COMMISSION INFORMATION

Commissioning a new work is an enjoyable, collaborative experience from the first sketches to the first performance. I have enjoyed working with a wide variety of commissioners, and each and every project has been unique and fulfilling. Whether you are an individual musician, a well-established performance group, or the creator of a new media venture, your commissioning experience will be as fulfilling and rewarding as possible.

Traditional commissions are defined as projects intended for concert or recording purposes that necessitate the create of physical scores and parts. For digital commissions (projects that only include a recording and are not intended for live performance), please see the digital commission information page.

Below is a basic overview of my workflow as well as some helpful information.

Pricing

Commission pricing is affected by three primary factors.

1. the genre of music (e.g., concert music, film, or television)

2. the instrumentation (e.g., solo instrument & piano, string quartet, or full orchestra)

3. the duration

New Music USA, a nonprofit organization supporting the creation of new compositions, offers a commissioning fees calculator for new works on their website. Though all fees are negotiated based on the needs of the work and the commissioning body’s budget, this tool serves as a great guideline for industry-standard pricing as well as other useful commissioning information.

Payment Schedule and Time Frame

The time required for a project depends greatly on the duration and the instrumentation as well as my current queue of commissions. For large works, a one-year time frame between the signed contract and the finished project is ideal, though works are regularly written much quicker. Smaller and shorter works can be completed much quicker, and I also enjoy the challenge of expedient projects.

Twenty-five percent (25%) of the commission fee is due along with the signed contract at the start of the process - the rest of the payment is due upon delivery of the final product.

Contract

My standard contract will be drafted and adjusted to reflect the needs of the work and the negotiated agreement.
If you or your organization have a contract template that you prefer to work with, that option is also available.

About the Work

Please consider the following questions - these topics will be very helpful when discussing the commission
and can provide a great starting point for effective conversation.

1. What is the genre/instrumentation/duration of the project?

2. Where and when will the work be premiered?

3. Are there certain pieces or styles that you feel play to your/your organization’s strengths?

4. Do you have favourite techniques/elements that you would like included in this project?

5. Will there be a multi-media or electronic component?

6. What is the ability level of the performer(s)?

7. Can you provide recordings that represent the abilities of the performer(s)?

Samples

Symphony No. 1 “The War of the Worlds”

Dayspring, for flute and piano

Thank You

Thank you for your time, your interest, and for supporting the creation of new music.
If you have any questions about the content of this page or if you are interested in commissioning a new work, please contact me via the information available on the contact page. I greatly look forward to hearing from you!