Frequently Asked Questions
If you don't find answers to your questions here, contact me and I'll be glad to answer any concerns you may have.
What musicians can you provide?
I play piano, string bass, and electric bass. My wife also is an accomplished pianist. If you are
looking for any musicians beyond that, we can find the right quality musicians for you.
What styles of music do you play?
I am classically trained, but in addition to the more traditional styles I also enjoy blues, jazz,
more popular types of rock, and other just plain feel-good music. I don’t just read music, I
also improvise and play by ear.
What can you offer that a less experienced musician not be able to offer?
The key word is flexibility. Weddings are notorious for having last minute curve-balls that no
one expects, such as the rings being left somewhere, or people missing their cues, etc.
In a situation where a lesser experienced musician might only be able to play what is
written and then stop, I would be able to tailor the piece to the wedding ceremony and
re-arrange the piece of music as I’m playing it. If a singer is having difficulty hitting a high
note in practice, I can transpose the song to be in a better key.
What are your rates?
My rates are reasonable. Because everyone’s needs are different, I encourage you to
contact me and and get a free, no-obligation quote.
Where are you, and how far will you travel?
I am in Fargo, ND, and I will travel to just about anywhere within a 5 hour radius...but i can be
convinced to go outside of those areas, just contact me and find out!
Do you have any examples of your playing or a demo CD?
Do I have to ask you to be my wedding coordinator to have you write something for it?
No. Any of the services I provide are available independently of the others.
For what sorts of music groups do you write?
I write for any combination of instruments, from solo piano to full orchestra and
concert/marching/jazz band - I also write lead sheets for modern band instrumentation.
How far in advance do you need to have time to write a piece?
It depends on the project, but typically I will need a minimum of three months for
wedding music. For pieces that are more involved, I may need a longer amount of time.
Although the timeframe for transcriptions, transpositions, and arrangements would vary
depending on the project, they would be much quicker (potentially under a week).
How do I get started, and what should I expect?
(1) Call me or have me call you.
(2) We'll meet in person or on the phone and I'll get a feel for your personal taste and
style. If the project is easy enough to estimate, I may give you an unofficial quote as to
how much it will cost.
(3) I'll put together a few ideas and run them by you, if you like a particular idea, I'll give
you an official quote for the cost (I'll send an agreement for you to sign - nothing major,
just something to define each of our expectations.)
(4) I'll write the rest and present it to you. When you give the OK on that, I'll send you
the finished product in whichever format you want - MP3, CD with printed label, written
music (lead sheet, standard notation, guitar tab, etc.) or whatever. If for some reason
you don't like what you hear, I'll keep revising it until you like it or you can opt not to
purchase it.
Why do I need to sign an agreement?
I prefer to make sure that all parties involved understand what to expect. This way
everyone knows their part of the process.
What if I don't like it?
I will be consulting with you throughout the process, and if you still don't like it, I'll keep
revising it until you do.
How much would my project cost?
It depends on the individual project. Because individual needs are so varied, it's
impossible to give a realistic picture in this answer. What I can say, however, is that I
give you a quote before I start the project - unless you change what you want in terms of
the finished product (for example, if you wanted just sheet music but then decided on a
real musician recording), that quote will be the amount you pay. It's that simple. I don't
add fees for little things.
Do you have a cheaper alternative?
Yes, you can purchase some of my works that I have written at my other website,
as well. I may be open to suggestions, negotiations, and/or trade-offs on a case-by-case
basis. (The electric company really only takes payment in some form of currency, so I
can't do it too much)
What instruments/subjects do you teach?
I offer lessons in piano, string bass, electric bass (bass guitar), and music theory/composition.
What discounts do you have for music lessons?
I offer a discount for siblings of the same household.
For students who qualify, I also allow an optional double bi-weekly lesson to save on gas.
(1 lesson every two weeks instead of 30 minutes every week.) Contact me for details.
Are you related to either the founder of Carl Sauter Pianos in Germany or Johnny Sauter
(the NASCAR Driver)?
Unfortunately, I haven't done enough research to find out. I know that if I am, it would
have to be farther back than 3 three generations, but you never know. Most of my
Sauter lineage that I know of is in north/central upstate New York.