WElcome

Creating Beauty and Enhancing Atmosphere

Gold Standard Musicians are the very best of the best professionals St. Louis has to offer. We work alongside our clients to realize their creative vision for their events—wedding ceremonies and receptions, dinners, holiday parties, corporate events, banquets, and more! We love making your requests a reality, whether you know what you want down to the last detail or want us to take an idea and run with it. Relax and enjoy. Your event is in the best of hands.

Magic in the Details

My Gold Standard colleagues and I have dedicated our entire lives to the excellence of our craft. Since early childhood, we have spent hours every day practicing and honing our skill so we can share amazing music with people like you! Gold Standard Musicians are the best, most dedicated professionals in St. Louis whose passion is creating beautiful music!  —Johanna Ballou

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Let us help you create the perfect musical setting for your event! Get in touch today.

ENSEMBLES

Gold Standard Musicians offers a range of instrumental combos to choose from. We can work with your budget and vision to help you figure out what will work best for you. Check them out!

May 2025, Wedding at Triple 3 Vineyard

“Johanna and her team were fantastic- both in the preparation leading up to our wedding and on the day itself. GSM played our ceremony and cocktail hour, and our only regret is that we weren't able to sit down and enjoy more of it ourselves! They of course nailed the performance, but what we found most helpful was the time Johanna took to plan with us, feel out our taste, and the insight she offered in tailoring the "vibes" of each portion of the wedding. She was instrumental (pun intended) in crafting a playlist for both the ceremony and the cocktail hour that would match the feel we were going for in each case. Can't recommend GSM enough!” —Kevin H.

December 2024, Christmas Eve services

“A big thank you to Johanna and the Gold Standard Musicians! Louis, Graham, Carlolina, and Ranya performed for my church's Christmas Eve Services. We enjoyed every moment of their beautiful music. They also integrated seamlessly with our church praise band for our praise and worship. They were professional, flexible with last minute changes, and extremely low-maintenance. THANK YOU ALL!!!!” —Ben L.

Love from a wedding professional

“I'm a Wedding Planner who LOVES working with the team at Gold Standard Musicians. I've had the pleasure of working with them a few times now.. and the communication is great, the musicians are easy to work with on the wedding day, and the music is beautiful each time. <3” —Madison P.

June 2019, House Concert

“Johanna & her violinist were exceptional! Arrived on time, very professional, and played heart out. She is the real deal!” —Patrick L.

October 2023, Grand Opening Gala

“We had so many compliments on the music at our event. I highly recommend the Gold Standard Musicians at any event that you are having!” —Jill V.

April 2025, Wedding at the Jewel Box

“I loved having this team at my wedding. I had the gilded duo which included a violin and piano player, and they were beautiful from start to finish. Consulting with them was extremely easy and they listened to my needs and were able to come up with the perfect music for us. They are self sufficient and make for the most elegant beginning to your special day. They are fantastic!” —Allison B.

August 2025, Wedding at the Missouri Athletic Club

“Gold Standard was excellent from start to finish. All communication was answered timely with all questions answered. The selection of music with Johanna was a pleasure and she helped made the process easy with her suggestions and knowledge. Musicians arrived on time the night of the event. Music was professional and they played to perfection. Piano player for our cocktail hour was amazing and truly added to the ambiance. Would suggest to anyone to employ their services at any kind of event.” —Rochelle M.

June 2021, House concert

“Johanna, pianist and Tova, violinist came to help us celebrate my in-laws birthdays and wedding anniversary in their home. Being former musicians themselves, my in-laws appreciated the fine details only professionals can deliver with great timing and pitch. A wonderful performance and great selection of music tailored to their liking. Thank you for providing an unforgettable evening.” —Barbara H.