COMMISSION A NEW WORK
Commissioning new music is one of the most important ways an artistic organization can encourage the continuation of viable, thriving culture in America. A commission can be as simple as filling a programming gap for the coming year, or as special as dedicating a major work to a long-time colleague or patron of an organization. You may have something very specific in mind, or you might just want something new. Whatever your ensemble’s needs, I will work with you to provide a singular, memorable piece. Below, please find some basic guidelines to help you begin planning your commission, as well as answers to some frequently asked questions.
The first—and easiest—step to take is contact me!
Frequently asked questions:
What information do you need from me?
- Performers (include details about instrumentation, ability level, how much divisi for choral works, approx. grade level for bands/orchestras, etc)
- Occasion
- Length (3-5 minutes, 30-minute multi-movement, etc)
- Deadline (I typically require 4-6 months at a minimum for a commission, or longer depending on the length of the work)
- Dedication or inscription, if applicable
- Text, if applicable (I am also happy to work with you to find a text)
- I will send you a PDF of the completed, final draft of the score, as well as any relevant parts, which you are welcome to reproduce as needed.
- Depending on your location, I am more than happy to attend the performance or work with your ensemble during a rehearsal. Outside of a 2-hour drive from southeastern Kansas, I will need to be reimbursed for travel expenses. These details will be discussed and addressed in the contract. My attendance is not a requirement for a commission. I am also happy to "attend" a rehearsal via Skype or FaceTime (which is free!).
- Yes! I prefer both audio and visual recordings of the premiere performance, which I retain the right to use for my own personal promotional efforts.
- I retain all rights to submit the work to any publishing house of my choosing, or to self-publish the work through my own publishing house. I also retain the right to not publish the work. Upon publication, you retain the right to perform the piece from your PDF copies, but are encouraged to replace them with the published version. Any dedication or inscription will be included in the published version.
How much does it cost?
The following chart is based on information in New Music USA’s Commissioning Music: A Basic Guide:
The following chart is based on information in New Music USA’s Commissioning Music: A Basic Guide:
However, this is a general framework, based on industry standards, and it is important to keep in mind that my fees are flexible and negotiable. Please don’t let this section deter you from discussing your ideas with me. You never know what we can come up with!
What is a “consortium?”
- A commissioning consortium is a group of people (such as conductors, donors, or performers), ensembles (professional or amateur) or schools (public or private) joining forces to commission new works by pooling fiscal resources. Forming a consortium with the intent to commission a new work greatly reduces the financial burden of any one individual, ensemble, or institution. Rather than paying the full amount of the commission, each member of the consortium is only responsible for a fraction of the cost.
Additionally, each entity can directly communicate with the composer throughout the commissioning process. Each performing organization (or individual) also receives its own premiere of the work. Consortia provide opportunities for schools and ensembles to realize ambitious goals, add new works to the canon, and aid in the growth and development of the composer’s career. I strive to keep my consortium fees between $75–$500 per group.
Again, I encourage you to contact me and let me know what you have in mind.
I am excited to work with you to create a new piece of art!
I am excited to work with you to create a new piece of art!