Build Your Gig Book
Music for Afternoon Tea
May
Download our curated set of music for afternoon tea. Choose what you want, or buy the entire set with a 10% discount. (Scroll down to buy the set!)
Have you been asked to provide music for an afternoon tea? Live harp music creates an upscale, cozy atmosphere, adding both elegance and warmth to the experience. This list includes a mix of classical pieces suited to a proper tea service alongside lighter, more relaxed selections, including some with a subtle jazz influence to enhance the ambiance.
Titles marked with an * are playable on lever harp.
Classical Solos
Star Edwards
Maurice Draughn
Stephanie Bennett
Elisabeth Plank
Jane Allen
*Cranford Theme
arr. Star Edwards
We’re starting with the theme from the beloved BBC show Cranford, arranged by Star Edwards. Based on Elizabeth Gaskell’s 19th-century works, including her 1853 novel Cranford, the series is set in 1840s England and offers a glimpse into the social lives of women in a small town, where tea gatherings were a regular part of daily life. This theme is not only a beautiful choice for background music, but also a fitting nod to England’s long-standing tea tradition.
Adoration
arr. Maurice Draughn
This is my new favorite classical piece that I will be playing anywhere and everywhere. It’s gorgeous and creates such a beautiful atmosphere for tea service. Composed by Florence Price and arranged by Maurice Draughn, I love that it makes full use of the harp’s range.
*Romanza
arr. Stephanie Bennett
Mozart is always a classic choice for atmospheric music. “Romanza” is the second movement from Eine Kleine Nachtmusik, which translates to “a little night music.” Stephanie Bennett’s arrangement of its popular and peppy melody makes it an elegant choice for tea time.
*C’est mon ami
arr. Elisabeth Plank
Attributed to Queen (and harpist) Marie Antoinette, this piece is particularly fitting given her well-known tie to salon culture where music and tea were often enjoyed together. Elisabeth Plank’s arrangement is satisfying to play and features delicate harmonics and Baroque-style ornamentation.
*The Water is Wide
arr. Jane Allen
Jane Allen has really elevated this folk song with her classical approach. I especially love the beautifully crafted chordal harmonies that give it some extra depth.
Cozy Café Solos
Jacqui Cook
William Mahan
Angela Madjarova
Elitsa Alexandrova
Meg Robinson
*Sweet Romance
by Jacqui Cook
As this section suggests, this original by Jacqui Cook has a warm, cozy character. It offers plenty of room for expression, making it especially rewarding to play while still serving beautifully as background music.
*The Bridges of Paris
by William Mahan
Nearly all of William Mahan’s collections feel perfectly suited for café settings. You truly feel like you’re transported to a Parisian café with this one. I admire his gift for melody and harmony. Some of my favorites in the collection are “Love-locks,” “Pont Neuf,” and “Pont des Arts.”
*The Summer White Boat
by Angela Madjarova
This original composition by Angela Madjarova is truly versatile, suitable for a wide range of occasions. It’s incredibly calming and helps create a dreamy atmosphere perfect for tea service.
*Eternity
by Elitsa Alexandrova
This is another calming piece that beautifully sets the mood for afternoon tea. You can hear the heartfelt longing in Elitsa Alexandrova’s melody lines.
The Ballet Interlude
by Meg Robinson
Meg Robinson’s collection features seven short scenes that feel as if they come straight from your favorite ballet. It’s a uniquely imaginative set with descriptions provided for each piece. Scenes one, two, four, and five in particular would create a beautiful, atmosphere mood.
Jazzy Solos
Amanda Whiting
Carol Robbins
Alexandra Genova
Amanda Whiting
Julia Hannelore Rosenberger
Tea at the Ritz
by Amanda Whiting
I love adding jazzy pieces to restaurant/café settings because they add a nice richness to the background music. Amanda Whiting is known for her standout jazz originals, making this appropriately-titled piece a natural addition to this list!
Still Light
by Carol Robbins
This piece by Carol Robbins is full of joy and rich harmonies. It is truly stunning and I love adding it to setlists when I want to add a little harmonic color.Â
*Timothy’s Song
by Alexandra Genova
Many of Alexandra Genova’s pieces are ideal for setting the mood at background gigs. This piece is especially relaxing and peaceful, with delicate jazz harmonies that allow the music to blend seamlessly into the atmosphere.
Leave Me Be
by Amanda Whiting
Several originals by Amanda Whiting would suit this playlist beautifully, but this is another one of my favorites. Slightly moodier in character, it brings a warm, cozy café atmosphere to any set.
Little Dream
by Julia Hannelore Rosenberger
One final jazzy original rounds out this set. This short piece by Julia Hannelore Rosenberger is dreamy and romantic with a hint of jazz. It will blend seamlessly into the background as guests enjoy their tea.
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| Image | Name | Price | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
 | 'Cranford' Theme Music (harp solo) | $5.00 | |
 | Adoration | $5.00 | |
 | C'est mon ami | $5.99 | |
 | Eternity | $5.45 | |
 | Leave Me Be | $8.00 | |
 | Little Dream | $5.00 | |
 | Romanza | $7.00 | |
 | Still Light | $9.95 | |
 | Sweet Romance | $7.00 | |
 | Tea at the Ritz | $8.00 | |
 | The Ballet Interlude | $14.00 | |
 | The Bridges of Paris | $16.00 | |
 | The Summer White Boat | $7.00 | |
 | The Water is Wide | $5.00 | |
 | Timothy's Song | $9.95 |
