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Ruthy Stenger
- Bethesda, MD
- Pianist
- Travels up to 120 miles
- $400-$800
Overview
I'm a conservatory trained musician with degrees in both piano and voice. I am highly experienced and will add that touch of elegance and taste to your occasion! I love to perform a variety of musical styles, including Jazz Standards, Classic Showtunes, Pop/Country from the Decades, Light Classical and Christian. I can play on your piano or bring my own piano & gear. I really enjoy both playing and singing together and it adds nice variety of sound and increases song choice for you.
Kindly consider me for your party, business event, wedding or funeral needs. I'm honored to provide the joy of live music for you!
19 Reviews
Ruthie was fun and engaging but unintrusive for our wine tasting fundraiser. People had a lot of fun and in the end turned into a great impromptu sing-along. Will definitely have Ruthie back!
Pianist, Singing Pianist
We enjoyed all the interactions!
Jazz Pianist, Jazz Singer, Keyboard Player, Pop Singer, Singing Pianist
Response from Ruthy Stenger:
What a pleasure to play for the Hunt Club- such nice folks! Thanks again for having me and lesson learned... you can't trust GPS- even two GPS's to find a location sometimes. Sorry about all that! Looking forward to possibly playing the Christmas Party!
Ruthy Stenger is a truly gifted and versatile pianist and singer. I'd wanted to have a mixed repertoire at the funeral home visitation for my sister. Begin with light classical, include Catholic hymns that my (deceased) sister and I both grew up on, then move on to more popular tunes --- including jazz standards, a country song, etc. Ruthy understood that I wanted to do something special for my sister who was a dedicated amateur pianist. She collaborated very generously with my ideas for the program, and even learned pieces that she had to prepare from scratch. She even took requests from the attendees. The funeral home manager noticed what a good time family and friends were having -- my sister would have wanted that -- and asked Ruthy for her card, so they could recommend her in the future. I'm 100% satisfied that we chose Ruthy for our event.
Broadway Style Entertainment, Country Singer, Funeral Music, Jazz Pianist, Jazz Singer, Pop Singer, Singing Pianist
Response from Ruthy Stenger:
This was so nice Cynthia- thank you for not only this wonderful review, but your generosity towards me. It was a great honor to play for you and your family and I hope I honored her and made the time easier for everyone.
Ruthy was fantastic at the Celebration of Life for my husband. She was very professional. She was there ahead of our agreed time and set up. I had sent her desired selections of hymns and secular music. We discussed the list of music and she put together a beautiful compilation from traditional hymns, her own song creation to "The Rainbow Connection" and the Beach Boys Pet Sounds. It all flowed seamlessly and sounded wonderful and was very meaningful to our family. In addition she sang beautifully leading the hymns during the service. Not only is she talented but a lovely person to do business with, I was at ease trusting her to follow through and she did everything I had hoped for and more. She made the service extra special with her talent and artistry in her craft. You won't be disappointed.
Funeral Music, Keyboard Player, Singing Pianist, Pianist
Professional, energetic and talented, Ruthy made our party a success from start to finish! It was such a joy to have her here at the house - she immediately established a rapport with every one of our 40 guests and had them captivated with her musical talents. Everyone enjoyed her impressive energy as she not only played her keyboard and sound system but then shifted to our family piano and led a singalong which everyone enjoyed. She made the party a very special event for us all! If you're thinking of booking a pianist for your event, Ruthy is the one you want!
Keyboard Player, Singing Pianist, Pianist
Ruthy was fabulous. Our colleagues at work really enjoyed listening to her sing and play the piano during our end of year Holiday Celebration at the office. We will definitely invite Ruthy back for future events. Thank you!
Singing Pianist, Pianist
Response from Ruthy Stenger:
Thank you SO much Maritza! You were there every step of the way- booked me early and had folks there to guide me in. It's no wonder that your pharmaceutical company is in the top echelon- you attend to the details and I love that! I'm so glad to hear you liked everything and I'm happy to play any other time! Ruthy
This is my THIRD review! Ruthy is wonderful—
enthusiastic, a great musician and she came prepared with all our songs and kept guests entertained; she even got some of them to dance! It was a wonderful evening.
Jazz Pianist, Jazz Singer
Response from Ruthy Stenger:
This was so nice of you!! It was lots of fun, wasn't it? How we all sang the old songs together. I'm glad we had a little dancing, too. You both are so musical and we liked ALL the same songs!! Ruthy
Ruthy was enthusiastic, knows and loves all our favorite oldies from the ‘40s and earlier! She accompanied us both and what a musician she is! Wonderful! Thank you so much for making out birthdayparty memorable!
Jazz Singer, Keyboard Player
Response from Ruthy Stenger:
Ralph's birthday was a success! He was good on the Gut Bucket- I'll never forget that home-made bass and him playing it. That was really interesting. "The Birth of the Blues" and "Is That All There Is" will always be Bobbie and Ralph songs. I'll never sing or hear those songs without thinking of you. We sang together so many fun songs and whooped it up a little, didn't we? I'll never forget it! Lots of love to you both- Ruthy
We hired Ruthie to play for our firm's holiday party. She knew when to play for background during dinner but then livened things up for the after party. She even played some Taylor Swift for our office Swifties. Ruthie has a great attitude and I highly recommend her for your next party.
