KARIEN DE WAAL MUSIC
Karien de Waal Music
Karien de Waal Music
ABOUT
My name is Karien de Waal, a musician and all-round creative from Cape Town with a passion for storytelling through sound and film. Over the years, I have served as a Music Director and producer for numerous projects both in South Africa and abroad, ranging from high-energy live shows to intimate studio recordings.
My visual work as a director and editor of music videos and short documentaries complements my musical background, allowing me to craft cohesive, immersive experiences.
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 over the years.
ABOUT
My name is Karien de Waal, a musician and all-round creative from Cape Town with a passion for storytelling through sound and film. Over the years, I have served as a Music Director and producer for numerous projects both in South Africa and abroad, ranging from high-energy live shows to intimate studio recordings.
My visual work as a director and editor of music videos and short documentaries complements my musical background, allowing me to craft cohesive, immersive experiences.
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 all the gems I've learned with others.
Industry Experience
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 and arranger, I’ve had the privilege of arranging dozens of live concerts, including a few projects for Grammy and Oscar nominees. 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 events and high-profile gigs. 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: Studio Production
"Wake Up Africa" Written and Produced by Karien de Waal,
featuring Lebohang Kgapola & the Zolani Youth Choir.
Video directed & edited by Karien de Waal
(SONY Global Social Justice Fund Recipient 2024)
"Where is the Love? (Mzansi Style)"
Co-produced by N1 Jozi and Karien de Waal.
Video directed & edited by Karien de Waal (2026)
"Four Seasons - with Peri Peri Sauce".
Mashup of Vivaldi's Four Seasons and an original composition in a Ghoema Style, 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)
SELECTED WORKS: Live concerts
"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)
SELECTED WORKS: Writing for film
"Recuerdarme con tus ojos" written and arranged by Karien de Waal for the feature film "Die Laaste Tango" by writer Deon Meyer. (2013)
"Theme song"
Written and produced by Karien de Waal.
SERVICES
1. WRITING & ARRANGING
a. 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, as well as professional score preparation.
b. 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.
c. Writing for choir/vocals
I love writing for vocals and have written for all size vocal groups, both for live performances and studio.
2. STUDIO PRODUCTION
I have produced and co-produced numerous tracks with dozens of artists, taking them all the way from song-conception and rough ideas 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.
3. FILM / VIDEO
a. Directing and film editing (Visual)
The creative processes of music and film are closely linked together. The same principles apply, though the skillsets differ. So it was a natural transition for me to work both in music and picture.
Over the years I have created music videos in a variety of styles, as well as directed and edited professional corporate - and documentary videos. I have gained invaluable production management skills, as well as script supervision, directing, location scouting, budgeting and technical skills, in addition to my main skills of directing and editing.
I work closely with Cannes Lions Award-winning cinematographer, William Collinson (https://williamcollinson.com/) on creating bespoke videos for clients. To find out more, please contact me here.
b. Writing music for film (Audio)
I am currently working on my first full-length documentary as director, editor and composer, sponsored by the National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF). Release date 2027. Stay tuned for more on this.
See examples of my work below:
4. 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.
5. NON-PROFIT CONSULTING & MENTORSHIP
After 8 years in the non-profit world, I have gained invaluable experience in every aspect of this complex world, including vision casting & strategy, hiring the right people, proposal writing, fundraising, legal elements, marketing and brand development - as well as managing expectations all round. I've also rather mastered the art of problem solving.
The non-profit world is a complex world and it's best traversed with a mentor. To find out more about non-profit mentorship, please get in touch.
MY OWN MUSIC
"Break" Written, produced and performed by Karien de Waal.
"Final Chapter, New Beginning" Written and performed by Karien de Waal,
featuring Valentina Koleva-Vorster on violin.
