BIO

My name is Karien de Waal and I'm a musician, composer, songwriter, producer, film editor and all-round creative from Cape Town. I've worked on dozens of music projects, both home and abroad, on live shows and in studio settings, and have directed and edited multiple music videos, as well as short, and full-length documentaries. I've also worked in the non-profit space for over 8 years, having founded a music charity called 'Join Bands, Not Gangs'.

I write in all styles of music, but have a special place in my heart for orchestra, choirs, folk and South African music. I also love sharing with others all the gems I've learned overthe years.

MUSIC PRODUCTION

A Bit About My Journey

Over the years, I’ve been fortunate enough to build up a wealth of experience in both the studio and live worlds, working with clients across the globe—from South Africa and the USA to Singapore, Germany, and Japan. My foundation in this industry began in Boston, where I earned a dual-degree from the prestigious Berklee College of Music, specializing in composition and live production.

As a Music Director, I’ve had the privilege of arranging dozens of live concerts, including projects for Grammy and Oscar nominees and winners. My work has seen me direct major orchestral performances at the Cape Town International Convention Center (2023–2026) and lead productions for a wide array of prestigious events and high-profile festivals. From collaborations with the Cape Town Philharmonic and the Zolani Youth Choir to providing musical direction for international events like the ISPS Handa Polo Gala and The Cape Town Design Indaba, with key note speakers like the co-founder of Airbnb, I am comfortable leading ensembles of any size for any crowd. On the film side, I’ve contributed music to several projects, including acclaimed writer Deon Meyer’s debut film, Die Laaste Tango.

When I’m in the studio, I’ve produced and co-produced tracks for just about every combination of instruments you can imagine—though if I’m honest, I have a particular soft spot for writing for strings.

Selected Works: Live & Studio

Feel free to have a look (and a listen) to some of my previous work below.

"Paradise Road". Arranged for Orchestra by Karien de Waal. Featuring Elwira Standilli. (CTICC 2025)

"Pulp Fiction Theme". Arranged for Orchestra by Karien de Waal. Featuring Caitlin de Ville on violin. (CTICC 2025)

"Ihlobo Liyeza". (Summer is coming) Original composition and arrangement by Karien de Waal for the Zolani Youth Choir.

(Woordfees 2025)

"Imbali". (Flowers) Original composition and arrangement by Karien de Waal for the Zolani Youth Choir. Featuring Shana Ray

(Woordfees 2025)

"Wake Up Africa" Written and Produced by Karien de Waal, featuring Lebohang Kgapola.Video directed & edited by Karien de Waal (SONY Global Social Justice Fund Recipient 2024)

"Waar's die liefde?" Co-produced by N1 Jozi

and Karien de Waal. (2026)

Video directed & edited by Karien de Waal

"Four Seasons - with Peri Peri Sauce". Mashup of Vivaldi's Four Seasons and an original Cape Town Ghoema, written and arranged by Karien de Waal. Feat. Allou April on Guitar.

Video directed & edited by Karien de Waal (2021)

"Madiba Wethu". Written and produced by Karien de Waal. Featuring Loyiso Bala and Elwira Standili on vocals and the Grammy-nominated Berklee Indian Ensemble. Video directed & edited by Karien de Waal (2018)

"Recuerdarme me con tus ojos" Composed, arranged for strings and guitar and performed by Karien de Waal for the feature film, "Die Laaste Tango" by writer, Deon Meyer.

"Original theme song", composed and arranged

by Karien de Waal.

WHAT I DO

WRITING & ARRANGING

Writing for Orchestra

Expert scoring for any scale. Whether it’s a full orchestra or a minimalist ensemble, I compose original arrangements for film, studio, and live performances.

String Arrangements & Production

Any Ensemble Size: I write for everything from a single violin to full chamber groups.

Song Makeovers: I’ll take your existing tracks and turn them into beautiful string arrangements.

Original Layers: I compose custom string parts for your studio recordings or live shows.

Writing for choir/vocals

I love writing for vocals and have written for all size vocal groups, both for live performances or studio work.

PRODUCING

I have produced and worked as co-producer on numerous tracks with dozens of artsist, taking songwriters and artist all the way fromsong conception to full studio production. I have a special gift (and love) of helping songwriters bring their ideas to life in their own unique musical voice. I produce using Protools and Logic Pro.

TEACHING AND MENTORING

I offer private 1 on 1 tutoring online, as well as group mentoring in composition and songwriting primarily.

I also do career-mentoring for up and coming artists.

FILM / VIDEO

Music video directing and editing, and editing and scriptwriting for film.

The creative processes of music and film are closely linked together. The same principles apply, though the skillset differ. Over the years I have created music videos in a variety of styles, as well as professional corporate and documentary videos, most recently. I have gained invaluable production manangement skills, script supervision, directing, location scouting, budgeting and technical skills and have specialized in directing and editing.

See examples of my work below:

MY OWN MUSIC

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