Commissioning

• To celebrate a historic event, milestone anniversary, an inauguration, or building dedication
• To honor a retiring conductor, mentor, community leader, or friend
• To have an original composition written especially for you or your ensemble/organization
• To make your special event unforgettable with the excitement of a world premiere
• To create the opportunity for your musicians to work with a living composer
• To create new repertoire for a particular instrument or genre
• To enrich the world of concert music with a new work that will always carry your name as the commissioning party

We will need to discuss:

• the purpose or occasion
• your ideas concerning theme, style, or possible narration
• the performing forces (soloist, trio, chorus, full orchestra, symphonic band)
• the musical abilities of the performers (professionals, students, amateurs)
• the approximate duration desired
• the spacial/antiphonal possibilities of the space in which the work will be premiere
• will you want me to be present at the final rehearsals to work with your musicians, or available for radio/TV interviews, or in attendance at the premiere for audience “meet the composer” activities such as pre-concert talks or post-concert audience Q&A?

• An ensemble or organization’s budget may have sufficient funds.
• Consortiums may be formed with similar ensembles in other towns or states. Several ensembles agree to share the commission fee, and each gives a premiere in their own home town.
• Grants
• Patrons may be found who would happily support a commission.
• Businesses may support the commission as a form of public relations and community enrichment. The business would be recognized in the printed program and its representatives appear on stage at the premiere.
• There are a number of private foundations that will support commissions that are in alignment with the foundation’s guidelines.