You’ll likely know that Summer Solstice takes place on (or around) 21st June each year. What you may not be aware of, though, is that 21st June also plays host to another special day internationally – but in France particular.
First celebrated in Paris in 1982 – as part of Maurice Fleuret’s vision as Director of Music and Dance at the French Ministry of Culture – Fête de la musique (or World Music Day) now takes place on 21st June every year.
Throughout France, amateur and professional musicians alike are encouraged to “make music” outdoors. Free concerts are central to the celebration, with performers being required to donate their time free of charge (in order to be sanctioned by the official Fête de la Musique organisation in Paris).
Top spots to enjoy the day in Paris include the Jardin des the Jardin des Tuileries, the Petit Palais, the Institut du Monde Arabe, the Louvre, Jardin du Luxembourg, on Place Denfert Rochereau and along the banks of the Seine. It’s also worth noting that selected public transport links in Paris run all night long…
If you’re a musician looking to move to France, or need to transport your instrument(s!) abroad, you’re in luck; our friends at Burke Bros Moving Group have all the key tips you’ll need.
Let’s take perhaps the most challenging musical instrument to transport: a grand piano.
Tip 1:
In most cases, especially when moving larger instruments, it’s going to be worth its weight in gold to consult with a removal company.
Without wishing to state the obvious: instruments like pianos are inevitably rather heavy. If you try to move an instrument of this size yourself, you’ll risk seriously injuring yourself and those helping you with your move – not to mention potentially damaging your highly intricate instrument, along with your flooring, walls and any surrounding furniture.
Amazingly, most removal businesses (including Burke Bros) have no weight limit on what they can move, provided they have sufficient time to plan and prepare their team and the specialist equipment required. As such, utilising an accredited removal business means there’s no need for any guesswork, or time spent worrying, from your end.
Tip 2:
As most musical instruments require special handling, it’s vital you dedicate time to planning how they’ll be transported.
Ensure you take time to consider things like:
- Where your instrument currently is, and if you can clear the way for those who will be moving it – and the same for where you’d like your instrument placed on the other side.
- The approximate weight of your instrument – to get an idea of the number of people and equipment needed to move it.
- Whether you can take your instrument apart at all, to prevent damage by choosing to individually wrap certain parts. For example, on a grand piano, it’s not uncommon to remove its legs, lyre and music rack before moving. If you can, you’ll also want to lock the piano lid shut.
- Ensuring you’ve got to hand: a piano cover if you have one, plenty of bubble wrap, wrapping, protective covers (e.g. old blankets/ sheets) and fragile labelled packing tape.
- Where your documentation for your instrument might be found, for insurance purposes.
Tip 3:
Be prepared for the fact that your instrument may arrive in its new destination sounding a little out of sorts – this is especially true for pianos.
It may be a good idea to look out a local professional tuner before it’s due to be moved, so you’re able to enjoy your instrument in its new home as soon as possible once its arrived.
Hopefully these tips will help all you musicians feel more confident with this aspect of your move – and in trusting in a moving firm like Burke Bros’ expertise!
Got questions about moving an instrument, or something else precious?
Comment below & we’ll get back to you!
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