Introducing Shelley Otis: a talented harpist based in Massachusetts. Her music has delighted couples and guests at weddings and other events for over 10 years! Shelley's setlist of 400+ songs will strike a chord with any listener.
No matter your musical preference, Shelley delivers with her wide-ranging repertoire, adapting to the audience and atmosphere. Whether a wedding, corporate event, shower, or coffeehouse, her performances add a special touch to any event. Shelley also collaborates with a network of musicians to create the perfect music for an event. Her extensive experience makes her a great fit for celebrations big and small. Continue reading to learn more about Shelley and her harp music!
About Shelley Otis and her harpist career.
Tell us a little bit about yourself, what you do, and how you got started!
I play the harp full time, from weddings and corporate events to bridal & baby showers, senior programs, funerals, private parties, and holiday events. I also play in a few different ensembles, including the Boston HarpBeat and the award-winning children’s musician Vanessa Trien.
How I got started: It was originally never my intention to play music full-time. Around 15 years ago I was playing the harp for fun at a farmer’s market, and someone there asked me to do their wedding. I kept getting more weddings after that and it just unfolded naturally. The Bash was the first online platform I registered with, and has consistently been one of my main sources of gigs. I was able to go to 100% full-time gigging about 7 years ago.
Can you share some details about a recent event?
One of my favorite gigs from this past summer was a multi-day corporate gig on a boat. The client hosted several different dinners on the boat, one every evening for four days. They wanted soft background music, so harp music was a perfect choice. The boat sailed around the Boston harbor for the duration of the four-course dinner each night. The event was catered by one of the high-end restaurants in Boston, and the views of the Boston skyline at sunset were spectacular.
What is your key to closing leads?
Respond to leads in a reasonable time frame; communicate clearly; don’t surprise people with unexpected logistical details or charges. Basically, treat clients how you’d want to be treated if you were in their position.
Also, it’s important to be yourself. Figure out what makes you unique as a musician, and play that up in your marketing materials and online profile. Don’t copy off of other people, don't use phrases or ideas from their profiles: it doesn’t make you stand out from a screen full of other online profiles.
What type of events are your favorite to get booked for, and why?
It’s hard to pick a favorite. I love small weddings, the kind with 40-ish guests or less. They’re less stressful to put on than a larger wedding, and you can tell the guests really have a chance to enjoy each other’s company.
How do you adapt your repertoire and song style to different event types or themes?
I usually talk with clients to see what kind of vibe they are looking for, and then choose songs to go with that vibe. Sometimes, especially for weddings, clients will have specific song requests, which I’m usually happy to accommodate. Or if I’m at an event without a predetermined set list or vibe, I’ll just read the room and see what people are responding to, and go with the flow.
What advice would you give to someone considering live harp music for their celebration?
If you are considering harp music, I would recommend going for it! The harp can really elevate an event visually as well as musically. Guests always enjoy seeing the harp as well as hearing it, and I'm always surprised at how many people haven't even seen a harp in real life before. It's a great way to add something special to your event!
