Oboist and Composer
I invite you to embark on a journey of creativity and collaboration with me! I welcome commissions and am happy to work with any budget. Please contact me to get started. In your message, include the instrumentation, approximate duration (ex. 4-6 minutes), and a tentative timeline.
Commissioning a piece of music is an opportunity to create something truly memorable. Maybe you’re…
Whatever inspires you, whether you’re commemorating a special occasion, enhancing a creative project, or simply indulging in the joy of music, let’s collaborate and create something extraordinary together.
Commissioning a piece of music is an opportunity to create something truly memorable. Maybe you’re…
Whatever inspires you, whether you’re commemorating a special occasion, enhancing a creative project, or simply indulging in the joy of music, let’s collaborate and create something extraordinary together.
The cost per piece is as unique as the music itself. My commission fees vary based on the genre, instrumentation, and duration of the proposed piece. If you’d like to get a general idea of the going rate for commissioning new music, check out the New Music USA Commissioning Fees Calculator, and Commissioning Music: A Basic Guide. These are good tools for determining the potential price range of a commission, and the calculator provides a great starting point for price negotiations.
I never want money to get in the way of creativity and collaboration. If you’re interested in commissioning a new work, regardless of your financial situation, please contact me so that we can find a way to make it happen!
I have a lot of experience working on tight deadlines, but the creative process is most successful when there is time for pondering.
A teacher of mine once asked a famous composer for the secret to his success. He simply replied, “Deadlines.” We will work together to decide on an appropriate deadline for the completed piece. Depending on the size and scope of the proposed project, the commission process could take anywhere from 3 months for a solo, or up to 2+ years for a larger ensemble work.
Spend some time thinking about what you want. What sort of piece would you like to commission? How long should it be? What will the instrumentation be? When will the piece be performed?
Once you’ve got some idea of what you’re looking for, contact me to get the conversation started. In your message, include details such as:
We will chat about your proposed piece in person, on the phone, or via Zoom. This is an opportunity for us to connect and get on the same page regarding your goals and desires.
We will work together to smooth out all the details and lay out a timeline for the project. I will ask questions regarding style preferences, and whether or not the piece should follow a particular theme. We will talk about the ideal difficulty level for the piece, and any preferences the performers may have. We will also dive into the nitty gritty details. We’ll negotiate cost and payment (including the commission fee, printing fees, and potential travel reimbursements), and discuss performance and recording rights.
After we have reached an agreement, I will prepare a contract, which will include everything we have discussed. We will both sign and date this document. At this time, any agreed upon up-front payment will be made. Generally, I ask for half of the commission fee up front, but this is flexible.
I like to stay in contact throughout the composing process. I may reach out with questions, progress updates, and sneak peeks. I often like to give ideas a test run, especially when the piece is being written for a specific performer. I may reach out to schedule virtual meetings with the performers to explore their instrument and their preferences, and be creative together.
From the time the contract is signed until to the deadline, I expect commissioners to keep me updated on any changes that might effect the piece (for example, changed performance dates, loss of funding, changed performers, etc.), and I will do the same.
Once the piece is complete, I will send the agreed upon materials. A PDF score and parts and a midi mockup is included. A printed score and parts will be made upon request, for an additional fee.
As a performer, I am intimately familiar with the rehearsal process. I like to work in a few virtual rehearsals as part of the commission agreement. It’s a great time to ask questions and explore the music together.
This is where the magic happens, the moment we’ve all been waiting for!