SERVICES
San Diego Recording Orchestra (SDRO) provides professional live-orchestra recording services for composers working in film, television, video games, and other visual media. We specialize in orchestral music synched live-to-picture, offering flexible ensemble sizes and a focused workflow built around the needs of modern composers.
Whether you’re recording a full score or a single cue, SDRO provides experienced session musicians, clear communication, and a recording environment that honors your music and vision.
Why Work With SDRO
SDRO was created with composers in mind. Our orchestra, workflows, and collaborators are all focused on helping you realize your score with accuracy, expression, and efficiency.
Composers choose SDRO because:
Our musicians are experienced studio instrumentalists dedicated to bringing your music to life.
Sessions are built around real-world scoring needs.
We understand the technical demands of live-to-picture recording.
Communication is clear and direct - musician-to-musician.
We value high-quality music preparation, traditional recording methods, and the classic sound of cinema.
Whether this is your first live orchestral session or you’re an industry pro, SDRO meets you where you are and supports your musical endeavors.
Why Live Orchestra
A live orchestra brings depth, nuance, and emotion that virtual instruments cannot replicate. The interaction between players, the natural shaping of phrases, and the organic energy of a live performance elevate a score in ways that are immediately felt on screen.
Live orchestral recording offers:
Greater emotional impact and musical realism
Expressive phrasing and dynamics shaped in real time
Natural blend, balance, and articulation
A score that stands out in competitive media markets
SDRO helps make live orchestra accessible and practical, even for projects with limited resources.
BUILD YOUR OWN ENSEMBLE
SDRO offers recording sessions for a wide range of ensemble sizes, allowing composers to scale their orchestra to the needs of their score.
Available options include:
Full orchestra sessions (60+ players)
Reduced orchestra and hybrid ensembles
Chamber groups and soloists
SDRO is able to perform a wide variety of musical styles and has access to an incredible collection of world instruments and seasoned musicians who are comfortable playing music of different cultures.
Scoring for VISUAL MEDIA
We record music for:
Feature films and short films
Television and streaming series
Video games
Trailers, commercials, and branded content
Other visual and interactive media
Our players are accustomed to the pace and precision required in scoring environments and perform with both technical accuracy and musical sensitivity.
How It Works
SDRO’s process is designed to integrate smoothly into your existing scoring workflow.
1. Consultation
We discuss your project, musical goals, ensemble size,
timeline, and artistic requirements.
2. Session Planning
Instrumentation, session length, and scheduling are finalized.
If needed, music services can be coordinated through
our collaboration with Morgan Fator Music Services.
3. Music Preparation
You may provide fully prepared scores and parts, or request professional
music preparation to ensure your materials are optimized for recording.
4. Recording Session
The orchestra records your music live.
Composers may attend sessions in person or remotely.
5. Delivery
Recorded materials are delivered promptly, including ProTools session files, stems, etc.
Full-Scope Music Services
In Collaboration with Morgan Fator Music Services
SDRO collaborates with Morgan Fator Music Services to offer a seamless, end-to-end solution for composers who want beautifully prepared materials that inspire musicians to give their best performance on session day.
Morgan Fator Music Services provides:
Composition for film, TV, and games
Orchestration and arranging
Professional music preparation
Mockups and pre-recording demos
Conducting and session leadership
Score production and music supervision
Composers may work with SDRO solely for recording or choose a fully integrated workflow that carries a project from concept to live orchestra.
Get in Touch
Interested in recording your music with San Diego Recording Orchestra?
Contact us to discuss your project, timeline, and session options.
We look forward to helping you bring your score to life!
