I’m Pete Whitfield, violinist, arranger and orchestrator. I provide real string arrangements and recordings for composers and producers.
Contact details:
+44 (0)7958 708661
pete[at]realstrings.com
Skype = realstrings
My About.me profile
Realstrings on Facebook
Pete Whitfield on Twitter
I love my work! I studied at the Royal College of Music (violin and composition) and have always enjoyed variety in my music career. String arranging, recording and orchestration have ended up as my specialities, but via bands and radio commercials and music theatre (musical director for The Rocky Horror Show ’96 – ’99) and teaching.
I have a special interest in web tools for musicians – as learners, teachers and professionals. My wikispace documents my interests and research. Elearning for Musicians. I do some occasional guest lectures.
I live in Manchester UK with my wife and son.
In 2010 I did a new build for my studio, improving the acoustic recording space.
I use SE and Neumann mics, into a Metric Halo ULN2, recording in Logic on a Mac. Acoustic treatment by Vicoustic, supplied by System Workshop.
In 2011 I started a virtual intern / assistant project. Currently this is Julian Cole.
Hello,
I’m in love with your music. I was referred to you by a friend, who said you might be able to help me?
I’m desperately seeking violin, grand piano.
Are you available at all?
Thanks in advance, -ALi H
your string loop uploads on looperman.com are beautiful.
nice work,
brian
Glad I found your website and educational blog. Can you tell me what program you use for notation that you use in your videos?
Hi Glenn, to make a movie showing music notation I use a Overture for the notation (though any notation programme would do) Snapz Pro to record the screen actions then iMovie to edit the video and add a voice over.
Hi Pete,
I’m starting a recording project in February and need strings on one track. I would like to get you a demo of the song so we can discuss time and cost.
Kind regards,
John
Hello Pete,
Just a quick thank you note really! I have to say that your strings beat everyone hands down. I have just purchased the pack from Big Fish, and eagerly await any follow ups.
I am sure that they will be utilised in my latest artist’s (Olesya Star) compositions in some way or another, and I’m hopefully positive that sometime this year I will be able to utilise your skills much further, if your schedule allows!
Kindest regards and warm thanks,
Adam J Mills
Sounds Magnificent.com
Thanks for your comment Adam – hope you get plenty of usage from that pack! Disco strings coming next!
Pete:
I’m interested in getting some “Motown” strings on a song that I’ve produced for an indie artist named Inobe.
I’m looking for an arrangement similar to Marvin Gaye’s “What’s Going On” which is also prominently interpolated in Corrine Bailey Rae’s “Call Me When You Get This”.
What’s your ballpark for 2 main parts (Intro and Hook) with some reprise in a Verse and Bridge?
I’d prefer real strings, but honestly I’m ok with whatever is cheapest to do. I have East/West Silver, Miroslav, SampleTank and Kontakt so I can also use midi files for the individual strings instead if it’s cheaper. I just need something better than what I can play on keyboards.
I can send you an mp3 of the song if you need it for a quote.
Marcus
ps- I just got Disco Strings last week and I’m lovin’ it!
Thanks Marcus – I’ll email a reply. Pete
Yo Pete,
Where can I find ALL those great virtual interviews you did over the past three years or so with fellow professionals?
Hi Dom, they all in iTunes at http://itunes.apple.com/gb/podcast/digital-musician/id293931277 though I haven’t done any recently. There’s even one there that you recorded.
Hi there,
For a beginner with regards string writing and using samples. What would you recommend?
I’m not talking about specific samples, such as loopmasters, but style of play etc, i.e. to recreate in a credible manner live strings?
thanks,
joe
I’m very happy and impressed about your site and the very educational video on string writing(very clear btw) came across on Youtube. I’m wondering if it is possible and how to apply your loops os samples to a music notation software such as Finale or Sibelius.
Thanks for your comments about the loops libraries. I don’t think it is possible (yet) to import audio into Sibelius or Finale, but the Loops packs include midi and Sibelius files of all the lines. (If they are not in a loops pack you purchase, please let me know!)
Paul,
Wow… I have been looking for code to mix on the web. I have been working on a project that is for music education (actually, recreating The Lamb by Genesis in MIDI triggering sampled vintage instruments).
I want to put STEMS up from the project and have been looking for HTML like you created. I think that this is fantastic!!!!!
Is there any way to share the HTML source so I could use your on line mixer as well for my FREE site?
I had fun playing with the REAL STRINGS BTW.
Jim
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