VIOLINIST I EXAMINER I CREATIVE PROJECTS

session musician and string arranger

Session Experience

Sarah has developed a knowledge of the inner workings of the recording process through sessions for Electric Fields, Katie Noonan, Elixir, Karin Schaupp, Ziggy Alberts, Mirusia, Emily Maguire and other independent artists at MixMasters, Wizard Tone, Yama-Nui and Airlock Studios in Australia.

Album string arrangements include ‘Searching for Freedom’ by Ziggy Alberts, ‘Because of Love’ by The Dawn Light and ‘Bloom’ by Andrea Kirwin

session musician and string arranger
session musician and string arranger
session musician and string arranger
"We are so thrilled with Sarah's arrangements for our album. They enhanced and uplifted our songs more than we could ever have imagined. She has an incredible versatility in arranging for different styles and capturing the essence of each song."

String Sessions

One of the most important characteristics shared by all instruments in the string family is the wide range of tonal colours that the violin, viola and cello are capable of producing. Live strings on a recording create warmth, texture, and nuance a particular song or musical moment. Strings elevate the impact of the lyrics with their ability to sustain harmonic chords or through slides, vibrato, ornamentation and bowing articulations.

Based on Gubbi Gubbi Country, Sarah works with Yama-Nui Recording Studio, a world class recording facility hidden away in Kiel’s Mountain on the Sunshine Coast. Established by renowned musicians PaulieB and OJ Newcomb Yama-Nui has been producing award winning records for some of Australia’s most successful independent artists since 2017.

Yama-nui Studio

Only 15 mins from the beach with picturesque views to the trees from both control room and live rooms, Yama-Nui is full of refreshing and nourishing creative options.

The studio offers a stunning visual and acoustic environment featuring a hybrid setup of both true analogue and digital technologies. With 32 analogue inputs, excellent sight lines and full patching flexibility between rooms, the studio is fully equipped to handle any project from soloists to full live band recordings.

READ MORE

"Sarah did an amazing job organizing the session remotely with the string quartet and engineer, making the whole process seamless. The recordings sound incredible and I couldn’t be happier with the results."

Resident String Quartet

River Suite Orchestra has a collective of professional string players based on the Sunshine Coast and Brisbane whose principal players are recognised as accomplished musicians with international and national experience. 

Drawing on their shared versatility and creativity, they form a cohesive and dynamic ensemble working with classical and contemporary artists on recording projects and live performances. As seasoned collaborators, they seamlessly blend their unique musical voices, delivering performances rich in texture and expressive depth.

Recent live performances include ‘Right Where You Are Tour‘ with Adelaide artist Dustyn Music , ‘String Theory’ National Tour with Melbourne artist Georgia Fields , and string recordings for Sydney composer Cassie To

"I booked River Suite String Quartet to accompany me at two performances. The ensemble was absolutely exquisite. Sarah King led the quartet with pure grace, and the players were all exceptional musicians (and wonderful people; easy to work with; kind, fun and generous!). I highly recommend Sarah and her musicians for your creative projects (recording, live performance)... Professional, elite classical players.."

Violin ~ Michael Patterson

A soloist with Camerata, Queensland’s Chamber Orchestra and violinist with the Queensland Symphony Orchestra, Doch Gypsy Orchestra, Gerard Mapstone and the Dale Cane Flamenco Company, Taraf Tambal Romanian Folk Music Ensemble and Laique Gypsy Jazz Band, Michael has toured nationally and internationally and is currently a performer and recording artist with the Black Square String Quartet.

Michael has composed and arranged music for ‘The Voice’ TV show and the NRL Final. He is the principal recording violinist for Jaguar Jonze and has worked in sessions with Daniel O’Brien, known for the TV series ‘Bluey.’

Yamanui String Quartet Profiles @2000px-5
session musician and string arranger

Violin ~ Sarah King

An ensemble and orchestral player, Sarah has freelanced throughout Australia’s major Arts and Cultural Festivals performing in musical theatre, opera, dance and contemporary music productions with international and Australian artists including Laufey, Vince Jones, Kate Ceberano, Katie Noonan, The SuperJesus, The Whitlams, Adrian Eagle, Thandi Phoenix, Thndo, Il Divo, Deborah Cheetham, Jherek Bischoff, Meow Meow, Eddie Perfect, Roscoe James Irwin, Adam Page, Matthew Sheens and Bandaluzia Flamenco

Viola ~ Dan Williams

A freelance Violist with the Sydney Symphony and the Queensland Symphony Orchestra, Dan has performed in musicals, recording sessions for movie soundtracks and rock bands working with international artists Glen Hansard, Led Zeppelin, ELO, and Robbie Williams

Yama-nui String Quartet Profiles @2000px-8
Yamanui String Quartet Profiles @2000px-6

Cello ~ Louise King

Louise is a founding artist of Muses Trio – ABC Classics. Equally comfortable in the sonic worlds of new music, experimental improvisation, classical, baroque, jazz and global folk traditions Louise has worked with leading Australian artists, John Farnham, Kate Miller-Heidke, Katie Noonan, Jack Carty, Karl S. Williams, Eric Avery, Joe Geia and Fred Leone.

"Sarah has worked on several of my performance and recording projects over the last 20 years. Her musicality and commitment contribute to the quality of each project she’s been involved in. She is a joy to work with."

String Arrangements

String Solo

$150 per song

String Duo or Trio

$200 per song

String Quartet

$300 per song

String Sessions

Minimum 3 Hour Call

$250 per player

Day Rate 10am – 4pm

$500 per player

Three Days

$1200 per player

Live String Quartet

Rehearsal 

$800

Soundcheck

$200

Performance

$1200

*Prices are a guide only and will vary  

Please don’t hesitate to contact Sarah 

© RIVERSUITEORCHESTRA2025