Case study: Laura & Gary

First I go for a cup of tea and a friendly chat with L & G. We talk about their requirements, their ideas and their lives but most of all, I get to know their personalities. They admit that they don’t know much about the technical side of music so Gary plays me his favourite CD as an example of the kind of sound they are thinking of – choral but contemporary.

Inspired by L & G, I head back to the studio and start writing. Talking about music is very hit and miss – we can only really connect when we hear it, so with just the seed of a theme at the moment, I run it by the couple to see if I’m on the right track:

Sample 1: initial concept

They get back to me – ‘Wow – we love it. You are most definitely on the right track!’ All systems go. From the seed I explore the theme and fill out a timed structure for the processional. In this case Laura must climb some stairs before entering the room. She then walks down the side of the room past the guests, across the back, before finally making her way along the centre aisle. I incorporate musical cues to reflect each section of her procession, building up the excitement towards the end:

Sample 2: expanded rough concept

This time I’m a little off centre – the first half is spot on but L & G aren’t so sure about the movie-like qualities towards the end. This is their big day so it’s got to be perfect. I rein it in a little and try again:

Finished entrance theme: “Romance In The Stone”

L & G are very happy with this so we start the process all over again for the exit music. Now I have a more established theme to work with but it is just as important for L & G to stay involved. With good communication it only takes a few attempts to get it right:

Finished exit theme: “Romance In The Stone Reprise”

Music for the signing of the register complements L & G’s main theme and completes the ceremony:

Signing of the register: “A Dream To Keep”

All the pieces are then burnt on to a performance CD to be played on the day.

It’s as simple as that. A momento created specially for Laura & Gary and also by them, to celebrate their marriage and last forever.

The music on the day was perfect both for us and the setting. The music made our romantic setting even more magical. It gave Gary a shiver down his spine as the music began and he knew I would soon appear. We will continue to listen to it at home.
Laura