Tony Silva Spanish Guitar

Serves Schenectady, NY

35244

Hired 16 times

1 employee

15 years in business

$175/hour

5.0

This pro accepts payments via Credit card and Venmo.

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Credentials

Background Check

Antony Silva
Completed on 5/14/2021

Introduction

Be transported to another world through the magic of Tony Silva's Spanish guitar. From classic Mexican folk to electrifying Flamenco, Tony Silva is blending entrancing, authentic rhythms and melodies to bring an unforgettable cultural spice to your event! With over 10 hours of memorized repertoire and 21 years of experience, Tony specializes in weaving together the perfect repertoire to bring your event to life through acoustic guitar and voice, or even take your event to a whole new level through the addition of contemporary and Mexican folklorico dance. As a solo performer, Silva specializes in Rumba Flamenca (the style of the Gipsy Kings). He also plays a wide range of music from Latin America, and transcribes flute and harp music from the Andes for guitar. His repertoire includes rumbas, waltzes, boleros, and huapangos with songs from Spain, Mexico, Cuba, Colombia, Brazil, Venezuela, Argentina, Paraguay, Peru, Chile and lots of Gipsy Kings! Tony Silva is available for weddings, events, and parties.

Q&A

What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?

My minimum fee is $650. Typically I can perform solo for up to 3 hours for that price. I also charge travel expenses if your event is more that 50 miles away from me. Because every project is different, I'm happy to provide custom price quotes tiered for up to a 4 piece band.

What is your typical process for working with a new customer?

Typically the customer will ******** to start the conversation. We'll then schedule a quick call to go over specifics. From there, I will issue a contract and take a 50% deposit to hold the date. Any questions and follow up calls are welcomed once the date is confirmed. The balance is due on the day of the performance.

What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?

Although I am primarily self-taught, but I've been playin g a long time. I have a BFA from UMass in Amherst where I studied music composition. I have also worked with a variety of music teachers over my life, including Latin music from Pepe Gaytan, Rumba Flamenca from Alvaro Sánchez Olvera, and I am currently studying Flamenco from Guillermo Guillén. The way I have learned the most is from consistent performing for well over a decade.

How did you get started doing this type of work?

I started by playing guitar in a Mexican restaurant on Fridays and Saturdays for about 9 years. People who heard me really liked the way I played and started hiring me for weddings, parties, fundraisers and events.

What types of customers have you worked with?

Typically there are 3 types of clients I work with. Wedding couples that want music for ceremony, cocktail hour and/or reception. I perform solo and with up to a 4 piece band. Corporate event planners that need music entertainment for their specific events and parties. Private party clients. These are typically celebrations like graduations, milestone birthday parties or just an excuse to get together with friends. Usually, I will perform in the client's home. Sometimes the client will rent a venue for the party. I'm open to whatever the client decides.

Describe a recent project you are fond of. How long did it take?

I don't take bookings more than 2 years in advance. A lot of my bookings are done within 3 months to 1 week prior to an event. I recently played for an outdoor wedding for Anya and Dave in Northampton, MA. I provided music as guests arrived, and then played for the ceremony. The groom's mother was from Cuba and really loved my repertoire, as did the guests. In all I played for 2 hours. They told me that my music made the wedding a very special event.

What advice would you give a customer looking to hire a provider in your area of work?

Since I perform private events on a weekly basis, I can offer my advice on anything from flow of events, length of performance and song selection.

What questions should customers think through before talking to professionals about their project?

The client should know their budget and confirm the venue where the event will take place before contacting me. I'm flexible, but these details help move the booking process along faster.