One Year Under Our Wing

Greetings Fellow Bloggers, Music Lovers, Friends, Family, and Colleagues:

It’s Been One Year…and, We’re Still Here! 

Live Room Under Construction

Yes, Ravensworth Studios is celebrating a birthday!  We’ve been officially open since September 2011.  Lots of news since our last post…it’s been a very busy summer around the studio!  Many thanks to all who contributed to a great first year!  Looking back at some of the construction photos, we’ve come a long way…and, we couldn’t have done it without your support!

Live Room Finished!  For more photos, news, and info…please visit Ravensworth Studios on facebook!

Let’s see…nearly 50 audio/video projects under our wing this past year – large, small, and everywhere in between.  All genres, including several full-length album projects.  Would like to highlight a couple of projects of particular note, that represent the breadth of our recording experiences this past year…

Single Release:  A fantastic country/pop hit…”You and Me” by Ashley McMillen and her full band…already getting good airplay on local radio and internet stations.  You can take a listen to (and buy!) the song via Ashley’s excellent website:  http://www.ashleymcmillen.com

Full-Length Album:  Diamond Heart (Michael Scambos), the ethereal sounds of Native American flute.  Please support this amazing artist: http://soundcloud.com/diamond-heart

Joey Vagus, lead engineer and audio-post specialist at Ravensworth Studios, tracked and mixed both of the sessions.  Joey is also a member of Scottsville-based band, The SeeDz; as well as, Ferocious Fungi, who recently released an EP and have a music video in the works.  As you can tell, we work with a lot of genres, from “Cello to Metal”…and, everything in between!

The SeeDz, Live at Scottsville's Batteau Festival

The SeeDz, Live at Scottsville’s Batteau Festival by Elizabeth Schoenborn

Would also like to introduce you to our resident artist, Ethan Hamburg, a very gifted keyboard player and composer who has worked on some selected projects at our studio, including session work  for both of the above projects with Ashley and Michael.  He has also performed as a featured guest for multiple artists at Victory Hall Theater, an intimate concert hall in Scottsville.  (See below for more news about this great performance venue, now booking LIVE MUSIC!)

Ethan at 12 Stones Concert                                Victory Hall in Scottsville                                             by Elizabeth Schoenborn

If you’re looking for keys, Ethan has 88 of them..and, he can make any sound imaginable!  He also has thousands of songs he can play from memory.  He is a classically trained, world-influenced, professional…with international touring experience.  While he particularly enjoys working with all genres of Classic and Contemporary Country…from 1930’s Western Swing…to the sounds of Django Reinhardt…to the sounds of today’s Nashville artists, he is very comfortable with Fusion, World Music, and some Classical – Purcell anyone?  He is an expert improvisational accompanist – almost any genre – and can immediately slide into most any performance environment.

Greg Schoenborn (guitar) and Ethan Hamburg (keys)

Greg Schoenborn (guitar)                                          and Ethan Hamburg (keys)                                          by Elizabeth Schoenborn

Ethan is available for touring (if the deal is right), local gigs, occasional fill-in player work, studio sessions, original compositions, film score, commercial work, private events, dance studio accompanist…and, most any situation that calls for a high-caliber, well-seasoned pro.  For a very quick video peek of Ethan tickling the ivories of our beautiful baby grand, please check out this link: Ethan Hamburg Demo

Ravensworth Studios is very excited about our current partnership with historic (c. 1918) Victory Hall Theater, an intimate performance venue, managed by Scottsville Center for Arts and Nature (SCAN), a nonprofit organization whose mission is a place for Art, a place for Nature, a place for Everyone.  Elizabeth Schoenborn (Co-Owner of Ravensworth Studios and writer of this blog) is a volunteer member of the Board of Directors for SCAN.  Ravensworth Studios is the booking agent for great local and regional LIVE MUSIC at this community treasure, at 401 Valley Street in the heart of the historic district, Scottsville, Virginia.  Call 434.286.7200 or email Ravensworth Studios here.

Victory Hall Theater by Elizabeth Schoenborn

Back in the day, Victory Hall was on the circuit for many up-and-coming musicians such as Patsy (before she was Cline).  The Carter Family (with June Carter) were regulars, as was Sunshine Sue (with the Old Dominion Barn Dance).  We have a great music schedule for the rest of the year, including a Sunday Bluegrass Series.  The theater also offers a variety of community programming:  ballet classes, strings instruction, writer’s workshops, art classes, and more!

Please check SCAN’s website for events, tickets, information, news, and photos: http://www.scottsvillecenter.org

We have also been active with various community and charitable organizations, in support of the arts, both around Central Virginia and within our quaint little town.  We are supporters of an organization that has been recently established, Central Virginia Health Alliance for Musicians (CVHAM).  

