Let's Work Together!
- Are you a performer, conductor, or a patron of the arts who wants to be part of creating a new piece of music?
- Do you want to commemorate a special occasion or event with a new piece of music?
- Are you a teacher interested in having your students work closely with a composer throughout the entire creative process, from initial inspiration through the premiere performance?
What happens if you commission me to write a piece for you?
If you commission me, I will work closely with you and your ensemble to write a piece of music tailored specifically for your needs. I will want to hear your group and talk with you about your expectations and ideas for the piece. If you are within a reasonable distance I will drive to meet you and your group in person. If you are too far away for that to be practical then we can use the available technology such as Skype to bring me into your rehearsal space. I’d be happy to help you set this up. After the initial meetings and discussions of the details, I will write the piece and deliver it to you in plenty of time for you to rehearse for a spring premiere. The score will have your name inscribed at the top where it will remain forever.
As an example, when I was commissioned to write my Variations on a Russian Hymn for Leon County High School, I spent several rehearsals with the director and the students, even sitting within the band during rehearsals and listening to the individuals play. This allowed me to get a sense for the level of the students as well as the qualities of individual players. The band that year featured an outstanding senior bassoonist and I wanted to feature his talents. If you listen to the work you’ll hear that it opens with a bassoon solo. Also, the subject of the variations is Pavel Chesnokov’s Salvation is Created. This work was often used by director Tim Paul as part of the band’s regular warmup. Throughout the entire process, each element of the work grew out of my interaction with the band to create indelible memories and a valuable learning experience.
Consider this testimonial from Patrick Cronin, who commissioned Contrails from me in 2014:
As an example, when I was commissioned to write my Variations on a Russian Hymn for Leon County High School, I spent several rehearsals with the director and the students, even sitting within the band during rehearsals and listening to the individuals play. This allowed me to get a sense for the level of the students as well as the qualities of individual players. The band that year featured an outstanding senior bassoonist and I wanted to feature his talents. If you listen to the work you’ll hear that it opens with a bassoon solo. Also, the subject of the variations is Pavel Chesnokov’s Salvation is Created. This work was often used by director Tim Paul as part of the band’s regular warmup. Throughout the entire process, each element of the work grew out of my interaction with the band to create indelible memories and a valuable learning experience.
Consider this testimonial from Patrick Cronin, who commissioned Contrails from me in 2014:
Once I heard it and let the students hear it in band last year they loved it. They were very excited they got to play it this year. It's hard to find good competition music for combined junior senior high school band and Mark delivered.
How much will it cost?
If you are interested in commissioning a work, the fee structure usually reflects the desired grade level and duration of the work. For example, a 3 minute piece for a grade 2 band will have a much smaller fee than a ten minute work for an advanced high school ensemble. While I do have a general set of guidelines, in reality every commission is negotiable and the moment that you contact me about a piece I will already be committed to writing it and working with you to make it happen.
Another common way that schools commision music is by working together with other performers, ensembles, or schools to create a consortium to share the commissioning fees. This reduces the financial burden on each institution and creates a sense of being part of something bigger than just one school. As noted in New Music Box:
Another common way that schools commision music is by working together with other performers, ensembles, or schools to create a consortium to share the commissioning fees. This reduces the financial burden on each institution and creates a sense of being part of something bigger than just one school. As noted in New Music Box:
Commissioning consortia are a particular boon to smaller ensembles, not only because they can share the commissioning fee, but also because the premiere brings them good publicity. “Everybody gets their own premiere and gets to make a big deal out of it, which engenders a lot of pride,” Blum explained. In addition, co-commissioning can help ensembles — large and small — get funding from state arts councils and other agencies.
How will it benefit the students?
By working close with a composer during the creative process students will learn about the creative process and the type of decisions a composer must make to bring a work to completion. Additionally, the students will learn that their performance choices are critical to bringing the composers work to life. The entire process addresses many of the elements found in the NAfME core music standards.