You've found arranger & composer, Steve Turner. From my London studio I write & record beautiful, emotive arrangements for everyone from unsigned singer-songwriters to international artists as well as films, docos, commercials & sync. I put my heart and soul into every track, provide highly realistic mock-ups, and include unlimited revisions.
The best way to appreciate what I do is to read the reviews from my wonderful clients and catch my audio and video showreels on my website/ YouTube/ SoundCloud: stringarranger [no gap], then come back here to discuss.
I write detailed scores for live section recordings (which I facilitate), or for restricted budgets, use my skills as a keyboard player & programmer, with my own unique method, using the best VST samples played with feel & emotion to achieve highly realistic results.
I make my compositions a vibrant part of the track; innovative, contemporary and distinctive yet unobtrusive. I achieve this through beautiful counter-melodies and distinctive harmony, making the strings sing out whilst sitting comfortably in the mix.
Stylistically versatile, I've arranged for genres from pop, soul and R&B to gospel, country and folk, urban and rock, and even Indian & African
My background? I've been a busy session musician, touring with Kylie, Allsaints & ELO, and concerts with Jay-Z & Beyonce. As a producer I've remixed Mary J Blige, Brownstone, Luther Vandross and Michael Jackson
Although my career has mostly been in the pop domain I was classically trained on piano and violin. With an ear for both pop and classical I'm able to achieve a uniquely fresh sound.
I look forward to writing you a stunning arrangement!
Send me an email through 'Contact' button above and I'll get back to you asap.
Credits
Discogs verified credits for Steve Turner (3)- Judge Jules + Boy George
- Armanos
- Que Pasa
- Lefteris Christofis*
- Lefteris Christofis Band
- Clusterfunk
- Various
- Uno Clio Featuring Martine McCutcheon
- A.G. Allstars
- Various
- Armanos
- Various
- Tom Jones & Cerys*
- Que Pasa
- Lee Griffiths
- Mad Doctor X
- Kylie*
- Freestylers
- Various
- Kylie*
- Kylie Minogue
- Jocelyn Brown
- Dash Berlin
- Clannad
- Hjalte Ross
- autolemy
- ABC
- Kylie*
- Freestylers
- Kylie*
184 Reviews - 26 Repeat Clients
Endorse StringArranger
check_circleVerifiedAmazing as always. Beautiful , sensitive , emotional string lines every time. If you want to elevate your work, look no further.
check_circleVerifiedAs always - Steve takes care of business - and why I have worked with him on over 20 singles, A true delight and I highly recommend him.
check_circleVerifiedSteve is an essential part of the music writing and production process. He looks to elevate your work sonically, as well as work with you and your timeframe to get the absolute best results. Perfect for singer-songwriters or people looking for avant-garde sound.
check_circleVerifiedAnother wonderful project with Steve, including real strings, real guitar, real saxophone and real flute !
Steve is very meticulous about his work and has always nice ideas !
Looking forward to working with him again !
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Steve is both professional and incredibly creative. His string arrangement took my song to new heights, adding depth and emotion that truly enhanced the overall composition. I was impressed by how he understood the essence of the music and brought out the best in it. Highly recommend working with him!
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Brilliant work by Steve as usual. Always elevates everything I send him. Amazing.
check_circleVerifiedHigh-end professional (when you know you know), multi-talented, arranger/composer/player and programmer.
On top of all that, Steve is a top man, great to work with, and not precious, he wants to deliver exactly what you need and does.- check_circleVerified
If Steve believes it will work, he will seize upon the opportunities to make it happen for you.
If you can dream it, he can make it come to life… like you have never imagined.
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Fantastic work by Steve who wrote the scores, prepared and supervised the recordings of real strings for 5 songs by a very good orchestra !
It’s always a great pleasure and a peace of mind to work with Steve !
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Steve rearranged for me a song in a superb way ! He also used real strings that were recorded by an orchestra.
He also made a wonderful instrumental version of the song where he brought 2 great musicians : a guitarist (Spanish guitar) and a sax player.
All the instruments are real, no synth ! It's great !
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Steve was wonderful to work with! He was super receptive to what I wanted, communicative and easy to work with! I'm more than happy with how the project turned out!
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A brilliant arranger, and masterful producer, Steve creates stunning string parts - leaving listeners awestruck. A complete pleasure to work with. Steve continues to be my "go to" guy for almost all of my music
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Steve is a true professional in every sense - he's a great choice whether you're a small independent artist or working on a major project. Thanks so much for all you've done for my project!
