Woodwind Session Musician

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: I quit my day job and went to being a full-time musician in 2018 since then I have grown and performed at places I could only dream of. To be able to record music and work with people around the world is a huge joy that I hope to continue doing as time moves on!

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: When would you like the project completed by? How many instruments do you need me to record? What is the final use for this project? Do you have a budget set?

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

A: Reach out to me, let's talk about your project, what you're looking for, budget, time restrictions etc. You miss 100% of the shots you never take!

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: I would like to think that I have a very Pop/Rock vibe. But at the same time I do record a lot of classical works or genres that change constantly.

Q: Which artist would you like to work with and why?

A: I would love to work with Quincy Jones, he is an artist that knows exactly what he wants out of his intrumentalists and from stories I've heard he is an expert and getting that out of people.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Take the time to get to know your equipment, just because a studio has a ton of fancy equipment does not mean that they know how to effectively use it.

Q: What type of music do you usually work on?

A: I work mostly in musical theater, I have toured the country with multiple musical theater productions as well as play for multiple shows on Broadway. I also record with a few pop artists on their albums.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: My strongest skill is reading sheet music. If you have a difficult project that requires multiple instruments or reading some difficult passages. That's where Spongestudios comes in!

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: I bring over 20 years of Woodwind doubling experience as well as the technical knowledge of recording and editing to ensure your product gets delivered on time!

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: First I like to find out what is needed. Let's say you would like flute recorded for your song, the first question would be do you have music or no. In the case of having music, I like to record one take as written, one take with any added flair I think I could add to the piece and usually a 3rd track with some recorded variation so you can pick and choose which track you like the best. If you don't have music I would ask some follow up questions to find out what I can best do to suit your piece. Once I get all the information I like to create a new Logic Project create the channels I will need as well as import any audio that has been provided. I like to listen through multiple times and create markers at any sections that I believe having multiple takes will be beneficial. I usually create a midi track and play the part on piano just to make sure what I have in mind lines up before setting up instruments and getting to work. I do all this prep ahead of actual recording time to help me charge my customers a lower rate when it comes down to actual recording time.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: This is an ever evolving process, most recently I purchased a Mac mini whose sole purpose is to record and edit audio/video. I use Logic as my preferred DAW I have multiple mics from AKG to Neumann that I like to use depending on the instrument being recorded as well as a MOTU interface which has provided me ease when sitting down to record a project. I also have a fully weighted 88key piano connected in this process if I need to plunk out a track to give myself a guideline. When it comes time to record I have a fully soundproof booth that helps me capture the best possible sound that puts my work ahead of your average woodwind studio.

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

A: As a woodwind doubler I have been professionally playing multiple woodwinds for over 20 years.So I have a large list of inspirations of musicians in all styles and continue to find musicians who inspire me.

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

A: I tend to record woodwinds in tracks either improvised to fit the style or record sheet music that was provided to me. I have a large variety of work that comes my way from commercial jingles to musical theater demos and everything in between!