Sharing the word about the “CVHAM 2012 Kick-off Musicfest”, a special fundraiser event with 12 hours of music, fun, and food on Saturday October 27th at Fry’s Spring Beach Club in Charlottesville.  Their goal is, to not only raise money, but awareness for their mission:  providing  low-cost primary healthcare, basic dental care; as well as, mental health counseling to uninsured professional working musicians in the Central Virginia area.  On-site health screenings will be available at the event.  If you know of a fellow musician in need (who lives in the immediate vicinity of Charlottesville, VA), please spread the word!  Volunteers and donations are welcome!  Please visit their website for more information:  http://cvham.org

With even more economic development happening around Scottsville, our fair town is becoming a year-round, vibrant community of thriving, forward-thinking businesses, filled with friendly and creative-minded people.  Even in the three years that we’ve lived here, there have been so many wonderful changes…all leading to a long-overdue fiscal and cultural boon in the quintessential “Smalltown, USA” that we are proud to call home.

support_local_artists

Support_Local_Artists

Best in Music,

Gregory and Elizabeth Schoenborn

Elizabeth and Greg Caricature by Robin Hoffman

Elizabeth and Greg Schoenborn –  Caricature by Robin Hoffman

Ravensworth Studios, Owners
434.286.7200
http://www.RavensworthStudios.com
http://www.facebook.com/RavensworthStudio

New Video – “Batteau Boy”

Ravensworth Studios presents:  James River Brewing Co. and ”Batteau Boy”  - Episode 1

Demo commercial…8 days from conception to completion!  Thanks to everyone for the tremendous collaborative effort; particularly Christopher Kyle, of James River Brewing, for directing/producing and Thomas Vinson for shooting all the video.  And special thanks to the star of the show…”Batteau Boy”, aka Erik “Red” Knierim – musician, craftsman, and James River enthusiast!

All video editing and audio post was completed at Ravensworth Studios in Scottsville. Every sound you hear (from birds chirping to foot steps) was added in post production by our talented lead audio engineer, Joey Vagus, with video editing by Greg Schoenborn, owner of Ravensworth Studios.  The excellent banjo soundtrack by local artist Steve Vargo and voiceover narration was recorded at the studio as well.

Stay tuned for the continuing adventures of  ”Batteau Boy” and the 2012 opening of James River Brewing Company in Scottsville, Virginia.  See below for a behind-the-scenes photo gallery…and the video link on YouTube.

NOTE:  Please click the “YouTube” icon in the lower right corner of the player to “Watch on YouTube”… so we can keep those views rolling like the James River…and help the video go viral…Scottsville and beyond!

Enjoy…and thanks to everyone who helped make this happen!

Shop Local/Support Local

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http://www.ravensworthstudios.com

434.286.7200


Studio News and Recording Tips

>>Studio News<<

Lots of great projects recently completed, in progress, and scheduled!!  We’ve had some awesome folks come out to record.  We thank everyone who has helped along the way.  Please help us spread the word about our space and our services.  If you care to write a review about Ravensworth Studios, you can visit Yelp! and add your comments.

We also welcome THREE new members to our engineering team.  So happy to have these guys on board(s). Bios, info, and demo reels coming soon!

And don’t forget about our “Raven Rewards” program…earn some free studio time for yourself when your fellow musicians book our space.  Get in contact, and we’ll be happy to send out a customized .pdf flyer to help you promote the program.  Maybe you’ll end up cutting your next album for free!  :)

>>Recording Tips<<

Don’t ever pay to have your whole production done in a studio!

Take advantage of today’s technology!

Track your guitar and bass at home, and then re-amp at a studio.

Employ a pro studio space for what’s important…AWESOME SOUND!

Use their great mics, superb pre-amps and sound-treated rooms for your final tracks.

Record your drums and lead vocals in a studio, using their high-end microphones.

Create and use MIDI files…and then tap into the vast sound library at a studio.

Guitar and bass licks, back-ups, crazy late-night sounds or whatever else, can all be recorded from home, at your convenience.

Timing is everything…use preset beats, MIDI beats and/or a metronome.

Want to learn more about how to maximize your home studio recordings…and save some bucks?

How about a FREE class, loaded with tips and techniques?

Raven Training Seminar

Ravensworth Studios is now offering a series of free classes, specifically geared towards home studio musicians.

SIGN UP NOW for “Raven Training” Seminar: “Come Home and Record”

Rock Your Recordings – Tips to Achieve Your Best Home Studio Sounds

Next Session:

• Saturday, March 24th – 2:00pm to 5:00pm

• Lecture Presentation and Demo

• Class Size Limited to 10 Participants

• Free Event!

• RSVP to media@ravensworthstudios.com or through our facebook event.

Snow Day!

"Snowmageddon" Walk

Ravensworth Studios is NOT blanketed in snow…yet!  In fact,  Scottsville, Virginia has been enjoying a very mild winter season so far.  However, it’s snowing like crazy right now…expecting 3-5 inches!

