STRING PRODUCTIOn services
SOLO VIOLIN RECORDING
We offer fully polished, edited raw solo violin tracks with multiple-mic options, generally recorded using an AEA-84 Ribbon or custom PURR 33BX stereo ribbon for warmth and intimacy. Solo viola, cello or bass available on request.
FULL STRING SECTION RECORDING
String sections are recorded using multi-tracking which can include violin, viola, cello & bass. Depending on the arrangement and budget of the project, each part is recorded with (3-6) takes with (2) different mic options. Our process is unique in that we use up to four different acoustic instruments and bows for every take and subtly vary the performances throughout using varied bow speed, vibrato, articulation to organically simulate different performers. When using a stereo set up, we also sometimes change the position/location of the sound source for each take, allowing the mix to more organically simulate a full string section.
STRING ARRANGING
We provide thoughtfully composed and narrative-driven string arrangements. A collaborative process, we ask for clients to provide 1-2 reference tracks before starting and generally offer (2) complimentary rounds of revisions after the first full demo draft.
STRING TRANSCRIPTIONS
String transcriptions are available on request as an add on service. Professional transcriptions are performance ready and include detailed phrasing, articulation and dynamic markings, tempo indicators, key and tempo changes, and are offered in full score and part pdfs along with an xml file to make future changes.
ORIGINAL COMMISSIONS
We offer original custom music commissions created for film, dance companies, weddings, anniversaries, birthdays, meaningful milestones and more. These pieces are designed in close collaboration with the client and can incorporate thematic storytelling, musical cryptology, or creative mashups of meaningful songs.
MIXING
Mixing services are a requested add-on to recordings and generally only offered in conjunction with original commissions or string-production forward projects. Similarly, we generally do not offer full mastering services except for custom commission projects.
Listen to the full Spotify portfolio
listen to some samples
SOLO VIOLIN
Credits: Samantha Bounkeua (Violin/Engineer) | Brenda Lane (Composer)
Credits: Samantha Bounkeua (Violin/Engineer) | Tom W (Arranger) | Olivia Rodrigo (Performing Artist)
STRING QUARTET
Credits: Samantha Bounkeua (Violin/Engineer) | Leah Asher (Viola) | Kristin Garbeff (Cello) | Jay D’Amico (Composer)
Credits: Samantha Bounkeua (Violin/Viola/Engineer) | Kristin Garbeff (Cello) | Cathleen Flyn (Arranger) | Miley Cyrus (Performing Artist)
Credits: Samantha Bounkeua (String Arrangment/Violin/Viola/Engineer) | Kristin Garbeff (Cello) | Rev. All Stars (Artist)
STRING SECTIONS
Credits: Samantha Bounkeua (Violin/Engineer) | Omar Alejandro (artist)
Credits: Samantha Bounkeua (Violin/Viola/Engineer) | Philip Kuehn & Matt Marantz (Arranger/Artists)
Find more on our Spotify portfolio
things to consider
What do you want your audience to feel the first moment they hear your work?
Whether you’re creating a film, song, podcast, or live event, emotional truth is what lingers. Too often, digital or MIDI strings sound polished but feel lifeless—technically correct, yet disconnected from the people and stories they’re meant to represent.
How can strings help shape the same emotional arc of your narrative?
My work—both as an artist and a producer—is rooted in using strings to translate human stories into music that feels raw, present, and emotionally true. Strings have the power to amplify vulnerability, tension, intimacy, and release—but only when shaped by a human hand. Every expressive performance and arrangement depends on thousands of subtle decisions: phrasing, articulation, bow speed, vibrato, dynamics. These are the choices that turn sound into story and deepen its emotional impact.
Do you need a musician with classical training and virtuosity, but who understands vulnerability, not rigidity?
As a classically trained violinist gone rogue, I’m flexible, improvisational, and deeply artist-centered. I work across genres, adapt to your creative process, and don’t require traditional notation if that’s not how you create. Trust and connection are central to how I work, because creative work is personal.
How much flexibility do you have in the mix?
Each project includes at least (2) microphone options, giving you color and tonal flexibility at the mixing stage. Our gear includes the custom PURR 33BX stereo ribbon, the AEA R84 ribbon, Telefunken FT-11 condenser, the EV RE20 dynamic, and AKG 451 condenser to balance warmth, clarity, and presence. We use high-end hardware preamps including the vintage TrueSystems and the WA 73 EQ through a Universal Apollo interface.
What gear do you use?
The microphone choice will vary with each project, but our studio includes the custom stereo ribbon Purr 33BX, AEA 84 Ribbon, Telefunken FT11 Condenser, EV RE 20 Dynamic, AKG451, Rhode M5 Stereo Pair, WA-73 EQ preamp, True Systems P2 high fidelity stereo preamp, and a UA Apollo Interface.
What are the project specs?
We can work in any sample rate that you prefer, but will otherwise default to 48k/24b.
How long does one project take?
Project timeline is dependent on availability. Generally, for projects that require arrangements, it can take from 2-5 business day for the the initial demo draft. Revisions are returned within 1-3 business days.
For projects that already include a written and transcribed part, recording solo violin generally takes between 1-3 business days. For full sections that include upper strings (violin and viola) between 3-5 business days. For full sections that include cello and bass, 5-10 business days.
We understand that some projects require a next-day turn around and can offer rush fees when available.
HOw IT WORKS
1. Connection & Creative Discovery
We start with a conversation - your artistic vision, inspirational references, musical or event goals, and the project’s deliverables. This is where I get to understand you as an artist and the story you want the music to tell.
2. Proposal & Project Blueprint
We send a clear proposal outlining the project scope, timeline, deliverables and budget. A 50% initial payment secures the project and ensures we’re aligned from the start.
3. Draft & Revision Phase
You receive a MIDI demo that maps out the arrangement. Most projects include 2–3 revisions, and I typically respond within 1–2 business days. This phase is collaborative, flexible, and ideally allows for dialogue and exploration of new ideas.
4. Delivery of Final Assets
When the draft feels right, we record and prepare polished audio files that reflect the agreed scope of work.