How it works

Every Soho Strings project is different and can involve as little or as much as requested. The most simple and common situation for us is to be sent some sheet music - which we record and send back as raw, unedited wav files. This ranges from solo violin lines, string quartet scores to many other types of string line - perhaps to be blended with samples to create a larger string ensemble.

However, other projects have involved composing and recording full string arrangements from scratch and/or returning fully produced string mixes that can be slotted directly into the track. Many lie somewhere in between and involve varying degrees of collaboration (for example a client suggesting a few melodic ideas or themes which can then be developed into a full string arrangement - this can be really helpful if they are not especially confident about how to compose and notate the music effectively but have lots of strong ideas). It is not a problem at all if you are not fluent or familiar with traditional string notation - we often transcribe MIDI files and help with the notation if needed.

The recording sessions take place at our Soho Strings studio or any other London studio if requested. Pre session meetings are also possible if it would be beneficial to talk through the track in detail and experiment with ideas before starting to record. Although never strictly necessary (the whole process works very efficiently remotely) it can be nice to meet briefly before starting detailed work on a track – and potentially much more efficient time wise for especially collaborative or long term projects.

Everyone we work for needs a slightly different approach - from media composers needing a very quick turnaround to singer songwriters who’d prefer a much slower, collaborative approach. We will always try and adapt how we work to suit the needs of the project.