Who can forget “Snowmageddon” of February 2010?  It was our first winter here…and we were sorely unprepared!  We had to trek about three miles in deep drifts to our neighbor’s house to share their woodstove after our power went out.  AND…our Honda got stuck in the middle of our long driveway, while trying to avoid a fallen tree!

How Not to Drive a Honda

 

We’re happy that the winter weather bypassed the studio yesterday, the date of our very first “Raven Training” seminar!  Next one is scheduled for March 24th…

Meanwhile, stay warm and be safe!

 

 

Come “home” and record with

Ravensworth Studios!

434.286.7200


New Year News

So much happening around Ravensworth Studios!  

Help is on the way!

SIGN UP NOW for our first “Raven Training” Seminar:  “Rock Your Recordings - Tips to Achieve Your Best Home Studio Sounds”

  • Saturday, February 18th – 2:00pm to 5:00pm
  • Lecture Presentation and Demo
  • Class Size Limited to 15 Participants
  • Free Event!
  • RSVP to media@ravensworthstudios.com
  • Or call 434.286.7200

Hype Science in the Studio

Download the latest tracks from Hype Sciencerecorded and mixed at Ravensworth Studios!  Share the love!

        • Available on facebook or download through iTunes
        • Some of the best electronica and percussion sounds we’ve heard!

Practice, Practice"

“Music Lesson Mondays” are in full swing!  A few time slots are still available…make it happen in 2012!

  • Guitar, Bass, Drums
  • Classes for Tweens, Teens, and Adults
  • Half-Hour Private Session for only $30!
  • Your First Lesson is Free
  • Currently Seeking an On-Site Piano Instructor
  • Call 434.286.7200

Finally, as a New Year’s incentive, we are launching “Raven Rewards”, a new referral program to earn FREE studio time!  For every paid booking you send to Ravensworth Studios, we will reward you with a designated number of hours to use towards any of your own projects!  Whether it’s tracking and mixing, lessons or classes, audio-post production, photo shoots, or video work…all of our services are eligible for the program.  To learn more details and to sign up, please call 434.286.7200 or email media@ravensworthstudios.com.

Thanks to all of our clients, good friends, and the music/film community for your support.  Looking forward to a great year!  Give a call and stop by for a visit.

Session Musicians…

Ravensworth Studios has an updated roster of Session Musicians.  We’re excited to offer some great talent for your next project!!  It’s been really inspiring to listen to these folks perform… and that’s why we’re always singing the praises of “the rich music mine that is Central Virginia”!  There is a true wealth of gifted and passionate musicians in this area, some of whom we’ve been lucky to meet.  From a brilliant, young group of jazz instrumentalists from UVa in Charlottesville with the sounds of flute/sax/harmony vox, upright bass, guitar, and jazz drums… to a 2nd year UVa student who has literally traveled around the world in pursuit of the instrument of his passion, the unique sounds of the Halo drum… to the local drummer and vocalist who has many album credits to his name and is the “go-to” guy for both live and recorded performances… to the amazing improvisational sounds of a violin, cello, or upright bass… to an awesome lineup of guitarists and bass players for rounding out your mix.

Can you hear strings harmonizing with your acoustic guitar and vocals??  Or the sweet sound of a flute solo?  How about a monster guitar riff??  Or some kick-ass live beats??  If you can’t provide it yourself, we can provide it for you!

We use seasoned professionals who can improv; as well as, sight-read.  They own the mad skills and versatility to cover many genres and can aid in your arrangement.  Ravensworth Studios can work with you to decide the right sound to enhance your project…and find that missing element you’ve been searching for!

“What is a Session Musician?”  Read about it here in Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.  And a great article on “Why Use a Session Musician” here.

If you’re interested in joining our flock of Session Musicians, please contact Ravensworth Studios to schedule an in-person appointment and audition.  For your audition, please prepare a 15-minute performance showcasing your instrument or vocals.  You are welcome to include a variety of musical styles, so long as the complete content does not run more than 15 minutes.  The audition process usually takes about an hour, exclusive of any set-up time, i.e. for a drum kit.  There is no fee to you for recording your audition.  NOTE:  We also ask that you give us a short bio (250 words or less) and a photo, which we may use for promotional purposes, along with a sample of your audio demo.

If our client requires additional instrumentation, vocals, or accompaniment, you may be contacted to be a part of the session or to come into the studio at a later date to overdub a track.  Per our recording contract, our client will negotiate with you directly about bill rates.  Unless otherwise arranged, we ask our clients to pay our Session Musicians upon completion of the session.  We will gladly help negotiate rates.

Please call Ravensworth Studios at 434.286.7200 for more information.  Also visit our studio on facebook for special events, industry links, recording updates, and photos.

Enjoy those last days of fall…and have a happy and safe Thanksgiving!

Best Regards,

Gregory and Elizabeth Schoenborn
Ravensworth Studios, Owners
434.286.7200
mailto:media@RavensworthStudios.com
http://www.RavensworthStudios.com
http://www.facebook.com/RavensworthStudio
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