
Need fast, affordable, high-quality keys or vocals? I'm your guy. Looking for a co-writer to develop your unique sound? Look no further. Need a dynamic arrangement to take your track to the next level? You're in luck. Nashville-based pianist/singer/songwriter/producer/arranger. Let's bring your artistic vision to life!
A bit aout me:
M.M. from Belmont, B.A. from Yale
10+ years of experience writing, arranging, recording, and editing professional keys and vocals.
Creative, communicative, and fun to work with.
Currently gigging, teaching, and producing in Nashville.
I offer:
Tracking and editing services for piano/keys-based instruments and vocals
Songwriting (music & lyrics)
Private instruction in voice and piano
Vocal arranging
Orchestral & Big Band arranging
Copy work/Chart writing
Why work with me:
I will meet you where you are at and work diligently to realize your vision.
I am eager to collaborate with other independent artists.
I am connected with many top-notch session musicians in the Nashville scene.
I'd love to hear about your project. Click the 'Contact' button above to get in touch.
Languages
- English
2 Reviews
Endorse John Paciga- check_circleVerified (Client)
Whenever I get a job from John Paciga, I know its going to be a great session! He always writes the most interesting songs, I always get to utilize the best parts of my "musical tool kit" and sometimes I'll get to go places musically I haven't explored yet sometimes, which always makes working with him so fun! Always looking forward to the next track he sends!
- check_circleVerified
John is an exceptional talent across the board. There is literally nothing the man can't do from singing all kinds of styles, to playing fantastic piano, writing super catchy and unique songs and writing stellar arrangements. Oh and he is FAST, with everything he does. I hire this man for literally everything and so should you!
Interview with John Paciga
Q: Tell us about a project you worked on you are especially proud of and why. What was your role?
A: During my undergraduate years, I produced and music-directed the Yale Whiffenpoofs' 2023 studio album, Lost Keys, an a cappella album of sixteen tracks. Not only did I schedule over 100 hours of studio time, juggling the schedules of all fourteen group members, I also contributed four arrangements to the project.
Q: What are you working on at the moment?
A: I am putting the finishing touches on a jazz-pop EP of five original songs, which will be rolled out as a series of singles in the coming months!
Q: Is there anyone on SoundBetter you know and would recommend to your clients?
A: I have worked closely with multi-instrumentalist, engineer, and producer Kyle Frey on all of my recording projects, and his brother, Dr. Brett Frey, is a phenomenal session bassist.
Q: What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?
A: Pick the professional who you feel best aligns with your artistic vision, and who also is reliable and easy to work with.
Q: Can you share one music production tip?
A: In our modern musical landscape, consumers have come to expect perfection. Attention to detail is everything. Go through your track with a fine tooth comb to make sure you're 100% happy with every single moment.
Q: What type of music do you usually work on?
A: I work primarily on piano-driven music that lives somewhere in between, pop, rock, and musical theater.
Q: What's your strongest skill?
A: My deep knowledge of music theory allows me to quickly cycle through different ideas for chord progressions, refine instrumental textures, write and re-write vocal parts, and ultimately home in on the best course of action to make each moment sparkle.
Q: What do you bring to a song?
A: My tracks are almost immediately identifiable by their rollicking piano parts and my soaring vocals. But most importantly, I'm a storyteller, and I have a knack for making composition and production decisions that bring out deeper meaning in a song's lyrics.
Q: What's your typical work process?
A: Before I jump into a new project, I like to make sure I have a clear understanding of my client's vision. Once that is in place, I can quickly execute a "first draft." I like to balance my client's ideas with a dose of my own creativity to craft the best product possible.
Q: Tell us about your studio setup.
A: I use the state-of-the-art Nord Stage 4 keyboard and the Slate Digital VMS ML-1 Large-diaphragm Modeling Microphone for all of my recording projects. I run both ProTools and Logic Pro, and I mix using the Steven Slate Audio VSX Modeling Headphones.
Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?
A: I am inspired by the music I grew up listening to on my dad's iPod: Billy Joel, Elton John, The Beatles, Queen, and more. I have also worked closely with Nashville-based award-winning producer and pianist Jason Webb.
Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.
A: I create piano tracks for clients to use in auditions, self-tapes, and in master recordings. I also often write chord charts, lead sheets, and arrange vocal parts for session projects.

I was the songwriter, singer, pianist, and arranger in this production
- PianoAverage price - $100 per song
- Singer - MaleAverage price - $100 per song
- Pop-Rock ArrangerAverage price - $200 per song
- Songwriter - MusicAverage price - $100 per song
- Songwriter - LyricAverage price - $100 per song
- Keyboards - SynthAverage price - $100 per song
- Vocal TuningAverage price - $100 per track
Pricing may vary based on the project. I will always make an effort to work within your budget!
- Billy Joel
- Jamie Cullum
- Jukebox The Ghost
- Nord Stage 4 88
- Slate Digital VMS ML-1 Large-diaphragm Modeling Microphone
- Steven Slate Audio VSX Modeling Headphones
- Apogee Duet
Enjoy 10% off the first song you hire me for!