how to commission new music
Relative Ease
As with any endeavor, the level
of ease and success in the project will depend on the planning and
preparation. Professional composers can
provide the necessary paperwork, and help with developing a plan - for not just a
new piece of music, but an entire event.
A First Step
Talking as soon as possible with the composer who may be
commissioned will save much time, and help confirm whether this is the
composer who should be selected for the commission.
During this first step,
Jeffrey Hoover gathers information needed to assess the scope of the project.
Questions are asked to learn the instrumentation or voicing, length and
level of ability required to perform the work, delivery date, and performance
date. This information will be used
to calculate the cost of the new music. Ideas for
other activities, such as appearances or
residencies, may also be discussed.
A Written Agreement
A professional contract is issued for the commission, spelling
out the details. A rider outlining
additional activity expected of the composer (beyond writing the music itself)
may be added. It is important to
remember that a composer is an artist, and all services provided need to be
compensated for appropriately. The contracts
used to commission Jeffrey Hoover
spell out these important details. Sample
Commissioning Contract
Consortium Commissions
This type of commissioning project has become a successful
model for ensemble commissions in this past decade. In a Consortium Commission, more than one performing
organization or individual works together to commission a composer.
The commissioning cost can be divided between the organizations, and the
composer has the benefit of receiving a performance from each of the consortium
members. This process works well for large scale works, but can also
be effective in commissioning solos and ensembles as well.
Three basic considerations in organizing a consortium commission are:
2) Designation of the first performance Who presents the premiere?;
3) A person to coordinate all business activities - paperwork, schedule of performances, and paying the composer according to the written agreement.
Help with the Process
The selected composer can be the first source for advice
on options and ideas in structuring the project.