Jesse Ayers
Commissioning New Music
What is commissioning?
- Commissioning music is paying a composer to write an original musical work for a special event, to honor an individual, to commemorate an historical event, or to showcase a soloist or ensemble.
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Why commission a new work?
- To have an original composition written especially for you or your ensemble/organization
- To make your special event unforgettable with the excitement of a world premiere
- To create the opportunity for your musicians to work with a living composer
- To create new repertoire for a particular instrument or genre
- To enrich the world of concert music with a new work that will always carry your name as the commissioning party
- To honor a retiring conductor, mentor, community leader, or friend
- To celebrate a dedication or inauguration
How does the commissioning process begin?
- Commissioning a new work begins with us discussing your ideas.
- I will need to know:
- the purpose or occasion
- the performing forces (soloist, trio, chorus, full orchestra, symphonic band, narration?)
- the musical abilities of the performers
- the approximate duration desired
- the spacial/antiphonal possibilities of the space in which the work will be premiered
- any ideas you might have regarding theme, style, or narration text
- will you want me present at the final rehearsals to work with your musicians and/or at the premiere so the audience can meet the composer?
How much does it cost to commission a new work?
- The commissioning fee depends primarily on the duration of the proposed work, the number of performers involved, and the deadline.
How can the commission be funded?
- An ensemble or organization's budget may well have sufficient funds.
- Patrons may be found who would happily support a commission.
- Businesses may support the commission as a form of public relations and community enrichment. The business would be recoginzed in the printed program and its representatives appear on stage at the premiere.
- Consortiums may be formed with similar ensembles in other towns or states. Several ensembles agree to share the commission fee, and each gives a premiere in their own home town (perhaps even simultaneous premieres on the same date).
- There are a number of private foundations that will support commissions that are in alignment with the foundation's guidelines.
How do we get started?
Contact me! We'll begin the discussion.