COMMISSIONING  MUSIC

Commissioning music means paying a composer to write a new work for a special event, to showcase a soloist or ensemble, to honor an individual, or to commemorate a historic event or milestone anniversary.​

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The Akron Symphony Orchestra Commission for the 150th anniversary of John Brown's raid at Harper's Ferry
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The Indiana Bandmasters Association Commission for the 2014 Indiana Junior All-State Band

"Total Knock Out"
"The Ayers commission was a total knock out. I keep hearing from people how moved they were by the music, the drama, the pacing, and the haunting 'flashbacks'." — Christopher Wilkins, Music Director, Akron Symphony

Why commission a new work?

  • To celebrate a historic event, milestone anniversary, an inauguration, or building dedication
  • To honor a retiring conductor, mentor, community leader, or friend
  • 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

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
  • your ideas concerning theme, style, or possible narration text
  • the performing forces (soloist, trio, chorus, full orchestra, symphonic band?)
  • the musical abilities of the performers (professionals, students, amateurs?)
  • the approximate duration desired
  • the spacial/antiphonal possibilities of the space in which the work will be premiere
  • will you want me present at the final rehearsals to work with your musicians and/or at the premiere for audience "meet the composer" activities such as pre-concert talks or audience Q&A?

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
  • the deadline

How can a 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 can we get started?

Click the CONTACT button, send us a message and let's begin discussing your ideas.

Past Commissions

2016 Akron Symphony Orchestra and Chorus
2015 Soprani Compagni Portraits of Women Project
2014 Indiana Bandmasters Association
2014 Milligan College Orchestra and Choir
2013 Wisconsin Lutheran National Honors Band
2013 Ohio Private Colleges Honors Band
2014 Milligan College Orchestra and Choir

Past Awards

2019 Ohio Music Teachers Commissioned Composer of the Year
2018-18 Special Judges Citation, American Prize, Choral Division
2017-18 Finalist Honorable Mention, American Prize, Opera Division
2016 Winner, Opera Kansas Zepick Modern Opera Composition Competition
2014 Named "Honored Artist" of American Prize
2014 Ohio Arts Excellence Award
2014 Finalist, American Prize, Opera Division
2014 Finalist, American Prize, Band Division
2013 Double Finalist, American Prize, Band Division
2013 Boston Metro Opera Award
2011 Winner, American Prize for Orchestral Composition
2011 Winner, Dayton Ballet New Music
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Soprani Compagni Portraits of Women Project Commission
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Milligan College Orchestra and Chorus Commission