Tell us a little bit about your business.
Joe Molinaro of Once In A Lifetime Violin & DJ offers music and audio packages, including live violin, for wedding ceremonies and receptions. Clients give him glowing reviews about his personal touch and professionalism. Guests rave about his impactful and lovely violin playing, and his packed dance floors speak for themselves.
Joe is also a skilled multi-instrumentalist and has often accompanied singers on piano, or played trumpet during recessional.
What makes your work unique?
Joe’s violin playing is uniquely passionate and engaging. His ceremony music will tug at client’s emotions, with conservatory training showing through his polished performance. Joe is a multitalented rock and jazz musician, resulting in a uniquely punchy and upbeat violin style. His MC service follows the energy of the guests and the style of the couple, and his dance party always goes off.
What is your ideal client like?
Once in a Lifetime Violin & DJ’s product is affordable for the average wedding but will also dazzle at a blockbuster affair. He has the ability to learn music quickly and enjoys custom violin selections for discerning clients. He finds joy in realizing the party around clients’ nostalgic songs and personal favorites more so than picking trendy or chic tunes. His dance party will often include many wedding favorites while avoiding unstylish clichés, and he will adapt from moment to moment to follow the energy of the room.
How do you get to know a couple’s taste in music?
Joe’s planning materials include many places to discuss musical tastes. Selections for special moments help to shape much of the stylistic overview. Client “must play” requests help too. Phone conversations with clients are also very important for getting the gist of the musical aesthetic. But most clients are less interested in having their Spotify workout mix cycled into a playlist and are more interested in watching the dance floor blow up.
How do you motivate guests to get on the dance floor?
Joe’s secret is simple – he cares. He likes how it feels when guests are having a great time. He likes it when they trust him to play songs they know and will dance to. He enjoys seeing which guests have yet to find the dance floor and calculates what songs will get them out, while keeping the current crowd on the floor. He loves when the client has odd musical requests and gets to make them land. He often uses tools like live beat matching and remixing, upgraded lighting packages, and collaborations with other vendors, but Joe doesn’t have to resort to gimmicks.
How would you describe your emcee style?
As an accomplished performing artist and public speaker, Joe is witty and affable while remaining brief. He matches the mood of the room and the other speakers.
