Virtuosic String Production

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: New world premiere by composer Carolyn Chen called “Language of the Birds”, a solo violin set titled “Queering the Archive: Electric Bach and Ysaye”, production for new solo debut songs from vocal artist Erin Celeste, string recordings and song production for artist Summer Red, soundtrack/sound design for new release from poet, Joni Wallace

Q: What's your 'promise' to your clients?

A: I will provide production for your content that elevates the emotional impact of your song. I recognize that content creation can be a vulnerable and personal process and I prioritize kind, clear and quick communication!

Q: What's the biggest misconception about what you do?

A: I think it’s not always known how many hours projects can sometimes take depending on the complexity of a song. This includes communication with the client, learning/arranging a part, recording set up/tear-down, tracking and comping, and possible revisions. I think it’s helpful for clients to realize the value of all the hours of expertise that are required to be able to offer remote services such as these!

Q: What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?

A: The more specific your request, the better! Don’t be afraid to provide multiple references and use time stamps to describe a sound/melody that you really liked. Timely feedback is always appreciated and remembered!

Q: What was your career path? How long have you been doing this?

A: I began playing violin at the age of four and had my performed my first solo with a professional orchestra at age 10 (New Mexico Symphony). A graduate of the Oberlin Conservatory, I’ve toured internationally including Italy, France, UK, Brazil, and Mexico. After 20+ years of performing with different ensembles, I transitioned to recording and production in the last five years and have fallen in love with it!

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: Part of how I came to this profession is that I had previously had negative experiences recording in the studio with sessions run by engineers who were intimidating or patronizing. I recognize that creating new content is a personal and vulnerable experience and it is vital for me that all my clients feel like they can work with me in a safe and collaborative space free of judgment.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: When recording string instruments, consider first how the part will be used within the context the song. More soloistic parts might require a closer or brighter mic, whereas more supportive, string-bed parts might need more distance or room sound. Consider also the type of detail you’d like to capture depending on the articulation of the part - are there parts that are pizzicato (plucking) or spiccatto (bouncing the bow on the string)? Knowing the range of articulation and how it will be used in the final song will help determine the most appropriate mic/preamp choice.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: My strongest skill set is identifying what is needed to elevate the emotional impact of the music. Violin is often associated w/ heightened emotion in song and video content. Its ability to emulate a human voice and its versatility of dynamics and articulations makes it a wonderful instrument to use to emphasize the heart-throb moments of your work. Finding and elevating those moments with a violin melody is my favorite part of the job!

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: The two things that set me apart as a violin-focused producer are 1) my ability to compose emotionally gripping melodies and 2) my ability to capture authentic, high quality string acoustics.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: First and foremost, I value kind, clear and quick communication with clients. If we haven’t worked together before, here are the general steps: 1) Contact me through my SoundBetter profile and if possible include a demo of the track, a description of the service you’re requiring, any technical details such as project tempo and sample rate, and finally a reference track that gives me an idea of your final vision for the project 2) Once the project is funded, I will let you know an estimated date of return, usually 1-3 days after receiving the tracks. 3) I do my best to use your reference track as a guide for the final product, but if there are any revisions needed, I am able to finish those 1-3 days after receiving feedback

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: VIOLIN SET-UP: I use an early 1900's acoustic violin from Philadelphia, with warm and rich tones. My set-up varies with each project, but includes: AEA 84 Ribbon Mic, Telefunken FT11 Condensor, AKG451, Rhode M5 Stereo Pair, WA-73 EQ preamp, True Systems P2 high fidelity stereo preamp, and a UA Apollo Interface. Electric violin set-up available on request! THE MIXING SET-UP: My preferred DAWS are ProTools/AbeltonLive. I have an acoustically treated studio used in conjunction with the SoundID Reference plugin for optimal monitoring. Gear highlights include Adam A7X speakers, Sennheiser HD 6xx Headphones, Sony MDR-7506 Headphones, All SoundToys, FabFilter Pro, RX, Ozone, UA EMT140, and many many more plugins.

Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?

A: Totally delighted by the work from mastering engineer Emily Lazaar, founder of the We Are Moving the Needle project whose mission is to increase femme representation in the audio industry. I’m also hugely grateful to the mentorship of Chrissy Tignor (Berklee Online) and Annlie Huang (Marvel Re-Recording Engineer) and organizations such as the Omni Project and She Knows Tech.

Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.

A: I am most commonly sought out for soloistic violin recordings. My classical background combined with ten years of performing with different bands lends me the unique ability to arrange and improvise for a wide variety of genres. I work on projects ranging in style from more traditional classical and folk compositions to techno and hiphop sampling.