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Another great work by Steve !
He rearranged for me a difficult song using real strings and real bass. And very nice sounds like mandolin and an angelic atmosphere !
Looking forward to working with him again ! - check_circleVerified
Steve has now completed almost 25 songs for me and each get better as they go. A real pro, focused, and a pleasure to work with. Definitely 5 stars.
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I am running out of superlatives to describe the work that Steve does. Beautiful arrangements, an excellent understanding of what the song requires and elevates every track he works on. Highly highly recommend.
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WOW. Steve is not only an incredibly talented artist, he’s a wonderful collaborator who can place himself in the world of your music and develop string sections that take songs to a whole other level. So happy to be working with Steve, he’s now become a core contributor to the project!
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Another great collaboration with Steve ! He played for me an old song from the end of the 70s. The strings he created are superb ! And the piano is also fantastic !
Looking forward to working with him again !
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Perfection at its finest. Beautiful arrangement. Touching and soulful - all at the same time. Very happy with the outcome. 5 stars!!!
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Steve is a wonderful string arranger. Every time he delivers something truly special. Amazing...
Interview with StringArranger
Q: What questions do customers most commonly ask you? What's your answer?
A: [Q] How many players do I need? [A] It’s all dependent on the style and feel of the track; quartet for that bony intimate sound, 13 to 26+ for lush texture. - - - - [Q] How long is the process? [A] Usually a day to compose an arrangement and maybe half a day for tweaks after discussion with the client. - - - - [Q] Can you fix the orchestra and studio? [A] Yes. I’ll take the arrangement right through from mock-up to delivered stems - - - - [Q] Will you attend the session? [A] Yes, this is always advisable. I will direct the session for a modest pro-rata daily rate plus expenses. Very often I can supervise a 4-hour session abroad as a day-trip. I can also supervise the session by remote audio link (usually Source-Connect) if budget is a real issue. Clients can also attend in person or via remote link. - - - - [Q] I'm on a restricted budget. What are my options? [A] I can deliver very realistic strings using VSTs and my sensibilities coming from being both a keyboard player and a violinist. However, if your track needs live strings a cost-saving solution is to use players who have remote recording facilities. I have achieved fantastic results this way. Another way to reduce budget is to book a quartet who can track-up to the required size of section, or bed-in sampled strings underneath, a tried-and-tested approach.
Q: Analog or digital and why?
A: Well.... In the strings world that refers to 'live players versus VST programming'. Of course, I'll always encourage you to use live players who bring human emotion, nuance and their priceless instruments, and I'll do my best to facilitate this within your budget, even if it's restricted. But I can achieve very realistic results using VSTs too using my ever-developing libray. I play every instrument in as an individual take with human emotion and feel, using multiple articulations and real-time volume input via expression pedal.
Q: What's your typical work process?
A: 1. Review and discuss your tracks and stylistic vision. 2. Prepare a short mock-up for approval before progressing. 3. Continue the arrangement to completion with regular updates to and input from you, and finally sending a completed mock-up. 4. For live strings, prepare scores and arrange the tracking session. For programming, record sampled strings in real time instrument by instrument using expression pedal and articulation key switching for ultimate realism.
Q: If you were on a desert island and could take just 5 pieces of gear, what would they be?
A: MacBook Pro, Adam AX7 monitors, UA Arrow interface, Roland controller kbd, Roland EV-5 expression pedal
Q: How would you describe your style?
A: A synergy of classical elegance and contemporary flair, traditional meets modern. My varied musical upbringing and career path have taken me through classical, then jazz, to pop, soul and R&B, via hip-hop and electro. From this melting pot of influence I derive a uniquely fresh and vibrant sound with it's roots in lush classical harmony.
Q: Tell us about your studio setup.
A: Mac computer, Adam AX7 monitors, UAD Arrow interface, various string libraries; ever evolving but currently including Spitfire Chamber/ Solo and BBC, Kirk Hunter CS2 & Solo 1, and Vienna Symphonic & Session Strings Pro 2, all running on Kontakt
Q: What do you like most about your job?
A: The huge musical reward from hearing a track come to life with a beautiful string arrangement. I also enjoy the working process, liaising with the client and on occasion being nudged into new musical territories. There's no bigger thrill than hearing one of my arrangements played by a string section, or hearing one of my commissions on radio/ TV or in a movie theatre.