Singing Pianist
Response from Ruthy Stenger:
Thanks Declan for having me- it was a lovely party. I was so glad to be part of it. Thanks for taking the time to do a review and also for your kind generosity! Ruthy
Ruthy is a compassionate, thoughtful, and highly talented individual. She performed and arranged an assortment of piano/vocal music for a recently departed family member during visitation and funeral services.
Her music brought warmth and grace to an otherwise sorrowful event and attendees only had wonderful things to say about her.
From the start, Ruthy was mindful of the circumstances and demonstrated professionalism in planning for the service. She understood the nuances of performing a Christian service, for a member of the military, under a tight schedule of events.
Equipped with an abundance of hymns in her repertoire, Ruthy arrived early, showed respect for loved ones, addressed changing needs in scheduling, fulfilled musical requests and arrangements, and demonstrated a knack for “feeling the room,” taking musical queues when needed.
She is a wonderful talent and we would welcome her back, next time on a more joyful occasion.
Funeral Music, Pianist
Response from Ruthy Stenger:
Oh my you are so kind to write this detailed, wonderful review. I really thank you!! Truly, an honor to play for such a fine man and family. I'll never forget that Marine Chapel. The service was so well organized and it was befitting him. I'm just so happy to read this. His wife picked out perfect songs for the service. Thank you again!! - Ruthy
Ruthy played piano and sang a beautiful solo at my mother’s Celebration of Life Ceremony. She is not only very professional, arriving early and well prepared, she is warm and friendly. Her singing of my mother’s favorite hymn was heartfelt and brought tears. I would recommend Ruthy for any occasion.
Funeral Music
Response from Ruthy Stenger:
Hello! Thank you for having me. What a wonderful wonderful woman your mom was. I was honored to sing her special song and provide music for her service. I enjoyed meeting you and your family!
Ruthy knocked it out of the park, and our party was super fun thanks to her amazing talent! I cannot even begin to describe how GREAT it was to have Ruthy at our party! First of all, a little background: we were planning my mom's 90th birthday party with 15 relatives, and knew that too much "dinner table conversation" is very hard for her at 90. So we knew we had to plan something "different" from the normal dinner party. (With hearing aids and a bit of dementia, we wanted something fun and memorable.) Oh my gosh... hiring Ruthy was THE BEST decision!! We asked her to organize a sing-a-long of old tunes my mom would recognize. Ruthy is so prepared! She came to our house, set up her keyboard, passed out song books she had organized and printed up, and she played for over an hour, special songs we had picked out together. The smile on my mom's face throughout the whole sing-a-long was priceless. Ruthy is such a delight, her personality is charming and funny, her voice is amazing, she got everyone singing and even dancing. (Even my mom got up and danced!!) Wow, what a party, best decision ever!! Ruthy is a gem, and I strongly recommend Ruthy for your party!
Singing Pianist
OMG! First I have to say GigSalad offers a number of talented folks for the event but I went with Ruthy because she both sang and played the keyboard and she is a mutual friend of a very good friend of mine. From the get-go in planning the event she was with me every step of the way. It was a vintage swanky cocktail party with each couple making their own signature cocktail for us and 50 s style with 50’s era food planned by my wife and 40s to 60s style jazzy cocktail party music performed by Ruthy! She even learned a few special modern tunes for the event fir me that I sang and played guitar for my wife and then she played special songs I picked out for all the gals while their significant others came up and presented them a rose and several group songs for the guys and dolls and she even brought a binder of her song lists for our guest to request songs! Organizing, planning and playing with her was seamless and such a joy! Our guests and especially my wife were overwhelmed and kept saying how great Ruthy was! She even played diamonds are girls best friend when I surprised my wife with diamonds! She kept the party moving and everyone was laughing and happy the whole time and I could feel the energy and how it bonded each of the couples closer together. I am so thankful I found this elegant, classy, and kind-hearted professional artist for the party. Her sequenced burgundy dress that she wore and the Valentine’s back drop and decorations was the icing on top of the cake. She’s the best! My friends and my wife and I would not hesitate to ask her to entertain us again. I still have a bit of a tear in my thinking about how special it was fir everyone all while chuckling on how well it turned out! Yes! Ruthy sings! Yes, Ruthy Entertains! and she does it so well! I would give Ruthy 10 stars if I could!
Ruthie was wonderful. The guests enjoyed her Christmas music. She was personable and professional and we will certainly ask her back for our next event.
Christmas Carolers
Response from Ruthy Stenger:
Thank you so much for having me! It was a well organized party and it was so nice to be part of it all! Ruthy
Ruthy arrived early to the venue. She had everything set up. She was very friendly and kind. She communicated with me directly for several days prior to the event to ensure that she selected music that I would truly enjoy. She played nonstop for almost 3 hours. She’s so kind and so pleasant. The music was beautiful. And she has a lovely voice. Thank you Miss Ruthy. You were wonderful to have around my family.
