Want me to write music for you?

Let’s Collaborate!

As a specialist in composing for solo instruments and chamber music, I would love to write for your ensemble/performance group of 1-8 players! When setting up a commission, the first step is always to get on the same page and decide if we share an artistic vision. Following this essential part of the process, we can decide on a timeline of completion for your work, as well as negotiating a fee based on the guidelines shared below. This fee goes to cover performance and recording costs (ie, hiring performers, reserving a studio, printing scores, etc.), as well as allowing me to devote more time to your project that may otherwise be spent elsewhere.

Baseline Rates for Solo/Chamber Works:

Solo piano: $80/minute of music.

Any other solo instrument: $100/minute of music.

2-3 instruments: $150/minute of music.

4-6 instruments: $200/minute of music.

7-8 instruments: $300/minute of music.

Baseline Rates for Large Ensemble Works:

Chamber Orchestra/Medium Band (9-30 players): ~$500/minute of music (minimum 6 minutes of music). Subject to change.

Large Orchestra/Band (30+ players): ~$1,000/minute of music (minimum 10 minutes of music). Subject to change.

Answers to Questions You Might Have …

  1. Why does it cost so much?

    • The estimated cost per minute for these works are mainly built around the going price for hiring rehearsal time from musicians. When you commission a piece from me, I take on the responsibility for hiring the musicians to rehearse and record the piece, and each musician needs fair payment - no professional works for free! Just an hour of rehearsal time can cost $100 for a good musician, possibly even more if a really exceptional virtuoso is required. On top of that, hiring a tech for recording purposes may add an additional $100 or more to the cost of producing a new piece of music, though the goals for a new piece may not require it. If you are planning to play this piece yourself, the fee can be negotiated lower, since I will not need to cover the cost of rehearsal.

  2. How long does it take?

    • Composing is a methodical process, but it can still take a good deal of time. Generally, one can expect that a shorter piece for fewer instruments can be completed much quicker than one for a large ensemble! A 3-minute solo piano piece may be complete and recorded in a week or less (in this case, I do the recording myself). However, a chamber work may take a few months to write, and a large-ensemble piece might take six months to a year or more before completion, given the complexity and scale of such a large undertaking. However, whatever the case, I am always happy to give updates and send works-in-progress to ensure that the commission is going according to how you wish the music to be!

  3. Who owns the music?

    • Generally, commissioned composers will keep the rights to their own music; however, commissioners are often given special honor in the presentation of the work, both on the score and in the performance. They will always receive a bound copy of the work dedicated to them, as well as a professionally mastered archival recording of the music.