Q: Is there anyone on SoundBetter you know and would recommend to your clients?
A: Highly recommended producers on SoundBetter: Paul Stanborough and Namira Productions (Hamza)
Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?
A: I draw influence from so many sources; classic 1950s Hollywood scores and Bollywood soundtracks to the classical Grand Masters such as Beethoven & Bach and contemporary composers including Vaughan Williams, Benjamin Britten & Avro Pärt, along with epic film score composers such as the two Johns (Barry and Williams, Morricone, Herrmann, Desplat and Richter
Q: Which artist would you like to work with and why?
A: Loving Leela James at the moment, also Anthony Hamilton. Gorgeous soulful vocals from both, and dreamy chord progressions to really get my arranging kicks from!
Q: Can you share one music production tip?
A: Every sound you add (strings in my case) needs to have a purpose, and a slot in the mix when it can sit comfortably, sometimes being felt rather than heard, popping its head up only occasionally to deliver to the listener those magical ear-candy moments
Q: What do you bring to a song?
A: Spine-tingling emotion and sparkle! Depending on your musical wishes my arrangements will add texture, drama and emotion to your tracks, with lush harmonies and beautiful melodic counterpoint. They will sit comfortably in the mix whist also finding their own space in the production spectrum.
Q: Tell us about a project you worked on you are especially proud of and why. What was your role?
A: Jocelyn Brown's album 'True Praises' is one of my personal favourites. I loved working with the Nashville String Machine for Darlene Zschech, and recording the SSO at Glasgow Royal Concert Hall for Denquar Chupak
Q: What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?
A: Real players are worth the extra expense if you can run to it. I have various solutions for tight budgets including remote sessions and very realistic VST sample programming using my ever-develping library
Q: What was your career path? How long have you been doing this?
A: My career really took off as a keyboard player in the 90s on the international touring circuit working with, amongst others Kyile, ELO, Jay-Z and Beyoncé. I sidelined into writing and production, initially with Uno Clio and LFA, remixing for Luther Vandross, Michael Jackson and Brownstone, amongst many others. Then in the early 2000s I had the contacts to develop my passion for string arranging!
Q: What's the biggest misconception about what you do?
A: Although I can easily transcribe an existing arrangement my real skill (the one I focus on) lies in composing original arrangements.
Q: What's your 'promise' to your clients?
A: I work tirelessly to ensure I’ve fully encapsulated my client’s musical vision for their song. I always achieve perfection with everything I do. An arrangement won't leave my studio until I'm proud of it, and you are completely enthralled. The same of course applies to recording sessions and VST programming (which I'm quite obsessive about!)
Q: What are you working on at the moment?
A: I'm currently arranging a number of exquisite instrumental small live sections tracks for a very talented composer. Due to Covid-19 restrictions I'm using my network of tech-savvy string players who have their own pro-studio set-ups at home. The results are stunning.
Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?
A: - What’s your track duration and style? - Will you be wanting live strings or samples? - Have you decided on a section size/ number of players? - Can you send me some references that embody your vision for the arrangements? - Can you send a good demo for the purposes of delivering a more accurate quote?
Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.
A: Composing beautiful, emotive string arrangements for major label artists and also those all-important up and coming unsigned writers and singers. I also write for films and TV, and recently for big live concerts
Q: What's your strongest skill?
A: Distinctive melodic counterpoint and lush harmonies. I have the ability to hear straight away what's needed from the strings for your track, and the skill to deliver very realistic mock-ups so you can judge for yourself before committing.
Q: What type of music do you usually work on?
A: I've arranged for styles ranging from pop and soul, R&B and gospel to country and folk, urban and rock, even african. Stylistically versatile! I split my time between working with recording artists and music-in-media (Documentaries, films, adverts etc)
I was the String Arranger in this production
- String ArrangerContact for pricing
- Composer OrchestralContact for pricing
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- ProducerContact for pricing
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- PianoContact for pricing
After discussing your track we'll agree a fee. I'll make you a short demo and when I get your OK I'll continue with the arrangement and make all the mods you require until you're completely happy.
- Ennio Morricone
- John Williams
- Aaron Copland
- Mac computer
- UA Arrow interface
- Adam A7X speakers
- Kontakt running VSTs including Spitfire Chamber & Solo
- KH-CS2 & Solo 1 and NI-SSP2
Trial demos/ mock-ups are inclusive, as are unlimited revisions.
