Isabel Williamson

Cellist and string arranger

starstarstarstarstar
27 Reviews (24 Verified)
Isabel Williamson on SoundBetter

I can write and record stunning cello parts to elevate your song to the next level, or score out a full string quartet arrangement. Classically trained, with a masters degree from the Royal Northern College of Music, I have extensive experience collaborating with artists and a strong creative instinct for adding exactly what is needed to each song.

I will base my cello parts on your guidance, which can be as specific or as vague as suits you. If your part is already written and just needs recording, I am equally confident transcribing from a voice note/audio, or playing from sheet music. Choose from a single line, or layers of cello to create a rich, full string section sound.

All recordings are done on professional audio equipment in my acoustically treated home studio, and exported as high fidelity .wav files. In addition to the raw stems, I will send a rough mix at every stage so you can hear the cello in the context of the song. To make sure you are completely happy with the arrangement, a revision/edit is included in the price. I can also export stems with EQ and reverb applied at no extra cost, if requested. I record at 48k, 32 bit unless otherwise specified.

Would love to hear from you. Click the contact button above to get in touch.

27 Reviews - 5 Repeat Clients

Endorse Isabel Williamson
  1. Review by Monica K.
    starstarstarstarstar
    check_circleVerified

    Isabel is a wonderful cellist and very easy to work with! I have also worked with her recently in another project we were all very happy with.
    This time she delivered another most beautiful cello part, that she composed herself, just from a basic demo of the song. She is very intuitive and seems to know exactly what the song needs. Promptly delivered in just one day at outstanding quality! A 6th star awarded for accepting the job and turning it around in just one night due to a short deadline!

  2. Review by Miles Y.
    starstarstarstarstar
    check_circleVerified

    Working with Isabel was an absolute delight. Very friendly and prompt with replies and the files from the work completed.

    The performance was just as I wanted and I will be very pleased to complete my project using Isabel‘s excellent playing.

    Happy to work together again!

  3. Review by Daniel J.
    starstarstarstarstar
    check_circleVerified

    Isabel knocked it out of the park with our second collaboration. It was a quick turnaround and a lovely performance. Looking forward to more!

  4. Review by Daniel J.
    starstarstarstarstar
    check_circleVerified

    I loved working with Isabel, she provided a high-quality recording and the playing is excellent. The recording timeline was very clear and delivered on time. Can't wait to work on more projects!

  5. Review by Laura B.
    starstarstarstarstar
    check_circleVerified

    Excellent cellist and musician :) !

  6. Review by Jack L.
    starstarstarstarstar
    check_circleVerified

    Fantastic job - Isabel added real nuance to some
    tricky tracks, would absolutely recommend hiring for any string work

  7. Review by Lukas H.
    starstarstarstarstar
    check_circleVerified

    Excellent cellist and excellent recording quality. Thank you!

  8. Review by Tom Keller
    starstarstarstarstar
    check_circleVerified

    Wonderful string arrangement, not too much not too little. Any time again, very nice feeling and depth.

  9. Review by Chris Garcia
    starstarstarstarstar
    check_circleVerified

    Totally nailed the emotion of the song I just wrote with the artist! Amazing! I could tell Isabel was listening to the lyrics and reacting to the song :) I am so so happy.
    Brilliant- Thank you so so much!

  10. Review by Joseph A.
    starstarstarstarstar
    check_circleVerified

    Isabel did a great job on my track! Quick turnaround and beautifully done. She has a great ear and instinct. Very tasteful with her choices and dynamic flow. Highly recommend!

  11. Review by Jake Jenkins
    starstarstarstarstar
    check_circleVerified

    Isabel did an incredible job. In one pass, she wrote and performed a cello line that added a new layer of emotion to my song. She also did an excellent job recording, capturing a gorgeous tone. Highly recommend!

  12. Review by Beejay O.
    starstarstarstarstar
    check_circleVerified

    Isabel is great to work with.
    She's responds well to notes and is easy to communicate with.
    Recordings are always solid.

  13. Review by Maarten R.
    starstarstarstarstar
    check_circleVerified

    Isabel played a very beautiful cello line.
    She feels the music!

  14. Review by Johannes E.
    starstarstarstarstar
    check_circleVerified

    It's so great to work with Isabel. I worked with her again on seven of my songs. After sending her my backing tracks and some roughly sketched ideas, she transformed my songs into a delight for my ears with her talent and expertise. It's like getting your song back, but way better than you ever imagined. I will definitely continue to work with her.

  15. Review by Banjo N.
    starstarstarstarstar
    check_circleVerified

    Isabel showed versatility playing on an unusual section of a banjo tune. Great communication and prompt service. Gave us a couple options and added piano for good measure. Can recommend her without hesitation.

  16. Review by Beejay O.
    starstarstarstarstar
    check_circleVerified

    Isabel was a pleasure to work with.
    Communication was easy and she executed all of my notes with ease.
    We layered several cellos for rich and warm sounding parts, and
    her recordings were captured beautifully with the gear she has on hand.
    I look forward to working with her again on future projects!

  17. Review by Eric S.
    starstarstarstarstar
    check_circleVerified

    First time working with Isabel and she provided a great result, filled with the emotion I was hoping for and I look forward to working with her again.

  18. Review by guy a.
    starstarstarstarstar
    by guy a.
    check_circleVerified

    It was great working with Isabel.
    The work is done quickly and qualitatively. I would like to work with her in the future.

  19. Review by Johannes E.
    starstarstarstarstar
    check_circleVerified

    Once again Isabel uplifted my song to another level. She took my ideas and added her personal ideas. The result is amazing and beautiful to listen to.

  20. Review by Van Wampler
    starstarstarstarstar
    check_circleVerified

    Isabel did a wonderful job tracking multiple cello parts. She played them exactly how I wanted, and it really brings the song to life! She also went out of the way to get me the tracks with a quick delivery. Great experience.

Interview with Isabel Williamson

  1. Q: Tell us about a project you worked on you are especially proud of and why. What was your role?

  2. A: My main creative project is being a permanent member of the band Bonfire Tide. As well as playing cello and keyboards/backing vocals live, I write all the string arrangements and record the cello parts. The work I'm most proud of to date is the string arrangements on our EP, 'Not The Life You Promised'.

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

  4. A: I often write and record multiple layers of cello parts for songs. The cello has such a rich sound and versatile range that by layering up I can achieve the effect of a full string section - without the client having to budget for violinists/viola players.

loading
play_arrowpause
skip_previous
skip_next
Isabel Williamson - Past Times

I was the composer, cellist and pianist in this production

Terms Of Service

One revision included
Typical turnaround 2-5 days; same day available for a small extra cost

GenresSounds Like
  • Bonfire Tide
  • Arcade Fire
  • Demi Marriner
Gear Highlights
  • 2008 Alan McGeoch Cello
  • AKG C214 condenser mic
  • CM25 MKII condenser mic
  • DAW - Cubase 13
More Photos
SoundBetter Deal

10% discount for 3+ tracks