Working with string players can be intimidating—especially if you're not classically trained. You might know what you want, but communicating it to a violinist or cellist can feel like speaking another language. In this video, I team up with Avery Bright, a Nashville-based violinist and session musician, to break down the do’s and don’ts of working with string players. averybright.com
💡 What You'll Learn: ✔️ Common mistakes composers & producers make when giving direction ✔️ The 6 essential string articulations you should know ✔️ How to send files properly for remote string sessions ✔️ Why singing your parts (yes, really) can make a HUGE difference ✔️ How to make your MIDI strings sound more real and expressive
📌 Video Chapters: 00:00 - Why String Players Think Differently 01:14 - Common Mistakes Composers Make 02:15 - 6 Essential String Techniques 07:39 - How to Send Files the Right Way 12:40 - Why Singing Your Parts Helps 16:19 - Fixing MIDI for Real Strings 21:45 - Final Violin Performance! 23:26 - Key Takeaways & Next Steps
Have you ever struggled to communicate with a string player? Drop your questions in the comments—let’s demystify this process together!
#MusicProduction #StringPlayers #MIDItoReal #SessionMusicians #OrchestrationTipsLet the Woven Violin Presets Speak for ThemselvesJon Meyer Music2025-02-15 | 🎻 Get Woven Violin here: http://www.somervillesounds.com/wovenviolin Available for the FREE Kontakt Player—no full version required.
No talking—just the Woven Violin presets in action. Whether you need to fill a gap in a track or spark something new, these sounds are ready to inspire.
The intro track was written by the great Hunter Rogerson, who also contributed to the editing, graphics, and overall creative direction of Woven Strings.
The footage backing up this preset demo was all shot in Somerville, capturing the essence of the space where these sounds were created. To learn more about Somerville Sounds and the Folk Cinema ethos, check out the introduction video here: 📽️youtu.be/EuYVZgIB_HY
Let the presets speak for themselves. Which one is your favorite? Drop a comment below!
Woven Violin is NKS Compatible and built for the free Kontakt Player. No additional software required.
Woven Violin is a deeply expressive solo violin library designed with a focus on organic movement and evolving textures. Recorded in a carefully controlled and intimate space, Woven Violin’s variety of articulations layer as well as they stand alone. The library’s interface allows you to choose between traditional articulation selection and dynamic articulation mapping so that, from sophisticated underscoring to sprawling cinematic folk, Woven Violin belongs in the fabric of your expression.Another Music YouTuber Selling The Dream!Jon Meyer Music2025-01-16 | For years, I’ve been thinking about creating a course, but the oversaturation of online coaches and courses made me hesitant. So, I’m trying something different: a small, six-week group coaching cohort to help you create music from scratch, with a focus on storytelling and writing with visuals in mind.
This isn’t a “get-rich-quick” sync licensing course—it’s about the process, creativity, and practical skills needed to create music that works in real-world media projects. If you’ve been watching for years, or just want to dive into music creation with me, check out the form linked below to join the waitlist!
❄️ What’s Inside: 1️⃣ Family fun in the snow! 2️⃣ My honest thoughts on course creation and coaching. 3️⃣ Details about the upcoming group coaching cohort.
Why are you not writing music? In this video, I explore the real reasons composers and musicians struggle to create, even when they want to. Based on responses from my email list, a Facebook group, and my own experiences, we will look at the four most common obstacles: lack of time, perfectionism and doubt, burnout, and mental resistance.
I have also asked a few talented friends to share their insights: 🎵 Ross King explains how writing for yourself can help you overcome creative blocks. http://www.rosskingmusic.com 🎵 Nathan Jones shows how self-imposed limitations unlock creativity. jamesonnathanjones.com 🎵 Dave Kropf highlights the importance of community and giving consistent feedback. 52cues.com
Whether you are overwhelmed by responsibilities, stuck in self-doubt, or feeling burned out from creating the same thing repeatedly, this video will help you understand why you are not writing—and how you can move forward.
