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Commissioning a new work is one of the most rewarding ways to collaborate with a composer and can take many forms, ranging from short solo works to large scale ensemble pieces. If you are interested in working with me to create a new work, or adapt an existing work, please contact me directly so that we can start the conversation!
Generally, a composer will need to know the following before agreeing to a rate and beginning to work on a piece:
Below are a few examples of commissions that I have completed in the past with rate and timeline estimates. I am open to working with you to find the rate that fits your project or participate in a consortium or fundraiser. If you have a shorter timeline, I will need to adjust the rate higher because I am often working on multiple projects and may or may not be able to fit in your commission without other accommodations. |
Paul Klee : Painted SongsThis ongoing series of instrumental chamber works has completed, in-progress, and open ended pieces. Although each can be performed separately, several could be performed together as a "gallery."
If you are interested in the series, either choose existing works for a custom gallery, arrange an existing work for your instrument or ensemble; or choose a painting by Paul Klee not already in the series. Custom Gallery $100 - $250 1 - 10 minutes 1 - 2 months Arrangement $200 - $500 1 - 10 minutes 1 - 2 months New Work $250 - $2,000 1 - 10 minutes 3 - 6 months |
Choral Music / Art SongIf you are a choir director or singer, I would love to collaborate with you on an anthem, text setting, or art song. Please let me know what text(s) you are interested in, what type of accompaniment (if any), whether it is for a specific event, liturgical service, or a theme.
For choir directors, I would also want to know the ability level of your choir, how many voices or divisi will be used, and if you will have soloists or extra instruments. For singers, I would also want to know your voice type, range, and tessitura. The length of the text will guide the estimate for the length of the work. Choir $500 - $3,000 1 - 10 minutes 3 - 6 months Art Song $250 - $2,000 1 - 10 minutes 3 - 6 months Note: All texts permissions must be negotiated and secured before I begin setting the text. Any permissions fees will be added to the commission rate. |
Band / OrchestraIf you are interested in commissioning a new work for your band, orchestra, or large ensemble, I would love to learn more about your program and how this commission will be used in the classroom, if applicable. Please let me know the ability level and instrumentation of your ensemble.
New Work $2,000 - $7,500 1 - 10 minutes 6+ months Large ensemble works will generally evolve in multiple phases, with separate deadlines for the full score and parts, possible readings or workshops that result in revisions, and a deadline for the final score and parts before the performance. In general, these projects should be planned more than 6 months in advance. |
Join a consortium!
One of the easiest ways to commission new music from a composer is to join a consortium -- a group of musicians or ensembles pooling resources to commission a new work. As a composer, a consortium shapes a work by allowing for more opportunity to workshop and perform the work for a wider audience. As a musician or ensemble, you can contribute at a level appropriate for your situation and still have access to the creative process and guide the direction of the new work.