Derek Macrae
Toronto Guitarist
Weddings and Special Events
“STOP LOOKING AND BOOK DEREK - Derek was astonishingly professional, kind, prepared and amazing at what he did. He was terrific with communication leading up to the event, arrived an hour early to be ready to play and wowed everyone at the party. If you'd like to skip the stress, hear amazing music that caters to the crowd and atmosphere and feel comfortable that you are in good hands - Derek is YOUR guitarist.”
Luke and Kristen
Guitarist serving Toronto, Mississauga, Oakville, Burlington, Hamilton, Niagara, Muskoka, and surrounding areas.
The classical guitar of Derek Macrae will create an atmosphere that is elegant, sophisticated and intimate.
Derek has been playing and performing on the guitar for over 30 years. During this time he has performed both as a soloist and as part of various musical groups. His extensive musical education includes studying the guitar at The Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA. He performs music ranging from The Baroque, Renaissance, and Spanish Classical periods to Celtic, Flamenco and Contemporary Popular music.
During the holiday season Derek performs at Christmas parties. His repertoire includes all of the Christmas classics.
Using a sound system to extend the sound of his guitar, Derek carefully tailors the volume of the music to the size of the room and the number of guests present. He ensures that each guest is able to hear and enjoy the music while still being able to engage in conversation.
Derek is a personable and talented musician who would like to help you make your event a truly memorable one.
Why Hire Derek?
Professional Attire: Clean and pressed attire suited to the formality of your event.
Early setup: Arrives early to set up so that he is fully set up and ready perform at the agreed upon start time.
Quick Response Time: From your initial inquiry right up to your event you will always get a quick response from Derek.
Great Repertoire: Derek has a huge repertoire of popular songs, including all of your guest’s favourites.
Pleasing Tone and Volume: Derek’s guitar has a pleasing tone, and his volume is set to an appropriate level.
Reasonable Pricing
Hilary Meneer
July 24, 2021.
Derek was an absolute pleasure to have at our wedding! I could not have found a better musician. His music really made the night special and helped to create the intimate atmosphere we were wanting. (Thank you so much Derek!!) We HIGHLY recommend him to anyone looking for a guitarist they can rely on and whose passion and skillset are undeniable. He is now our go-to guy for future events. We really appreciated his musical artistry, professionalism on all fronts, and his added thoughtfulness throughout the planning processing and afterwards. We can't thank you enough Derek!!
Digital Vinyl DJ
July 10, 2021.
We work with Derek quite often and his skill and sound is second to no one! Very professional and dedicated musician without an attitude!
Karen Kinsman
June 21, 2021.
We had the pleasure of having Derek McCrae play his beautiful classical guitar music for our pandemic-era intimate backyard wedding reception.
He played a selection of classical and Celtic choices and some more popular tunes as we prearranged and it really made our event special as it added the warmth of live music and an elegant element to our special event.
Would highly recommend Derek’s services - he is a personable and classy gentleman who is a pleasure to deal with. It’s obvious he wants to please his clients with his easy to work with style 🙂
Thank you again Derek for your wonderful contribution to our wedding day!
Karen and David
Kate
October 21, 2020.
One of the best decisions we made while hosting our daughter's wedding during a pandemic was asking Derek to provide the music. He played beautifully and incorporated special songs we requested that weren't on his playlist. Our guests complimented his playing and the way it enhanced the ceremony.
He is such a professional - knowing we were busy setting up a DIY backyard wedding, he simply arrived, set himself up and started to play lovely music! Despite social distancing he helped us create a feeling of warmth at our gathering.
We heartily recommend Derek for his musicianship and the seamless process he has established for initial follow up, reassuring contact leading up to the event and payment options.
Port Hope Mother-of-the Bride
Bradley Ross
October 3, 2020.
I emailed Derek with a few questions about his service for our wedding. He replied quickly by phone which I requested. He made me feel calm and confident that our wedding service would sound good and go smoothly. People loved the music and he was easy to work with. Great price, great sound, great service.
Brad Ross
jamie peterson
September 12, 2020.
From the first interaction with Derek to the end of his services, it was easy, comfortable and professional!
He played our wedding song as I walked down the aisle and it was so beautiful and perfect!
He was the first one at our venue ready and prepared and we couldn’t have been any happier with his services and talent!
Thank you So much again Derek!!
Jessica Jickels
August 3, 2020.
I originally booked Derek after hearing him play at a Bridal Show over the winter. He offered reasonable pricing, plays beautifully, and was happy to learn Tenerife Sea for us. How could we not?!
When our wedding plans changed to a smaller wedding than originally planned, my partner and I decided having Derek would still be a fabulous addition to our ceremony.
We are so thrilled with Derek's performance on our wedding day! He was very early, extremely professional, and kind. When guests began arriving 30 mins before our ceremony, I had originally planned on sneaking inside to hide. However, Derek was beginning to play, and I simply did not want to miss out on the music! I stayed out and greeted guests with my partner, while being serenaded by the acoustic guitar.
His rendition of Tenerife Sea was absolutely beautiful, and he was careful to meet several other songs I requested post-ceremony. The ambiance created by his music was simply perfect. I highly recommend Derek!
Erin Ragany
July 25, 2019.
Derek recently provided the music for our wedding ceremony and cocktail hour. He was a pleasure to work and would highly recommend! He even took the time to learn a specific song we wanted played!
Susan Townsend
June 11, 2019.
Derek provided the perfect ambiance for our event. He ensured to take care of every detail. Highly recommended!
Susan L
October 4, 2018.
Derek played such beautiful music at our cocktail hour wedding reception. He played perfect music to set the romantic mood. His live classical guitar and stonewalls of the restaurant worked so well together. Having a live classical guitar was one our favorite ideas for our reception. I would highly encourage everyone to feature Derek at their special event.. especially weddings. Thank you Derek!!