Soft Drums Lite is a fresh take on the original prototype I made a while back—this time as AAX, AU, and VST3, so no Kontakt is needed. If you've been around since the first version, you’ll recognize the same ‘in-between’ sound that fits effortlessly into a mix, but with updates that make it easier to use. And if you’re just finding this, welcome—this is the drum sound I’ve always been chasing, simplified and free (or Pay What You Want).
If you’re looking for something more involved, flexible, and feature-filled, check out our Kontakt Soft Drums. somervillesounds.com/soft-drumsPractical Gifts For Music Producers (They’ll Actually Use!)Jon Meyer Music2024-11-26 | Unique & Boutique Sample Libraries designed to spark creativity http://www.somervillesounds.com
Links to gear in this video (Affiliate links...I earn a small commission)
Ever wondered how freelance musicians make a steady income in such a challenging industry? After 25 years of navigating the ups and downs of a music career, I’m here to share the six essential income streams that helped me survive and thrive as a musician, producer, composer, and recording engineer. In this video, I break down each income source, from royalties to teaching, and how they’ve collectively kept my passion alive and my bills paid.
As a musician, finding the right balance between creative fulfillment and making a living has been my biggest challenge. In this video, I reflect on my journey through years of highs and lows, from the freedom of early days to the heavier responsibilities of today. I’ll share some thoughts on managing two big projects—my production music library, Flesh and Bone Music, and Somerville Sounds, my sample library company—and the ongoing struggle to keep the art alive while keeping the lights on.
Whether you’re an artist, musician, or anyone trying to balance passion with practicality, I hope my experiences resonate with you. Let’s get real about the creative life, the sacrifices, and the moments that make it worth it.
I took my yearly trip to the Production Music Conference in LA with no plans to film, but that changed on the last day. Every year, I meet a group of people who remind me what it really takes to build a career in this business — writing tons of music and hoping it gets synced, whether in 6 months or 10 years. In this video, I’m sharing the stories and advice of these seasoned composers who know how to thrive in the industry.
Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 2:10 First Look at the New Interface 5:40 Exploring the New Tools: Chords & Phrases 10:20 Leap: Loops and Modifiers 14:00 Should You Upgrade to Kontakt 8?Scoring an Ad in 1 Hour w/ONLY Somerville SoundsJon Meyer Music2024-09-20 | bit.ly/somervillesounds
Save up to 50%! Somerville Sounds of September Sale ends 9/30/24
Dusty Felts breathes new life into my original Kawai Felt Piano sample. This nostalgic standalone plug-in reimagines the warm, rich character of a felted piano with a delightful vintage lo-fi charm. Enhanced with retro elements like wow and flutter effects and adjustable amp hiss, Dusty Felts invites you to explore the beautiful imperfections of a classic felted piano. Expertly crafted to inspire your next musical masterpiece, it offers a timeless appeal that’s sure to spark creativity.
Step into a world of atmospheric depth with Antiquarian Echo, a reimagined version of one of my classic sounds, now available as a Somerville Sounds Prototype. This collection features four distinct guitar pads, each with a huge, slow-moving core that invites you to explore expansive soundscapes. But that’s just the beginning—take control and unleash wild, unpredictable effects that push the boundaries of your creativity. The best part? You decide what it’s worth. Pay what you want and add this unique tool to your sonic arsenal today!I bought a Squier Jazzmaster with ZERO regretsJon Meyer Music2024-08-05 | Elskavon Toolkit | A Soundscape Machine With Organic Roots bit.ly/ElskavonToolkit
I love expensive guitars, but modern guitar building practices have made great guitars affordable.
