Live Violin for New Year's Eve in New York
Julie Schatz plays live violin and piano for New Year's Eve parties and galas in New York City and New Jersey, and performs live violin over a DJ set for the countdown and after.
It is one night, so she takes one event. Send your details for a New Year's Eve quote.
Private parties and galas
A private party at home, in a loft or in a private room usually wants two things: music people can talk over early in the night, then something to dance to. Solo violin or jazz piano covers the first part. DJ and live violin covers the second.
A gala or ticketed event has a run of show. Julie works from it with your planner or production team: music for arrivals, music through dinner, and a set timed to the countdown. She is used to working with in-house AV.
The midnight moment
The night builds to one minute, so plan the music around it. A common shape is a live violin feature as the countdown ends, then straight into the DJ and live violin set while the room is still on its feet. Tell Julie how you want midnight to feel and she will plan the cue with you.
Formats
- Solo violin. One musician, a small footprint, and the easiest fit for arrivals and cocktail hour.
- Jazz piano. Standards, soul and modern covers at conversation level for dinner.
- Violin and piano duo. Julie switching between the two, or the two-musician Soul Shades duo for a fuller sound.
- DJ and live violin. A full DJ set with violin played live over it, for when the room is ready to dance.
If you only need a DJ, see New Year's Eve DJ with DJ DX.
Holiday songs
Tell Julie which holiday songs you want when you inquire and she will confirm what fits the set. Up to three requests from the existing list are included with every booking, and the jazz standards, soul and pop on it work at a holiday party too. You can see the full 255-song repertoire.
One night, one booking
There is only one New Year's Eve each year, and Julie can be in one room for it. The date goes to the first confirmed booking, which means a signed agreement and a retainer. If you are considering it, send the details now, even if the plan is not final.
Recent and upcoming holiday work
- December 10, 2026. Corporate holiday party at The Palace at Somerset, Somerset, NJ.
- December 2025. Shared the bill with Crystal Waters at a corporate event.
For parties earlier in December, see Corporate holiday party music and Christmas and holiday party violinist. For other celebrations, see private events or galas and benefits.
Questions
How much is a violinist for New Year's Eve?
Send the date, venue, hours and format you have in mind and Julie replies with a New Year's Eve quote within 24 hours.
What happens at midnight?
That is planned with you. A common approach is a live violin feature as the countdown ends, followed right away by the DJ and live violin set for dancing.
Do you play private parties as well as galas?
Yes. Private parties usually start with solo violin or jazz piano and move to DJ and live violin later in the night. Galas follow a run of show, and Julie works from it with your planner or production team.
How early should we book New Year's Eve?
As early as possible. It is a single night and Julie takes one event, so the date goes to the first confirmed booking.
Is sound and lighting included?
The DJ and live violin format includes a full DJ setup with sound and lighting. Solo violin and piano bookings include a sound system scaled to the room.
Ask about New Year's Eve.
Send the venue, the hours and how you want midnight to go. Julie replies within 24 hours.
Request a quote →