight is, psychologically speaking, a gig that occurs on the date of the event itself, even if we don’t technically play until “tomorrow” at midnight.
Common Objections:
Question: I’m not available for a call, can you email me a quote?
Answer: We aren’t able to send out a quote without a quick call – I’d hate to quote you for something you don’t need. All I need is 5 minutes to get a few more details – is there any time that works for you (even if it needs to be really late?)
Question: I was just calling to get a price. (Sometimes you’ll get a type-A person who’s straight to the point).
Answer: Perfect – I can get you a ballpark by the end of this call, I just need a few more details to make sure I don’t quote you for anything you don’t need.
Question: I’m sorry, that’s just out of our budget.
Answer: No problem, we have other options. What is your budget at?
Question: My friend said your rates are [$XX].
Answer: Who’s your friend? I’d be happy to look up his contract and see if we can match the price we gave him/her.
Question: I saw you at a bar and I know you didn’t charge them [$X], why are you so much more expensive for my event?
Answer: Bars are a very different type of show than a private event. In addition to being much less work, bars are more flexible and can book us multiple times per year. Private shows require a very different set of services.
