Commission FAQs

A commissioned work is an extraordinary way to honor and celebrate people, occasions or celebrations.  It is quite a privilege for everyone involved—the person or group that requests the work, the musical group that performs it, and, lastly, but very important, the audience at the performance.  The concert becomes a lasting memory for every single person that sings, plays or hears the music. Please contact me by email or telephone and I will be most happy to answer any questions.  I would be so delighted to talk with you!

These FAQ’s should get you started.

  • Initial information
    • Who and why the commission? What’s the occasion?
    • Choral, vocal, instrumental?
    • Rehearsal and performance deadline?
    • Sacred or secular?
    • Time frame
  • Text or lyrics need to be “singable,” i.e. poetic flow to the words
    • Is there a particular text in mind?
    • Is this text in public domain?
    • If not in public domain, copyright permission will need to be granted
    • Would you want an original text based on your ideas?
  • What is the most significant emotion that needs to be conveyed? What does the work need to sound like?
  • Commission fees vary according to length of work, number of instruments, etc. Here are a few examples.
    • Fees average $500.00 per performance minute: i.e. a three minute anthem with accompaniment would be $1500.00.
    • A multi-movement instrumental or choral work would range $5000-$10,000
    • Your budget will be taken into consideration. I also have suggestions on how your organization can raise funds for a commissioned work.
  • The composer retains the rights to the music, but
    • Performance exclusivity will be granted to the person or group that commissioned the work. Length of time to be determined together.
    • The inscription or dedication will be on the first page of the music and will remain on the music in perpetuity.
  • The commission fee includes the following:
    • Master files of the score with permission to make multiple copies
    • Conductor score, if needed
    • Instrumental parts
    • Recorded vocal rehearsal parts will be an additional fee.