- Lovely Songs!Jun 20, 2024
Loads of lovely talented songwriters and artists coming to me for arrangements. I'm so grateful to have the opportunity to work with such amazing people creating beautiful music :)
- 2024 proving to be a nicely busy one!Apr 28, 2024
I'm very grateful to have built up a solid roster of client producers and artists who come back to me again and again, proving I must be doing something right!
I love working on their material and would also love to work on yours! 2024 has been a busy one so far but I'm always on the lookout for new clients. I love discovering new music this way. It's an absolute joy!
- Crazy 2023. Here comes 2024!Jan 08, 2024
What a whirlwind '23, creating strings & production for the most amazing songs & artists
Another film, plus several big albums and a big concert at the RAH, London.
I've taken on a scoring & production assistant, and a second studio.
We now have virtual 24bit 48kHz studio monitoring for clients.
- Independent commissionsMay 24, 2023
This year has been a busy for wonderful independent commissions. So lucky to work with some amazingly talented writers, producers and artists.
A slight increase in live strings commissions due to tricks I’ve employed to keep costs down, occasionally booked to facilitate just the recordings.
My choice orchestral teams and remote session players are absolutely wonderful! - Film orchestration and loads of great tracksDec 05, 2022
This year has seen another big film orchestration job (see my IMDb profile) plus many great tracks from new and returning clients. Busy, but a nice 'busy'!
More demos coming soon :)
- Great tracks!Sep 29, 2022
Great tracks coming through from my clients. Love enhancing them with strings.
Half my clients are using real strings. My orchestras are doing amazing work translating scores into vibrant performances.
My production services are being called on more. Studio partner Will is doing a great job mixing and I have a great team of session musicians.
- Wonderful clients :)Jul 25, 2022
Another really busy quarter with some gorgeous songs and albums, plus two films. Most of these have been recorded with live orchestra so I’ve been putting some miles in attending and directing sessions.
From putting in 7-day working weeks for most of this year I have a little more relaxed schedule for the next month :) - Loads of lovely songs!May 10, 2022
I've not had the time to update my news feed for all the wonderful songs coming my way from my talented client base. Such a wonderful variety and incredible quality from all corners of the world. I'm very fortunate to have the opportunity to enhance these artists' and producers' work
- Intriguing commissions and new software!Apr 21, 2021
Lots of lovely commissions coming in from around the world including some stunning pop ballads, Classic Rock and Healing Music. I absolutely LOVE my job!
Trialing additional new software too!!
- Sansano sessionsMar 04, 2021
January saw me attending the tracking of my arrangements for a wonderful album of songs for Spanish producer Cristóbal Sansano with the Scottish Session Orchestra (organised by Clockwork Sessions) in their great new recording facilities, an old church in Glasgow. Watch the video on my StringArranger YouTube channel.
- Ghana arena showDec 28, 2020
Excited to hear the results of tonight’s epic gospel-meets-classical live album recording at a big worship event in Ghana’s Bukom Arena.
As well as 24 strings I added french horn and harp. Client and producer Alfred EWJ has been so supportive. - Goin' Classical!Nov 09, 2020
So... it's 'Baroque Pop' week with one of my superb returning clients, a very talented songwriter and composer who's producing something so unique and refreshing.
I'm also back creating arrangements with a client who came to me through my MySpace page (remember them?!) back in 2009... another symphonic creation, just live piano and soaring strings.
- FinlandiaOct 04, 2020
I'm not sure how the great master would feel about this, but I've just popped up a VST-created quartet rendition of Finlandia by Sibelius on my audio player.
Forgive me Jean!!
- Gorgeous classical-inspired commissionSep 24, 2020
Just delivered one of favourite commissions to date; a gorgeous contemporary classical piece for violin and piano. Written by the client, my job was to adapt his piano version for violin, prepare the score and supervise the recording. Then I took care of the editing and the mix/ mastering.
Very rewarding. I love my job!
- VST demoSep 08, 2020
On request from clients I've added a demo of my VST sampled strings programming, on their own with no track so you can hear the detail. This was from a recent Gospel commission. The section size is approximately 18, so 'chamber' size.
The demo is the last track on my profile demo player
I'll be adding a quartet equivalent shortly
- Commissions windfallAug 30, 2020
After a slightly quieter August (which I took advantage of for a holiday) things are hotting up again here at StringArranger. I have two returning clients, both for lush ballads; one with a county feel and the other an African flavour. Both are gorgeous songs which I'm really looking forward to arranging for.
