Nick Schafer

Violin/Fiddle/Strings

Nick Schafer on SoundBetter

I'm an acoustic and electric violinist in Nashville with over 15 years of experience. I've recorded fiddle on #1 country albums, as part of orchestras for film scores, and in quartets for pop songs. With my electric violin I can also record entire string sections myself. Let's talk and make some music!

Hey, I'm Nick! I'm an acoustic and electric violinist living in Nashville, TN. I have a degree in violin performance from Belmont University, and have over 15 years of experience playing the violin.

My time in Nashville has given me a diverse musical background and skill set, which makes me suited for any song in any genre, ranging from country, pop, rock, jazz, funk, and even metal. In addition, my 6 string electric violin gives me the capability to record entire string sections from my home studio, and allows me to add some edgy solos when appropriate.

You can hear my playing on songs by Caroline Cole, Manny Blu, Tommy Atkins, and Mountain Town, among others.

Tell me about your project and how I can help, through the 'Contact' button above.

Interview with Nick Schafer

  1. Q: What's your 'promise' to your clients?

  2. A: You'll always get my best performance, and if you're not satisfied I'll do what is needed for you to be happy with it!

  3. Q: What do you like most about your job?

  4. A: Getting to meet and connect with different musicians of different backgrounds and genres, and getting to see their musical processes and ideas come to life!

  5. Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

  6. A: Do you have a specific idea in mind of what you want from me, or do you want me to create my own parts? Do you want me to be very involved throughout the song, or do you want me to be more laid back?

  7. Q: What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?

  8. A: It's super helpful to provide several clear references of similar artists & tracks of the vibe you're looking for, that will give me clearer direction for what is needed from me.

  9. Q: What was your career path? How long have you been doing this?

  10. A: I've been in Nashville for over 10 years and attended Belmont University to study violin performance, graduating in 2015. Over the course of my career I've had the good fortune to study with legendary violinists like Tracy Silverman, Mark Wood, Billy Contreras, and Buddy Spicher. Since college I've been a working musician, playing lots of weddings and recording sessions in Nashville, playing at CMA Fest and the Nashville Rosé Festival, and have been on national television multiple times.

  11. Q: Which artist would you like to work with and why?

  12. A: Steve Vai- his virtuosity is absolutely mind boggling to me, and his playing style is so unique; it's the perfect blend of insane shredding, beautiful melodies, and intricate chord voicing.

  13. Q: What's your strongest skill?

  14. A: My background of playing in different bands and ensembles has given me a good ear for hearing what the song still needs and figuring out how to deliver that, as well as playing off of ideas from the other musicians on the track.

  15. Q: What do you bring to a song?

  16. A: I'm always looking for new ways to blend styles, so no style or genre is off limits, and I will be as strict to your specific requests or can go as "out of the box" as you want.

  17. Q: What's your typical work process?

  18. A: I always start by listening to a song 3 times. After that I'll start working out some ideas, and from there I'll record what I think works best. Depending on the song and what is needed, I may record a few extra options and let you choose.

  19. Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?

  20. A: So many! The first ones that come to mind are Jimi Hendrix, Steve Vai, Mark Wood, and Tracy Silverman.

  21. Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.

  22. A: Being in Nashville, country fiddling is a large portion of my work and I really enjoy playing in that style. I also get lots of calls to add strings to pop songs, and I love hearing the finished songs with big string arrangements. I love pushing the boundaries of my own playing, and I'll take on any project and artistic direction thrown at me!

Terms Of Service

Prices listed are not necessarily set, and may change due to the amount of work required. I'm always open to discussing budgets, and will guarantee a 7 day turnaround.

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