Skip to main content
Weddings

About

John Calverley is an Edmonton-based professional violinist, composer, and educator. He focuses his versatile musical expertise and passion for tailoring performances to meet the unique desires of each client. With a keen focus on special requests and an array of ensemble options, John dedicates himself to creating unforgettable musical experiences, particularly for prospective newlyweds, ensuring their vision becomes a beautiful reality.

Experience:

Boasting a diverse repertoire spanning from classical, opera and orchestral pieces to the spirited rhythms of jazz and fiddle music, John Calverley's musical journey is defined by his desire to keep learning and expanding his musical arsenal. Holding a Bachelor of Music degree, he brings a wealth of knowledge honed through his role as the Music Director for Vinok Worldance. This position has not only allowed him to delve into an array of traditional styles from various cultures but also sharpened his adaptability in accommodating diverse musical preferences.

John's passion for performance extends to his role as a founding member of the Gypsy-Jazz ensemble, the Felt Hat String Band. His love for improvisational musical forms shines through, enriching each performance with vibrant creativity. Moreover, his compitition years in old-time fiddling has seen him compete at a national level, showcasing his talents and dedication to the craft.

Services Offered:

John Calverley Music offers an extensive range of ensemble options tailored to the couple's preferences. From intimate instrumental solos, duos, trios, and quartets to grander ensembles or even orchestrations, John curates enchanting musical landscapes for ceremonies, cocktail hours, receptions, breaks, and rehearsal dinners.

Prospective newlyweds can choose from an array of ensemble configurations featuring instruments such as guitar, violin, cello, viola, harp, and piano. John's commitment to excellence is further emphasized by his willingness to accommodate song requests and provide any necessary sound equipment, ensuring a seamless and captivating musical experience.

illustration popular

Vendors you may like

Check out other vendors that are popular with couples right now

Frequently asked questions

Are you an agency or a band?

Band

What ceremony music arrangements can you provide?

Instrumental duo
String trio
Instrumental trio
Orchestra
String quintet
Instrumental solo
String quartet

How many musicians are in your band?

1-3

What genres of music does your band play?

Jazz
Country
Acoustic
Classical
Blues
Big band
Swing
Folk
World
Pop
Orchestra
Strings
50s

What instruments does your group play?

Winds
Guitar
Violin
Cello
Viola
Piano

What music services do you provide?

Ceremony music
Cocktail hour music
Instrumentals
Learning new songs
Reception music
Music during breaks
Rehearsal dinner music
Vocals
Willing travel

What services do you provide?

Ceremony music
Cocktail hour music
Instrumentals
Learn new songs
Microphones
Reception music
Music during breaks
Rehearsal dinner music
Sample performances
Sound / PA system
Vocals

What items are available?

Microphones
Sound PA

What is the starting price for wedding ceremony music?

$250

What is the average price for a wedding reception during peak season?

$1,000

What is the price of your most popular wedding package?

$400

What is the average price for a wedding reception during off-peak season?

$1,000

Which of the following are included in the price of your most popular wedding package?

Ceremony music
Sound/ PA system

Which of the following are included in the price?

Ceremony music
Sound PA
illustration notebook

Any other questions?

Reviews for John Calverley Music

We're all about trust. Our community relies on honest reviews to help you make those big decisions with ease.
5.0 out of 5 rating
5.0 out of 5 rating
46 reviews
99% recommend it
  • Quality of service
    5 out of 5 rating
  • Response time
    5 out of 5 rating
  • Professionalism
    5 out of 5 rating
  • Value
    5 out of 5 rating
  • Flexibility
    5 out of 5 rating
Bea
Bea A. Sent on 04/10/2024
5 out of 5 rating

John is awesome

John did amazing during our ceremony and cocktail hour. He even played a song/music during the ceremony that we requested that he never played before. We are so thankful. Will definitely recommend
Wendy
Wendy W. Sent on 24/08/2024
5 out of 5 rating

Best performance at our wedding event

We are beyond grateful and blessed to your service and dedication.
Amazing work thank you.

Nick
Nick B. Sent on 24/06/2024
5 out of 5 rating

Flawless Performance

John Calverley's performance was perfect and his flexibility was greatly appreciated. We had multiple room changes at the venue on the day-of due to weather and the musicians accommodated us perfectly! John was able to bring a wireless microphone for the officiant and his own sun cover when we were planned to be outside and reduced the cost accordingly when we were moved indoors due to the rain. Aside from this show of integrity, their magnificent performance brought the audience to tears. He had numerous instrument & Band-size options at affordable rates when we were booking to make sure we had the perfect sound. He was courteous and professional the entire time. If you aren't booking John Calverley then you aren't booking the best.
Dulce
Dulce L. Sent on 05/10/2023
5 out of 5 rating

Great addition!