Join us as we delve into the world of music composition, exploring essential tips and strategies for creating outstanding work under tight deadlines. From understanding your sound library to adding that human touch with live instrumentation, we'll guide you through the entire process. Learn how to ask the right questions, conduct thorough research, and maintain a balance between creativity and efficiency. Whether you're a seasoned composer or just starting out, this video will provide valuable insights to help you beat the clock and deliver exceptional music every time.
http://www.jonmeyermusic.com http://www.somervillesounds.comThe Elskavon Toolkit FXJon Meyer Music2024-06-24 | A quick walkthrough of the FX controls on the Elskavon Toolkit. Each patch from ETK can be customized (and automated) to fit perfectly in your track. The master blend knob offers a creative alternate take of the main sample, and the FX controls vary from patch to patch to get the most out of each sound.Music submission mistakesJon Meyer Music2024-06-22 | ...Instant synth-spiration! Introducing The Elskavon Toolkit.Jon Meyer Music2024-06-21 | http://www.bit.ly/ElskavonToolkit
Our latest release over at Somerville Sounds, The Elskavon Toolkit is a collaboration with the artist Elskavon, known to me as Chris Bartels. We like to think of the Kontakt Player library as a soundscape machine with organic roots, especially useful to the artists and composers who love synths but need a little help getting started.
Soft Drums and PostFelt now work in the Free Kontakt Player, eliminating the need to purchase the full $300 version of Kontakt. We've also added a multi-out feature to Soft Drums, adding flexibility to the mixing process.
HOW CAN I HELP YOU? ------------------------------------- Book A One -To-One-Call calendly.com/meyerjon/60minThe end is nearJon Meyer Music2023-11-10 | All good things must come to an end. On November 17th I’m scrubbing the internet of the FREE Kontakt and Decent Sampler libraries (I.e. Prototypes) I’ve been making and sharing since 2019. Well over 20,000 of you have downloaded from my website, and who knows how many have been downloaded from Pianobook. Will you see them again? Maybe. Maybe not. You better go grab them now...
HOW CAN I HELP YOU? ------------------------------------- Book A One -To-One-Call calendly.com/meyerjon/60minYoure making me talk about A.I. (and Im not happy about it)Jon Meyer Music2023-11-03 | Join me at 11am central time on Thursday Nov. 2nd. We'll discuss...
- Will A.I. end the sample library business? (super fun, I know) - time/project management (ugh) - Is it too late to start a YouTube channel in 2023? - how to give your music the best chance at success
HOW CAN I HELP YOU? ------------------------------------- Book A One -To-One-Call calendly.com/meyerjon/60minHow to write hits with cheap gearJon Meyer Music2023-10-17 | Are you convinced that creating exceptional music is only possible with expensive gear? My conversation with TV, film, and game composer, as well as pop songwriter, Tom Strahle, could change your perspective. He wrote a song for Justin Bieber using a $99 Squier! In this insightful interview, Tom takes us on a tour of his studio equipped with (relatively) budget-friendly instruments. More importantly, he delves into the fundamental reasons behind his choice of equipment, offering valuable insights that might challenge your assumptions about music production.
HOW CAN I HELP YOU? ------------------------------------- Book A One -To-One-Call calendly.com/meyerjon/60minDont Move To Nashville (or LA, NY, London, etc.)Jon Meyer Music2023-09-20 | Do you need to move to the big city in order to chase your dream of a life in music? Maybe. Maybe not.
PostFelt is a FREE Update for all Meyer Felt owners. Download the update from the Pulse app http://www.pulsedownloader.com. If you purchased The Meyer Felt before I switched over to Pulse for delivery, please reach out via my website and I will send you a Pulse code ASAP.
Post Felt reimagines the beloved Felt piano sound. By seamlessly blending the familiar warmth of the Felt piano with a pristine traditional piano layer and eight meticulously crafted effects layers derived from its DNA, Post Felt offers unparalleled versatility, allowing you to create rich, dynamic, and truly distinctive musical compositions.
0:00 Intro :47 Felts 1:22 Body 2:03 Pure 2:48 Why we love the felt piano 3:30 Layers Demo 4:20 Individual Layers 7:20 Delay 7:32 Roll The Dice 7:50 Layers LPF 8:46 Release Triggers 8:54 Snapshots