Why Commission?
Music has a way of etching memories into our brains. The creation of these memories is a composer’s greatest joy in collaboration with you. Working one-on-one with each other, we have the advantage of discussing ideas, preferences, strengths, constraints, and other parameters for the project you envision from the start.
Artistic Vision
If you are requesting an instrumental work, I have many ideas for band and orchestral projects which I have yet to explore, but what are your ideas?
If you are requesting a choral or vocal work, the choice of text(s) to be sung is of utmost importance. I encourage collaborators to commission me with a text, poet, or subject matter in mind. However, there are often obstacles in securing permissions to set and (self-)publish music on texts not in the public domain, e.g., delays in correspondence, significant fees, or refusal on the part of copyright owners. As of 1 January 2023, texts copyrighted after 31 December 1927 are still protected by copyright in the United States. In spite of such inconvenience, it is an especially enriching experience to work with a living author or poet.
Commissioning Fees
For an original solo instrumental or solo vocal work, with or without an assisting instrument, i.e., piano, the commission fee is $1,000 USD per minute of music with the first $1,000 as a *non-refundable fee.
For an original work for small ensemble or mono-timbral ensemble, i.e., string quartet, brass or woodwind quintet, or a cappella choral work of up to four voices with moderate divisi or no divisi, the commission fee is $2,000 USD per minute of music with the first $1,000 as a *non-refundable fee.
For an original work for orchestra or wind band or for a choral work of two voices or more assisted by piano and/or other instruments, the commission fee is $3,000 USD per minute of music with the first $1,000 as a *non-refundable fee.
Fees pertaining to a commission are comprehensive. They cover composition, engraving, editing, part extraction, printing, copying, and shipping per your request. The time it takes to either A) commission an author to write an original text for me to set to music or B) secure the permissions to set a text not in the public domain to music is also factored into these fees. The *non-refundable portion of these fees covers the unpredictable amount of hours worked in the process of consulting, obtaining texts, writing contracts, and doing any research in preparation for the composition.
In most cases, I will ask for 1/2 of the fee upon signing the contract and 1/2 upon delivery of the score(s). If you are not able to pay 1/2 of the fee upfront, I will ask for 1/3 of the fee upon signing the contract, 1/3 upon delivery of the score(s), and 1/3 the day of the première of the commissioned work.
All fees are negotiable. However, partnering with other organizations to form a commissioning consortium is always encouraged.
Plan Ahead
I require at least a six-month window between the date of receipt of your initial payment of the commission fee and the deadline for the submission of the commissioned work. I will not consider myself hired under any circumstances until I have received an initial payment, i.e., I will not “work ahead” on any particular project before I receive an initial payment.
Because I am composing multiple commissions per year, please understand that I operate on a first-come, first-served basis. To ensure that our calendars run smoothly, it is advisable that we establish a Contract at least one year before the first anticipated rehearsal of the commissioned work. Doing so will give us plenty of time to discuss our thoughts concerning the work and to secure permissions for a text if necessary.
As soon as you are ready, contact me, providing your contact information, and we will set up a meeting in person, on the phone, or via video conference.
Updated 28 October 2023.