Commissioning a Composition

Although most of my compositions are for my own ensembles, or even just for myself (I honestly don't even know why I've done some of them!), I also accept commissions for works to be performed by others. Several reasons have been given for commissioning a custom work, some of which follow:

Why Commission:

Soloists wishing to display specific strengths
Memorialize a special event, occasion, or person
have the opportunity to collaborate with a composer
Take part in the creation of a legacy of music for the future

Groups that can specifically benefit from commissions:

Soloists
Groups with unusual instrumentation requirements
Art groups with a specific mission or statement
Groups with performance abilities or restrictions which must be considered

A few other ideas:

Pay tribute to a special person - birthdays, anniversaries, etc.
Memorialize an occasion or event - organization kick-offs, business openings, special functions
Add custom music to a film or documentary project

How To Begin

The first step is finding a composer whose previous work seems to fit your desired results, and with whom you feel comfortable working. After all, but the composer and benificiary are vital parts of the composition process, and you may actually be working closely on some aspects of the composition (this varies by project and by individual composer). If, after browsing this site, you feel my music, methods, and artistic direction would fit your project, the next step is to provide some information about the project you have in mind by filling out an information form. After reviewing your request and information, I will contact you about taking on your project.

Some FAQs

How much does it cost?

Though it varies by project (based on the amount of work involved, and several options for the finished product), some general guidelines will give you an idea of starting points...

solo or duo - $100-250
trio or quartet - $200-500
small ensemble (ex. chamber or jazz orchestra) - $300-700
large ensemble (ex. concert band, jazz big band) - $400-1000
full orchestra - $450-1200

Again, these are not "prices" or quotes. Each project is negotiated individually based on many factors, but these ranges are given to give an idea of the cost involved.

How long does it take?

Depending on the complexity of the work, the time involved can vary widly, from as little as a week to several months. In general, especially if you have a definite deadline (ie a performance date already set), give as much notice as possible.

Who owns the work after it is completed?

As composer, I retain the copyright and publishing rights on my work. However, certain rights (including exclusive performance and recording rights) can be negotiated as part of the commission contract. For more information about commissioning a piece of music, the Meet the Composer website has commissioning guides and resources which you may wish to consult. For specific questions about my work, feel free to email me directly.