Great addition to cocktail hour for our wedding. We originally wanted a violin only performance, but John encouraged us to get a duo with the guitar. Everyone was impressed by the performance, it added a touch of elegance to our wedding.
Gabriella
Gabriella S. Sent on 28/08/2023
5 out of 5 rating

Beautiful Quartet

I hired John and his team for our wedding at the fairmont and he did amazing! Our guests could not stop talking about how beautiful the music was and how classy and put together it was!
Shannon
Shan M. Sent on 26/06/2023
5 out of 5 rating

Added to the perfection

We were so happy with the music that was provided. It added the perfect elegant touch to our magical day
Cassandra
Cassandra Sent on 03/08/2022
5 out of 5 rating

Amazing addition to our wedding ceremony!

We hired John Calverley and his team to play for our wedding ceremony July 23, 2022. It was very important to us to have live music as part of our ceremony and they delivered! John was responsive and timely with communication, punctual on the day-of and very professional to work with. He took our requests and made them sound amazing in the historic theatre venue. Our guests were blown away by the special touch his musicians gave to our special day!
Deb
Deb T. Sent on 24/10/2021
5 out of 5 rating

Professional and top quality musicians

John Calverley provided music for our reception. He was very responsive to my questions and very flexible to the requests of our needs. The trio were excellent musicians, playing the type of music I requested and providing ambiance for our cocktail hour and reception. I was so pleased with the service they provided and highly recommend hiring John for your event.
Joel
Joel C. Sent on 05/09/2021
5 out of 5 rating

Professional

John was great to work with, had plenty of recommendations, and had no issue playing our requests.
Emily
Emily K. Sent on 22/08/2021
5 out of 5 rating

Great wedding ceremony violinist

We heard about John from a Facebook group and were not disappointed. He was very responsive to our initial inquiry and was easy to work with. We ended up having to change dates due to Covid and John was flexible and made changing dates easy. He learned a new song at our request - the Potter Waltz for our recession. While we weren't around for the prelude, we had multiple guests comment on the great music. Our requests for the procession, signing and recession were all followed without a hitch. We would highly recommend John Calverley for anyone looking for a violinist - we didn't have to worry at all about our ceremony music!
illustration stars

Are you interested?

Awards

46

Meet the team

John Calverley
John Calverley
Violinist, Arranger, Leader

Hello and congratulations! Alow me to introduce myself. I'm the JC in JCM and I've been working as a freelance violinist in Edmonton for over 30 years. In that time I've developed relationships with hundreds of local musicians to currate the best for your wedding, cocktail hour, reception, proposal or other special events.

We deliver top level professional music services with your vision in mind. Whether it's solo violin, duo with guitar or piano or string quartet, we will set the atmosphere and contribute to the wonderful memories of the day. We would love to play for you!

Gord Mathews
Gord Mathews
Guitar

I've performed for over 40 years as a guitarist and songwritter. Highlights include working and writting with KD Lang for a 7 year stretch. We toured nationaly and internationally with appearences on Saturday Night Live, the Tonight Show, Dave Letterman, Austin City Limits, Hee Haw, and the Juno awards.

I'm currently working on a number of projects with local talent and often share the stage with Crystal Plamondon, in addition to studio work.

Today I'm delighted to work with John on the JCM team, bringing our experience to your special occations.

Jennifer Bustin
Jennifer Bustin
Violinist

Hello! My name is Jennifer Bustin (M.Mus). Iโ€™m first violinist and founder of the Strathcona String Quartet. Over a 35 year span, I have performed for hundreds of weddings and special events. Iโ€™ve sat as Concertmaster for the Edmonton Opera, Pro Coro Canada, and Opera Nuova Orchestras. Other ensembles Iโ€™ve performed with include the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra, the Citadel Orchestra, and the Red Deer Symphony Orchestra. You will also see me playing the baroque violin, the treble viola da gamba, and I love picking my banjo too!

I love collaborating with other artists and so Iโ€™m thrilled to contribute to the JCM vision of sharing our passion for music.



Map

165-58st T5Y 0B4 Edmonton (Alberta)

Other vendors in Edmonton for your wedding

Wedding Vendors