It seems like AI has taken over everything. But there are still multiple reasons to hire a flute player rather than just relying on technology.
Whether you’re a composer, business owner, or someone else who needs music, don’t rely on basic MIDI tracks. Keep reading to learn why it’s worth hiring a living, breathing flutist.
Benefits of MIDI
MIDI (or musical instrument digital interface) has changed the game for composers and music producers. You can hear what your music is going to sound like as you write it, and you can make changes if necessary.
Some notation programs make it super easy to export a MIDI file based on the music you’ve written. That way, you can provide an audio sample to a commission client or potential buyers.
I’ll admit that I’ve used MIDI files as an arranger. If I don’t have time to record a track, it makes sense to put something out there for an audio preview.
6 Reasons to Hire a Flute Player Instead
While MIDI is great, it can’t replace a live flute player or any other live musician. AI may be taking over some industries, but it has a long way to go to be a full replacement for musicians.
Here’s why you may want to hire a flute player for your next recording.
1. More Expressive
A lot of the computer-generated audio I’ve heard isn’t as expressive as it could be. It often sounds very monotonous throughout the recording. Sure, it may recognize dynamic changes, but that’s about it.
Computer renderings can’t express emotions or other feelings through the music. They can’t do vibrato, or at least not as naturally as a performer would be able to do.
2. More Natural
Not only can a live flute player do more, but they sound more natural. At least in my opinion, they also sound better than a computer recording. Sure, they’ll probably make mistakes, but that’s part of what makes it natural.
People aren’t perfect, and even the best of us will have a missed note here or there. But that adds to the humanness of a recording. It can also help any potential buyers of sheet music connect to the music more.
3. Support a Musician
Of course, I’m a bit biased, but one of the best reasons to hire a flute player to record your next track is to support your fellow creatives. We all need to make money to pay our bills.
Technology is great, and it can help you save money. But if you have the means to, please consider supporting a musician. You never know if you could be the person to help someone’s career take off.
4. Receive Exposure
I’m not talking about paying live musicians with exposure. We’re in favor of getting paid for our time, effort, and skills. However, you as the composer or business owner may get exposure for your work.
As a remote studio flutist, I like to share the projects I work on when I can. And since I have a decent-sized audience, that means my followers will learn about your latest project or business. You won’t get that with a MIDI track.
5. Service Bundles
Perhaps you’re a YouTuber or podcaster and need intro music. You’re not a musician, so you don’t have any music to provide. That’s why I also offer service bundles.
I’m an arranger and studio musician. So if you have no music to start with, I can arrange some flute tracks. Then, I’ll record them for you to use however you like.
If you just went with MIDI, you’d have to be the one to create the notation. But with me, all of that is covered.
6. Remote Recordings
You don’t have to live in LA or NY to work with studio musicians. If you can send the sheet music over the internet and receive audio files the same way, you can hire a studio flute player.
I live in Kansas City and record from my home studio. And I work with clients from all over the world. So whether you’re in LA, the midwest, or not even in the US, you can hire a flute player who will create an excellent final product.
How to Hire a Flute Player
If you’re ready to hire a flute player for your next project, consider the following steps.
Consider Your Project
First, you need to know what you’re hiring a flute player for. Maybe you’re a composer and want to provide better audio previews on your site. Or perhaps you need to update your podcast intro music.
Either way, think about how long the track needs to be and if you want a flutist who can record multiple tracks. Think about the specific flutes you’ll need recorded, such as C flute, piccolo, or alto flute.
And of course, if you need someone to write the music, you’ll want to hire an arranger or composer. You could also look for someone with both writing and performing skills.
Set a Suitable Budget
Next, you need to determine how much you can afford to pay for your project. The cost will depend on a variety of factors, from the length and complexity to the flute player’s experience.
You don’t need a huge budget to hire a flute player. But if you don’t have much money, make sure your project is small enough that you can find a good person to work with.
Review a Few Musicians
Now, it’s time to find the flute player you want to hire. When you find someone, do your research. Check out their website and social media profiles, and try to listen to their recordings if you can.
If you like the player’s sound, that’s a good sign. On the other hand, if you find it hard to listen to someone’s recordings, you may want to move on. Look for another flute player, and repeat the process until you find someone you like.
Think About Remote Recordings
You can start your search to hire a flute player with local musicians. That can be nice because you get to work with them in person. But you may not have a ton of options that way.
So consider opening yourself up to remote studio musicians. That way, you can hire the best player for the job. Their location and your location won’t matter as much, and you can still collaborate with video calls, emails, and messages.
Contact the Flute Player
Once you find a flute player you’d like to hire, it’s time to contact them. A professional musician should have some sort of contact page. You can use that to email them or fill out a contact form.
Tell them what you’re looking for and what your project is about. If they get back to you, you can move forward with your recording project.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Flute Player?
The cost to hire a flute player can vary widely. You may spend as little as $50 or even less for a small project by a new performer.
On the other hand, some flutists charge hundreds or thousands of dollars for complex projects that require a lot of tracks and a lot of practice.
What Is a Flute Specialist?
A flute specialist can refer to any musician who focuses on the flute. Some focus on the various members of the flute family, including the piccolo and low flutes.
Others may also play world flutes, like the ocarina or tin whistle. Be sure to check out the flutist’s about page for more specifics.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a good recording, you should hire a flute player. MIDI can do a lot, but it lacks that human element.
Luckily, you don’t need to live in a big city to hire a flutist for your next recording project. Instead, learn more about my remote recording services.