Hi guys, I am a professional classically trained violinist living in Auckland, New Zealand. I have had over 10 years of experience on my instrument, and I regularly play in different groups from symphony orchestras to jazz and rock bands. My sight reading is exceptional, but I also have experience with improv and arrangement. Cheers guys
I can record violin (solo or section) for your track.
I prefer to work with sheet music, but if you are unable to provide any I can do some improv or write a part myself.
For a violin section I record in the same position for each take, but change the pan of each recording later (if you want).
For revisions and feedback takes I send a rough mix with your track as an mp3 and for the final track I send a WAV file (dry or mixed) for each part.
I guarantee that my playing and recording will be of the highest quality.
I'd love to hear about your project. Click the 'Contact' button above to get in touch.
Interview with OrchestralViolinist
Q: Analog or digital and why?
A: A combination. The flexibility of digital is a key part of my work flow and the reliability is also important.
Q: What's your 'promise' to your clients?
A: That I will not view a job as complete until they are completely happy with it.
Q: What do you like most about your job?
A: The music.
Q: What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?
A: Make sure that you have a clear idea of what you want. If possible get some sheet music written. (even something basic is better than nothing)
Q: If you were on a desert island and could take just 5 pieces of gear, what would they be?
A: PC USB audio interface Headphones Microphone Hat
Q: What was your career path? How long have you been doing this?
A: I am relatively new to the music industry and I've only been working professionally for a few years mostly freelancing but also some paid gigs through my casual orchestra.
Q: How would you describe your style?
A: My tone has been describe as dark and rich, but I would personally call it upbeat Gothic if that makes any sense. I can of course play any style.
Q: Which artist would you like to work with and why?
A: I would love to work with Stephane Grappelli because he is the greatest jazz violinist ever.
Q: Can you share one music production tip?
A: NEVER use chorus to boost your strings!
Q: What type of music do you usually work on?
A: Anything from baroque to orchestral rock. I really varies.
Q: What's your strongest skill?
A: Violin playing and interpretation.
Q: What do you bring to a song?
A: It really depends on the song. If they provide sheet music there isn't that much room for interpretation, but if I get asked to do some improv, I can really let fly with some creative ideas. Many people overlook the importance of strings as a textural element in modern music. If you listen to the chart topping hits you will find that the majority of them have strings at some point in the song.
Q: What's your typical work process?
A: I tend to start with research and listening to reference material. Then I sight read/blind improvise over the track and see what happens. Then I refine it slowly taking each section and rerecording it until I am happy. Then I send the client a rough mixed mp3 of the song. If they have anything that they want me to change, I go back and change it. When we are both happy with the track I send them a high quality WAV file, either dry or mixed and mastered.
Q: Tell us about your studio setup.
A: Software: A few years ago when I was setting up my studio, I chose to go down the Linux route, because I want to really support the open-source movement. I chose KXstudio (a variant of Ubuntu) as my OS, and Ardour as my primary DAW. I really haven't ever regretted my choice. Hardware: Custom built PC. USB recording interface with studio quality preamps and 24 bit 48 kHz quality. MXL 990 Condenser Microphone Other bits and pieces
Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?
A: I really enjoy the music of Benj Pasek & Justin Paul especially having played some of it! I am also a great fan of any musical theatre and I regularly play in a number of amateur pit orchestras purely for the enjoyment.
Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.
A: Usually I am asked to recording a backing string section or a solo fiddling or jazz solo.
