cello player

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Don't be afraid to ask questions.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: I never saw myself doing anything with my life other than playing cello. My favorite thing about my career is that I am doing what I have always wanted to do with people from all walks of life! In the simplest sense, I am incredibly grateful for every opportunity that comes my way, especially making new friends and playing new music.

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

A: I am incredibly grateful for my classical training. However, I enjoy exploring other genres and want to contribute more than just slow, pretty, pad-based cello playing! There is nothing wrong with this general string sound, but there are so many more options to consider. Ask me for some cool, melodic runs! Ask me to harmonize with your vocals! Ask me for more percussive textures! My cello can (usually) do it, you just have to ask.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: At present, my setup is very basic: I use an audio interface that connects to my computer, a pretty conventional mic, and my studio headphones. I live alone, so my living room is usually pretty quiet and comfortable to work in! In terms of DAWs, I am most knowledgeable in Logic, especially since it is the only program I have ever received professional instruction on. However, since I don't provide mixing or mastering services, I am open to using other DAWs, as long as they are straightforward enough for me to use without much help.

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

A: Brandi Carlile. Who wouldn't want to work with her?! She's AMAZING.

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

A: I typically work with songwriters who have a finalized or near-finalized tune. They tend to have an idea in mind for what they want me to add, which they talk me through and allow me to expand on with or without their direct supervision. After making these initial contributions, I like to reach back out to the artist and make any necessary changes or additions. These exchanges can happen any number of times, though I do charge more for 3+ revisions. Before we even play, I also like to meet the songwriter, make casual conversation, and set up a convenient way to contact each other, whether it be in-person or virtually. In my opinion, collaboration is always better if the people involved have an easy and open means of communication. Occasionally, a songwriter may approach me with a pre-written part that they adamantly want me to use. I am completely comfortable reading music as long as it is coherently written. However, I am also comfortable improvising from a chord chart, coming up with my own ideas, and bringing them to the songwriter for any expansions or alterations.