How to Commission a Work

Adding musical works to the choral repertory is an exciting activity for any organization. Perhaps the following list will be useful in getting a better idea of what's involved in the process.

• Consider length of work, accompaniment, difficulty level, possible part division, date needed for first rehearsal, inscription on title page, and general mood - celebratory, etc.
   

• Contact the composer by e-mail
   

• Send a letter of confirmation, including information discussed with the composer relative to length, due date, accompaniment, fee, and so on.
   

• Cost is based on length of work and instrumentation (unaccompanied, piano, brass/percussion/organ, orchestra, etc.)
   

• Half of the commissioning fee is normally paid before the project begins, and the remainder paid upon receipt of the commission.
   

• Time period for completion of a shorter work is typically about 9 months.
   

• Commissioning fees vary, but a general guide is about $2500 for shorter works (unaccompanied or with piano accompaniment), and higher amount for longer works or works with brass, strings, or other accompaniment. Many organizations join financial forces and co-commission a work. For instance, two high schools in Houston got together not too long ago and commissioned a work; the Phoenix Boys Choir and Albuquerque Boys Choir co-commissioned a work and so on.
   

• It is the composer's decision to publish the work or not (many end up being published), and with which publisher. Of course, the commissioner's name is always included on the published work as well as any dedications and so on.