COMMISSIONING A WORK
(Click here for information on arrangements.)

Commissioning a new work can be a rewarding activity for any individual, group, or organization. The premiere of a new work adds to the prestige of the performer(s), attracts press and reviews, and may generate recordings. In addition, there is a special feeling of accomplishment that comes from performing a piece that was specifically tailored to a performer's or ensemble's distinct personnel, strengths, and sound.

There are too few new works presented as it is. Audiences have been conditioned to be content vegetating on a sonic diet of the same classical works played over and over, so much that even these great testaments to genius in sound begin to lose some of the magic which makes them masterworks. Our concert halls and the players who perform in them are becoming museum curators -- caretakers of a noble artform whose demise is imminent -- instead of being scions of a rich tradition of new, living, growing art music.

Challenge the perceptions of your audience, and help keep modern art music alive by commissioning a new work. To arrange a commission, contact Stephen at sbarr_music@earthlink.net.

COST: When considering a commission, keep in mind that each commission is different. Several factors will determine the total cost of a commission, such as:

• Length
• Number of performers/instrumentation
• Difficulty level
• Other special considerations (soloists, special instruments, etc.)

Other considerations (that don't necessarily affect cost) include:

• Specific text (in the case of a choral or vocal work)
• General mood and/or theme
• Inscription/dedication
• Date needed for first rehearsal

An excellent resource to refer to is Meet the Composer's music Commission Guidelines and Fee Schedule.

Here are a few guidelines:

• In general, shorter works for small ensembles (or choir) that are under 10 minutes in length will cost $1500-2000 (about $200 per minute of music).
• A medium-length work (10-25 minutes) for choir with significant accompaniment and instrumentation (brass, percussion, strings, etc.), or perhaps a chamber piece for a trio or quartet, will cost between $3000-$7500 (about $300 per minute).
• Finally, a major work (25+ minutes) for large performing ensemble (wind ensemble, orchestra, etc.) will cost upwards of $10,000 or more (about $400+ per minute).
• These rates are quite competitive and are far lower than what Meet the Composer considers "mid-range" (i.e., the prices that most other composers will generally ask).
• In addition to the commission fee, it is typical for the commissioning party to pay the composer for copying costs. These range from $1-10 per measure, depending on the size of the work being commissioned.
• Factors which may significantly reduce the cost of a commission include the promise of multiple performances over time, quality recordings of the performance (and the right to use them for promotional purposes), or a venue for the work that is appealing due to its potential publicity and exposure for the composer.
• Keep in mind that the larger a work is, the more it costs to produce -- not just because of time and effort involved, but also due to material costs (parts, score, bindngs, postage, etc.).
• All fees are negotiable.
• Substantial discounts will be given to educational institutions.

Meet the Composer offers excellent suggestions and potential assistance for individuals and organizations to raise funds in order to commission a new work. One strategy that is becoming popular is for multiple organizations to co-commission a work. In this way, many organizations can join financial forces and split the costs of the commission, and the new work is then jointly premeired or performed with each organization.

Once a commission is agreed upon, the individual or organization should send a letter of confirmation or "deal memo," including all information discussed with the composer (length and scope of work, deadline, fee, etc.). A contract will then be drafted for both parties to sign.

A typical contract states that half of the commissioning fee is to be paid before the project begins, with the remainder being paid upon receipt of the commission. For major works, a three- or four-part payment scheme may be implemented.

Also, keep in mind that the commission fee does not include performance. Arrangements for performance of the work are the sole responsibility of the performing individual or organization.

Length of time to complete a commission: The "rule of thumb" for completion of a new work is 18-24 months from the signing of a contract. However, oftentimes smaller and/or shorter works can be completed in a much shorter period of time (8-10 months).

Publishing and rights: The decision of whether to publish a work rests with the composer. The composer retains the copyright and subsequent performace rights (although typically the right to first performance is given to the performing group who commissioned the work), as well as the right to make recordings of the work. Furthermore, the composer retains his rights and entitlement to royalties collected from performances of the work (through ASCAP or similar performing rights societies) and publishing. Of course, the commissioner's name is always included on the published work as well as any dedications.

If you are ready to commission a work, get the process started by contacting Stephen at sbarr_music@earthlink.net.