I've also got a couple of new clients on the horizon, for remote strings sessions.
- Out there!Aug 21, 2020
Absolutely loving my current SoundBetter commission! It's a boundary-stretching pop/classical hybrid, very angular and therefor extremely distinctive. We're working the 12-pice live section hard. Lots of fast, harmonically-complex runs!
- Beautiful Gospel commissionsJul 26, 2020
Alongside more of Patricks U's gorgeous classical-inspired piano and violin tracks, I'm adding magic to a string of beautiful Gospel music commissions. Incredibly complex lush chord sequences that get my creative brain cells stirring! Joyous!!
- EnnioJul 06, 2020
Mourning the passing of the hugely inspirational Ennio Morricone. Lush harmonies, stirring melodies, innovative instrumentation... he had it all.
R.I.P
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=nejcuvTLt1Y
- Throwback film!Jul 04, 2020
Throwback to 2016 when I worked on this film with Pól Brennan in his idyllic rural studio in Co.Kilkenny. A very dark story and well worth watching.
'Property Of The State'. A very dark film!
- Violin excellence!Jun 15, 2020
I feel blessed to have such a wonderful team of orchestral session players in my team. More importantly I've now honed that team to a core of players who have excellent technical knowledge and equipment to be able to deliver very high quality online sessions, vital in these times. My last commission for Patrick U delivered a stunning classical violin and piano piece, played with true passion.
- Producer!Jun 12, 2020
Not my usual thing but this month I finished a full production job for a client who originally came to me for just the strings. Acting as producer I arranged the brass and strings and supervised the remote recording of the full band, all stellar London session players. I outsourced the mix to a colleague.
- More lovely tracks for PatrickJun 12, 2020
Lockdown has been busy busy Busy!! I've just completed another gorgeous track for a regular client, Patrick on SoundBetter. Just piano and strings but absolutely full of texture and emotion.
I've also just finished off a flurry of arrangements for several gospel clients - big lush, complex chords!
- Doco full episodeMay 17, 2020
Here's a link to the full first episode of the highly acclaimed RTÉ documentary The Irish Revolution. Lots of string action mostly recorded on VSTs:
The Irish Revolution - Episode 1 (RTÉ)
- Yar Ivargal film trailerMay 04, 2020
Another of my Prague sessions was for Javed Riaz, for the action film Yar Ivargal. Here's one of the promo trailers, featuring the film's theme song.
Yar Ivargal (film trailer - featured song)
- Documentary: The Irish RevolutionMay 04, 2020
Last year I was over in Ireland with Pól Brennan to work on this fascinating and thought-provoking documentary. Originally broadcast on RTÉ in three one-hour episodes it was abridged into a film.
The Irish Revolution (RTÉ) - short clip
- Lockdown sessionsMay 02, 2020
Making some exquisite music for my clients during lockdown using my network of talented and tech-savvy home-studio string players. All have great-sounding recording spaces and high-end mics. For those clients requiring it I'm also mixing and mastering the results here in my London studio.
- Prague day trip sessionMar 29, 2020
A very enjoyable day trip to Prague this month, although I saw nothing of the city!
MUSA, at CZTV studios were my hosts for an excellent session recording a 12-piece section for a wonderfully enigmatic album.
Whimsica Sardonica session @ CZVT, Prague
- Glasgow Concert Hall sessionsOct 07, 2019
Last week I travelled up to Scotland to supervise the recording of one of my arrangements for a new client, using the Scottish Session Orchestra at the wonderful Glasgow Royal Concert Hall. Great acoustics.
Denquar session - Glasgow
- Alison WonderlandSep 12, 2019
An amazingly exciting project signed off with Australian superstar Dj Alison Wonderland for her live shows. Tonight is the second night at Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Colorado. Massive show!
Wonderland sessions - LA
- Jeff Lynne's ELOSep 12, 2019
A very musically rewarding couple of months over in the States with Jeff Lynn's ELO!
- Jan's album completedJul 07, 2017
Jan Stroud's album has been rewarding. It's been over a year in production but that time has been well worth it.
Each track is a stunning composition, from the heart and from a very personal perspective.
Not every track uses live strings and on a few I just played piano but this ranks as one of my favourite commissions. - Two films in the canJul 07, 2017
I've been over in Ireland working on two films which should be on general release later this year. Gorgeous music!
