Template Error!
The web browser you are using maybe destroying the site template!

		What is a commisioned work?
		How long does it take a composer to write a piece of music?
		What else do I need to know about the commissioning process?
		Who actually owns the music?
		Comissioned Music
		Composition Commission Rates
		Contact Me!

What is a commisioned work?
In classical music, ensembles or performers can commission pieces from composers. This act means that the composer then writes a piece of music specifically for them to play. A more widely recognised example of this would be the act of composing film music. The director and movie company would approach a composer offering money for their services.

How long does it take a composer to write a piece of music?
A good “rule of thumb” is to allow at least 12 months from the signing of an agreement until the work has been completed and is ready to be given to the musicians to prepare for performance. A smaller scale work, for example a set of songs for piano and voice, might be written in a few months. Another time factor to consider is how soon the composer is available to begin work on your project.

What else do I need to know about the commissioning process?
Just as a play needs actors to translate the playwright’s words into a theatrical performance, music requires performers to bring to life the notes on a page. Identifying a soloist or ensemble is one of the first steps in the commissioning process. Meet The Composer can work with the commissioner to identify performers with a commitment to performing new work. Something else to keep in mind is that once the piece is composed, a master score and parts for the performers must be prepared by a professional copyist; the costs for copying the music have been calculated and included in the fee ranges.

Who actually owns the music?
It is standard practice that composers retain the rights to their own work, and so the legal ownership of the piece remains with the composer. However, the commissioner is acknowledged in many ways—on the first page of the musical score, on any official recording, in the performance program and often in other written materials. It is customary that the commissioner is given a presentation copy of the completed score, almost always specially inscribed by the composer. An archive tape may be provided as well. Most of all, the commissioner experiences a satisfying sense of participation in the creation of a new work of music.

Comissioned Music

Brass Quintet No 1: 'Tango' (Jun 2010)

Bari. Sax. Sonatina No 1: 'Dream Wheel' (May 2010)

Tell me that its real (Jan 2010)

Awaken the Dawn (Jan 2010)

Clarinet Sonatina No 1: 'Appassionata' (July 2009)

Softly My Sweet (February 2009)

Alto Sax. Sonatina No 1: 'Rushford' (Jan 2009)

Violin Sonatina No 1: 'The Grand Gallop' (Sep 2008)

Small Memory Sings (May 2008)

Composition Commission Rates
Rates are available as a printable PDF here.

Contact
Email: contact[at]dc-composition.co.uk
Tel: +44 7951 701860