Interested in commissioning an original work?

Every composer has their own method when it comes to dealing with commissions. Some will write something generic for a flat rate on their own deadline; some will work with you on either the deadline, cost, difficulty level, etc…; some will work on something based on your desires, some will not. Here are some things about my music:

• Music that is custom tailored to your musical ensemble’s abilities.
  

• Music that focuses on your goals and desired outcomes.
  

• Significant flexibility in terms of cost and timeline. As a public school teacher, I understand the limitations of budgets and timelines.
  

• I write music with as much collaboration with you as you would like.
  

• Because it is most important to me that my music is performed, I am more affordable than many of the composer out there.

Contact me to see what I can write for you!

Below are some common questions folks have regarding commissions, which may be of help to you:

What is commissioning?

Commissioning music is paying a composer to write an original musical work for any reason. Typically, these are for special events, to showcase a soloist or an ensemble, or to celebrate an individual in a unique manner.

Why commission a new work?

• You become responsible for bringing a new musical contribution  to the world
• Your name always appears on a score
• Your special event will become unforgettable due to a world premiere
• You can honor a person of importance
  
• You can help create new repertoire for a particular instrument or genre
• You will have an original composition written specifically for you or your ensemble/organization
• You will have the opportunity for your musicians to work with a living composer
• The experience is a thrilling and rewarding one for all involved; imagine following the development of a new work frominception to a finished work.
  

OK - What about cost?

• Cost will vary depending on many factors, such as duration, the number of performers, deadlines, etc...
• Usually, costs for commissions are high. Look at the Meet The Composer website for some basic guidelines . Because I am not trying to use composition as my primary source of income, my fees tend to be less than many other composers. Usually, payements are made in two or three installments, but this, like all else, is negotiable. This should be established early in the discussions.

A commission is more than I can afford. Is there anything I can do?

Sure - there are ways to work around most situations. Some ideas are:

• Patrons - an individual or trust that may be happy to support a commission.
• Businesses may support the commission as a form of public relations and community enrichment.
• Grants are often awarded from arts organizations and foundations where the commissioned work is suited to their guidelines.
• Sometimes a commission can be jointly shared by two or more co-patrons, each sharing in the cost while each enjoys published name credit and a dedicated premiere in their own hometown. This is becoming a more popular idea.

Why commission me?

There are several reasons why I may (or may not) be the composer you want to hire for your musical composition. Well, let's first assume that you like the way I write music, that my "style" or "voice" appeals to you and you want to share that with others. Here are some other reasons:

• You find the style of my compositions, several of which I've included examples of on this website, interesting and appropriate.
  
• I deliver finished, printed bound scores and parts with appropriate page turns,  rehearsal markings, etc..., completed using Finale software.
• I focus on music that will enhance the overall experience for both the performers and the listeners.
• I'm collaborative and listen; I write music focused on the needs of those involved.
• I honor all deadlines, and willwork withyou on something that works well for all involved, including building in time for rehearsals and alterations that may need to be made based upon rehearsal issues.

This all sounds great, but how do we start?

A new work begins with a discussion. Usually, we would begin by discussing:

• the function, purpose or occasion
• the type of composition (quartet, orchestra, concerto, whatever you have in mind)
• the musical abilities of the performers involved
• Any ideas you may have
• Any logistical requirements you may have (will you want me present at final rehearsals and the premier, to present a workshop or master class, to talk to your audience?)

Why not start a conversation?