All the Dominoes Fall, 2005. Photograph of score by Robert Mueller.
The process of commissioning a composer to write a new, original piece of music can (and should) be an engaging, rewarding experience for everyone involved. I've written works for many situations and ensembles, and this process has been different every time.
That being said, I use the most recent version of New Music USA's Commissioning Guide as a starting point for this conversation. It contains appropriate legal background concerning this process, and includes a suggested cost breakdown for varying types of commission fees per minute, based on ensemble size, how the music will be used in performance, copyright issues, costs for typesetting and printing music per measure (which are separate from the commissioning fee), etc. However, the suggested commissioning fees in this document tend to err on the higher side.
Of course, most points are negotiable, including the final commissioning fee, plans for recording the work, performances beyond the premiere of the piece, etc. I can provide a final commissioning contract, but I'm also happy to sign a similar document from the commissioning party that properly outlines our agreement.
Purchasing Prints of My Picture Scores
I occasionally receive requests to purchase prints of my larger picture scores, and recently I have begun selling fine art prints of my scores at actual size, either 24 x 36 inches or 30 x 42 inches. I use the same film for my prints that I use for my scores (essentially it’s old school velllum), and the prints are nearly identical to the originals. Please contact me directly for a price quote, and thank you to Sam Radford for purchasing a print of Constellation #4: Sol recently!