Orchestrator & Music Engraver

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: Sibelius Ultimate for writing arrangements and engraving sheet music. // Cubase Pro for producing the orchestral tracks (MIDI programming & mixing). // My sample libraries include different products from: Cinesamples, Orchestral Tools, and Spitfire Audio.

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

A: It really depends on the project. Usually, rock-pop songs, sometimes heavy metal songs which require a big orchestration, but also classical piano pieces turned into orchestral or cinematic arrangements.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: I give my sense of color and balance that enhances the richness of melodic top lines or add depth to the harmonic movement. I see the orchestra as a living organism that it's very flexible: powerful yet intimate if it's used properly.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: 1. I get a source file that I analyze and study in order to understand its structure and musical content. 2. I make a "big picture" sketch, almost like a storyboard, where I imagine which instrumentation and texture fit each section of the piece. 3. I write the first draft. Usually, one minute of music to let the client have the chance to listen and give feedback (using mock-up sounds to avoid a time-consuming process). 4. I finish writing the arrangement and give the final touches. 5. I program the MIDI instruments and mix the track properly with sample libraries. 6. (Optional) I deliver stems and/or engrave the sheet music for live musicians.

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

A: I generally do orchestral arrangements for different music styles, enhancing the client's original music with an orchestral/chamber textures. Sometimes the client wants the stems to add the orchestral soundtrack to their existing mix, and other times, they want only my orchestral track by itself. Depends on the project. Because I have a classical background, I write down my arrangement in Sibelius unlike other composers who only do arrangements by ear or by playing a keyboard. This gives the client the chance to purchase a professionally engraved sheet music of the project for recording or performing live.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Never modify a track in solo without listening to the result in context. Sometimes "exaggerations" are necessary to cut through the mix.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: I am very organized with my files, and I always use spreadsheets to register the steps I made with each project, as well as version numbers, feedback from the client, technical considerations, deadlines, etc.

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

A: Besides great classical composers from the past, I really admire individuals who combine musical passion with education like Christian Henson and Anne-Kathrin Dern.