Every composer works with their clients differently, so it will vary between each of us. For me, the process will include three general phases:

The Agreement (before creating the piece). This is where we’ll decide:

• If we’ll be a good fit for collaboration.
• What type of piece will be created.
• The contract terms (i.e. payment, premiere date, etc.).

The Creation (writing the piece)! Once the commission has been made official, I will:

• Send you updates on the piece’s progress.
• Make necessary revisions based on your feedback.
• Deliver the final, fully-completed score and parts to you.

The Launch. After delivery of the final score and parts, I will:

• Work with you and the performers (in-person or over Zoom)!
• Make any edits to the music we deem necessary based on rehearsals.
• Advertise and promote the premiere on social media.
• Attend the premiere (if possible)!

There’s much more that goes into a commission than just writing the music. Keep in mind that it’s not just the composer’s skill that you’re paying for; it’s also their time! Here are just a few things that commissioning a composer covers:

• Meetings between the composer and commissioner (i.e. contract negotiations, revisions and feedback, etc.)
• Writing the contract
• Composing the piece
• Social media advertisement and exposure for your  group and performance.
• Travel (i.e. rehearsal clinics, premiere attendance, etc.)
• Engraving (making the score and parts readable and presentable)
• Publishing (uploading the sheet music and recordings to websites and social media)

Commission fees are dependent on multiple factors of the piece, including:

• Instrumentation
• Length
• Tempo
• Premiere Date

I will be able to provide a specific commission fee once I have more of this information from you! Click here to let me know. Payment amounts are negotiable as well.

Following the agreement and signing of the contract, a down-payment is required, typically half of the total allotted amount (though this isn’t always the case). Payments can be accepted by check, PayPal, or Venmo.

That’s okay! Please don’t let that keep you from reaching out. There are other payment/price options that I am open to as well. Here are some suggestions:

Payment Plans

• If it’s easier, you can pay in multiple installments of smaller amounts.

Form a Consortium

• Get together with another ensemble (or two, or three, or more!) and commission a piece together.
• This lowers the cost for each group involved, since it’s split between you.
• You can either use this as an opportunity to have a combined performance, or you can premiere the piece in different locations. This works out great for me because multiple performances is always awesome; it’s a win for everyone!

Offer a Service

• I am always in need of high-quality recordings. A guaranteed audio and/or video recording could possibly be used as a part of the payment.
• Perform at a unique venue, such as a music educators conference. Exposure at places like that are of much value to me as a composer!

Commission an Arrangement of a Previous Work

• Not having to come up with completely original musical material makes a big difference in time and stress. Commissioning an arrangement of one of my works that is already published will typically have a lower fee.

Ask About In-Progress Music

• I’m always cooking up new pieces in my free time, but they usually sit and simmer for years before completion. Commissioning (and therefore, forcing) the completion of one of my in-progress works will typically have a lower fee.