commissioning

 

When you invest in creating a new work, you are investing in…

  1. The livelihood and success of a living, breathing, contemporary artist

  2. An unforgettable, inspiring experience for your students

  3. The future of your instrument(ation)’s repertoire

  4. A unique adventure for your audience members

  5. Your own professional profile as an artist

 

commissioning chronicles

the “rise” of a new repertoire standard

Commissioned in 2019 by renowned saxophone-piano duo Timothy McAllister and Liz Ames for their ambitious album titled Project Encore, Vol. 1, “RISE” was completed just a few weeks before COVID-19 shutdowns in 2020. The duo released the virtual premiere of “RISE” on McAllister’s Youtube channel, where it reached thousands of viewers.

Since this World Premiere performance, “Rise” has steadily grown in popularity to the point that it was required repertoire for the Semi-Final round of the 2024 North American Saxophone Alliance Competition. The piece is frequently performed by college students, and has even graced international stages.

“RISE” exemplifies how one artist’s bold step forward can lead to a work that forever shapes the landscape for artists everywhere.

Could your commission be next?

A competition centerpiece for cerus quartet

The Cerus Quartet was not just another saxophone quartet at the University of Michigan. As they prepared to compete in national chamber music competitions, they knew that they wanted a new piece of music to help them stand out from the other participants. Gathering a consortium of 8 other ensembles, they commissioned “Ambivert,” which has contrasting movements designed to showcase the quartet’s virtuosity and musical sensibilities. Cerus went on to win top prizes at the University of Michigan’s local competition, Silver Medal at Fischoff 2024, and Gold Medal at MTNA 2024.

“Ambivert” demonstrates how a piece of music that is custom-designed to showcase your unique strengths can elevate your competition offerings.

Ready to stand out from among the competition?

a community celebration

The Arizona Masterworks Chorale wanted to use recently-acquired grant funding to commission a local composer. The project would fulfill a long-standing dream of collaborating with students at a local middle school. AMC commissioned “Whispering Hope” to feature these students in the context of a larger work for adult chorus. The students got to enjoy their first experience of meeting and working with a living composer, and the Phoenix community enjoyed two performances of the new work.

Commissioning allows your specific collaborative dreams to come true, bolstering the cultural vibrance of your local community.

Ready to rock your neighborhood?

Ready to write the next chapter of “commissioning chronicles?”

 

commissioning faq’s

  • I am often commissioned by professors, graduate students who are looking to jumpstart their careers, or freelancing professionals. I've also been commissioned by larger arts organizations.

    Anyone with a vision and willingness to invest in that vision is qualified to become a commissioner. Commissioning is investing in a long-term relationship with a composer. Commissioners can be individuals or organizations. You don't even have to be a musician to sponsor the creation of a new piece of music!

  • Commissioning always starts with a conversation. Reach out to the composer and express your interest in working with them!

  • More notice = higher likelihood that we will be able to work together. Aim to reach out at least 1 year prior to when you'd like to have the piece in hand.

  • Information that is helpful for the composer to know includes 1) instrumentation, 2) desired duration, and 3) any known budget limitations. For me personally, I find it helpful when potential commissioners tell me about specific pieces of mine that they were drawn to; it gives me an idea of what they might be hoping for in a new work.

    I also really appreciate when commissioners bring an idea of what they would like the new work to do for them. Do they want a showpiece for their next competition? A warm concert opener to melt the walls away? A multi-movement work with contrasting characters? Personally, I don't see these preferences as limiting, but other composers may not feel the same way.

  • If you've been Googling around for the answer to this, you've likely come across very different answers to this question. The nature of highly-customized work makes it difficult to give a flat rate because each piece's needs are very unique. If you're looking for a ballpark estimate, think around $300-500 a minute for chamber music (under 8 parts).

    Please note that most composers charge 25-50% of the fee up front after signing a Commission Agreement, and the remaining funds are due upon delivery of the work.

  • I can assure you that your situation is not unique. Thank you for looking into the possibility of commissioning a new work even in this financial circumstance! There are a few options that can help mitigate the costs of funding new music. I am happy to help you apply for grants, to help you organize a consortium, or to offer payment plans to spread out payments.

  • A consortium is a commissioning model where a group of individuals or entities all pitch in a smaller amount to commission the same piece of music. Consortiums are great because everyone wins: commissioners pay less, composers get paid a professional rate, and the newly commissioned work enjoys several performances during its maiden season of exclusivity among the consortium members.