Commissioning a new piece of music is an adventure - a collaborative journey from idea to performance. I have worked with many groups – some with long histories of commissioning pieces and some commissioning for the first time – and each process has been unique.

What follows is a basic outline of how I like to work and what you can expect.

FEE

The fee depends on many different factors. Some of these factors include the type of piece you envision, the instrumentation (string quartet, concert band) the voicing (SSAA a cappella or SATB and piano), the duration, and level of difficulty. For vocal pieces, finding and obtaining permission for text can be a time-consuming and expensive process. You will also be responsible for the cost of engraving - I compose music with pencil and paper and send completed manuscripts out to Music Advantage to transcribe into Finale.

Meet The Composer has compiled an industry-standard chart of fees I use as a starting point. Their chart, along with other useful information about the ins and outs of commissioning can be found on their website at http://www.meetthecomposer.org/files/commissioning-music.pdf.

PAYMENT SCHEDULE

Half of the commission fee is due with the signed contract, and the remainder upon delivery of performance ready score and parts (if applicable).

TIME FRAME

The earlier I know about a commission, the easier it is to fit it into my schedule. A two year time frame from signing of contract to delivery of score is ideal. That said, I’ve written pieces on very short notice and have enjoyed the challenge.

THE CONTRACT

See this sample commissioning agreement. This contract will be modified to reflect your specific needs and our negotiated agreement. If your group has a standard contract form, I will be happy to use it.

PREPARATION

Knowing the answers to the following questions will help begin the process:

• What is the instrumentation of new work?
• Who am I writing for?
• What is the proposed duration of new work?
• When and where will the piece premiere?
• What does your past programming look like?
• What pieces work particularly well with you (your group) and why?
• What makes a piece fun – what do you love to play/sing?
• May I visit a rehearsal or will you send me some recordings that are good representations of your group? (Getting to know the person or ensemble for whom I am writing is a very important to me!)

Thank you for your time and your interest! Please contact me if you have further questions.

--Edie Hill