Pianist
We hired Ruth for our happy hour at an assisted living facility, and I can't speak highly enough about her. From the beginning, Ruth was very prompt and professional with communication. Upon meeting her, she is incredibly warm & friendly, and very charismatic. On the day of, Ruth paused between songs and spoke with the 'audience', giving little histories of the songs or asking trivia style questions. She is so upbeat, and you can tell that it's genuine joy- she truly loves performing and getting to know her audience. She sang and played the piano for the first half of our happy hour, and then passed out lyric sheets to all the residents and we did 'singing along with Ruthy' for the second half. Ruth did a great job of selecting songs that were appropriate for the residents. We have a few more dates scheduled with her (and plan to schedule more!), and I know that she plans to bring different lyric sheets for next time to switch things up for the residents! I can't speak highly enough about our time with her and I highly recommend her. I am confident that no matter the setting, she will go above and beyond for your event.
Pianist
Ruthie played at an engagement cocktail hour and dinner for our son and fiance. There were 40 people in attendance. She was extremely easy to work with from initial contact until the end if the event.
She played songs of american standards from the Great American Song Book, which included Sinatra, Tony Bennett, and others. She also mixed in show tunes and classic pop tunes.
Ruthie is a very talented and professional musician. Instinctively knowing where to set the volume to enhance the overall atmosphere of the event, which migrated from cocktail hour to sit down dinner. I don't think we could have found anyone better to provide live music at our event.
We would love to hire her again if we ever need live music for a special occasion.
Charlie
Singing Pianist, Pianist
I’m a professional musician myself so perhaps I hold a higher standard than most. Ruthy answered our inquiry promptly and showed up early and was set up on time. We hired her for a family funeral and she even researched verses of a religious hymn for us before we had ever met. Her professionalism was what first made an impression on us, but her voice and playing was what made the memorial service especially memorable for all. Our highest recommendations for Ruthy.
Funeral Music, Keyboard Player, Singing Pianist, Pianist
Booking Info
Price Range: $400-$800
About
I have a degree in Piano Pedagogy with a minor in Jazz Piano and also a Voice Performance degree from Shenandoah Conservatory of Music. I joined a dance band, "Spectrum" while in college and I am with them still with them today. I've logged over 1,200 performances with them and that gave me a solid foundation in variety music. I love playing and singing jazz standards and I can do a variety of other modern styles. In fact, I really like playing piano and singing together. It lets me do more song styles and add in many more song choices. Plus it gives the listener more variety.
My background in music is very solid. I've performed extensively, directed, taught and composed music.
Additional Booking Notes
My requirements are minimal. I am self-contained if needed and do not take up alot of room.
Past Booked Events
October 26, 2024 • 6:00pm - 8:00pm | Halloween Party |
August 10, 2024 • 5:00pm - 7:30pm | Fundraiser |
June 09, 2024 • 5:30pm - 9:30pm | Cocktail Party |
April 17, 2024 • 11:00am - 12:30pm | Worship Service |
March 08, 2024 • 10:30am - 12:30pm | Funeral/Memorial Service |
December 26, 2023 • 5:00pm - 7:00pm | Christmas Party |
December 24, 2023 • 6:00pm - 10:00pm | Christmas Party |
December 15, 2023 • 6:00pm - 8:00pm | Christmas Party |
December 12, 2023 • 2:30pm - 5:00pm | Christmas Party |
November 12, 2023 • 4:00pm - 7:00pm | Birthday Party |
November 10, 2023 • 6:00pm - 9:00pm | Holiday Party |
October 25, 2023 • 11:30am - 12:15pm | Funeral/Memorial Service |
September 16, 2023 • 11:00am - 12:30pm | Funeral/Memorial Service |
July 07, 2023 • 6:00pm - 9:00pm | Birthday Party |
May 20, 2023 • 10:00am - 12:00pm | Funeral/Memorial Service |
February 19, 2023 • 2:00pm - 4:00pm | Funeral/Memorial Service |
February 18, 2023 • 12:00pm - 1:00pm | Birthday Party |
February 04, 2023 • 6:30pm - 8:30pm | Cocktail Party |
January 13, 2023 • 12:00pm - 2:30pm | Funeral/Memorial Service |
December 08, 2022 • 6:30pm - 8:30pm | Christmas Party |
September 03, 2022 • 5:00pm - 7:00pm | Birthday Party |
June 05, 2022 • 5:00pm - 8:00pm | Wedding Engagement |
May 04, 2022 • 10:00am - 12:00pm | Funeral/Memorial Service |
Set List
I have a Google Spreadsheet set up of my songs divided into 8 main categories:
Jazz Standards, Show Tunes, 50's & 60's, 70's & 80's, 90's and Up, Country, Specialty, Christmas
Please copy and paste or use this link to see my song list.
Setup Requirements
I can bring my piano keyboard, sound system and headset mic. I've got you covered! Or I can play on your piano.