Solo Serenades for Romantic Occasions
In the realm of romantic gestures, few things speak as directly to the heart as music. A song, when chosen well and delivered with care, can encapsulate feelings, memories, and hopes better than words alone. Recognizing this, I offer personalized music services designed to elevate anniversaries, proposals, and any moment meant to celebrate love. These solo serenades, whether instrumental or vocal, are tailored to create an intimate and unforgettable experience for you and your loved one.
Real-Life Stories & Testimonials
Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of performing several personal serenades, each one unique and deeply meaningful. Every performance is a special moment in someone’s love story, and it’s an honor to contribute to these once-in-a-lifetime occasions.
One of the most memorable serenades I performed was during the height of COVID-19, a time when live music had almost completely disappeared. A man contacted me to help him propose to his girlfriend in a park. Since everything had to be outdoors and socially distanced, we devised a plan where a sax player and I would appear as if we were casually playing in the park. As they strolled into the area, we played two of her favorite songs—Let’s Stay Together and That’s Amore—just as he got down on one knee to propose. She was completely caught off guard! The surprise and joy on her face were priceless, and after she said yes, they both came over with beaming smiles. It was one of those rare moments when music and life perfectly align, and it reminded me why I love what I do.
Here is a video of that performance.
The client later wrote a lovely review about how much the performance meant to them.
“[5 stars] Dennis did an excellent job performing for a surprise proposal. He learned two new songs that I requested and played them to perfection. He also did quite the acting job to help sell the surprise. I could not have been more pleased with Dennis’s musical performance and would highly recommend him for any events! [This customer rated you highly for work quality, professionalism, and responsiveness].” – Arib R.
Behind-the-Scenes of a Serenade
Every serenade is different, but the logistics are always important. The key is to travel light while making sure that everything sounds great. One of the biggest considerations is amplification—will the performance be acoustic, or will I need a battery-powered amp?
Not every serenade has the same setup. One time, I got a call from someone who wanted to send a singing telegram to his girlfriend. To be honest, I initially thought it was a scam because the guy sounded a little strange on the phone. I insisted on getting paid upfront, and he wired the money to Walmart, where I picked up the wire transfer.
When I arrived at the house, I saw the girl’s father outside, and he seemed a bit gruff. I asked where I should go, and he pointed me around to the front. When I knocked and told the girl I was there to deliver a musical message from her boyfriend, she perked up and immediately asked, “Is he here?” He wasn’t, but he arrived later that evening. I’m not sure how their relationship worked out in the long run, but I know things were going well at the time because the guy called me again the next day to see if I could play during a lunch they were having. That event didn’t end up happening, but it was fun to play my small role in whatever their story was.
Another time, I was hired to do a serenade at a college. The client wanted me to perform I’m Yours by Jason Mraz. This was right after I moved to the Ithaca area, so I actually drove all the way down to State College just to play this one song. The plan was that I would stand outside the dormitory as the couple
came out, and the girl would be surprised by the music. But as soon as they stepped outside, she walked right past me! She had no idea I was there for her. Her boyfriend had to gently grab her arm and direct her back so she could stand and listen to the song he had arranged for her.
In contrast, the park proposal I mentioned earlier required a battery-powered amp because we wanted the sound to carry. That’s the same kind of setup I often use for wedding ceremonies. For the “potential scam” serenade, I brought a small amp and a mic as well. It really depends on the setting and the number of people who need to hear the music.
Song Suggestions for Different Occasions
Every couple has their song, and sometimes, the most unexpected songs hold deep sentimental value. I’ve had requests for everything from classic love ballads to quirky tunes that mean something special to the couple. Here are some commonly requested songs for different occasions:
Proposal Songs
- Can’t Help Falling in Love – Elvis Presley
- Make You Feel My Love – Adele/Bob Dylan
- Lover – Taylor Swift
- All the Small Things – Blink-182
- Iris – Goo Goo Dolls
Anniversary Songs
- Your Song – Elton John
- Perfect – Ed Sheeran
- Unchained Melody – The Righteous Brothers
- At Last – Etta James
- I’m Only Happy When You’re Happy – [Insert Artist]
First Dance or Vow Renewal Songs
- The Way You Look Tonight – Frank Sinatra
- A Thousand Years – Christina Perri
- Stand by Me – Ben E. King
- Let’s Stay Together – Al Green
Just Because Songs
Sometimes, music isn’t tied to a specific event—it’s just about expressing love in the moment. Whether it’s a spontaneous serenade or a special song played during a quiet dinner, the right tune can make an ordinary day unforgettable.
Romantic Settings & Ideas
A solo serenade can work almost anywhere, but some settings are especially magical:
- A moonlit beach or lakeside dock – Imagine the sound of waves gently crashing as music fills the air.
- A candlelit dinner at home – A private, intimate setting where the music is just for you.
- A surprise in a botanical garden or vineyard – Surrounded by nature, a serenade becomes even more special.
- A private rooftop with city lights in the background – The perfect setting for a cinematic proposal.
- A backyard or VFW hall – (These two work best when there is a surprise party.) I’ve played in plenty of unexpected places, and sometimes, those are the most meaningful performances.
One of my favorite surprise serenades took place inside a house. The bride-to-be thought her fiancé was still in California, but when she walked into her home, all her friends were there, and she had no idea what was happening. Then, her fiancé—who had flown back in secret—got down on one knee and proposed. She was thrilled and said yes right away! Afterward, I played a few of their favorite songs, including Lover by Taylor Swift.
The Science of Music & Emotion
Music is deeply tied to our emotions, and scientific studies have shown that certain songs can trigger vivid memories and strong feelings of nostalgia. This is why couples have their song—it’s more than just
notes and lyrics; it’s tied to shared experiences, emotions, and love. Studies show that music activates the same pleasure centers in the brain as food and romantic connection, making it one of the most powerful ways to express emotion.
That’s why a live solo serenade is so impactful—it creates an immersive, heartfelt experience that simply can’t be replicated by playing a recording.
Plan Your Romantic Serenade
Music has the power to transform a moment into a memory that lasts a lifetime. Whether you’re planning a proposal, celebrating an anniversary, or just want to surprise someone special, a personalized serenade is one of the most meaningful gifts you can give.
If you want to surprise the love of your life with a moment they’ll never forget, let’s create a serenade that speaks straight to the heart. Book a free music consultation with me or simply write to me on the contact page.
