What is a commission?
A commission in music composition is when an individual, group, or both contract a composer to write a piece of music for them! Commissions are often done by ensembles for different reasons, like to portray a certain thematic idea, honor the retirement/special achievement/loss of an individual, allowing an ensemble to have a unique and engaging experience, and more! Commissions serve as a great opportunity for organizers, ensembles, audiences, and composers alike, as they all become a part of helping new music to come to life.
Commissions are oftentimes a collaborative effort, and while free range commissions (no specific theme/dedication) are welcome, commissioners may come with ideas for potential themes, dedications, or limitations for me to incorporate into the work.
What my commissions include…
– PDF of Score
– PDF of Parts
– Audio MIDI File
– INCLUDED 1 Hour Zoom-hearsal with Your Ensemble!
– INCLUDED Video Diary of Making Your Commission (Great to Share with Students!)
Sample Timeline
Are you interested in commissioning me to write a concert band work for your ensemble? Below is a helpful timeline of a commission and a list of details to have prepared.
STEP 1 – Contract me about a commission! If would like a work dedicated to a specific event or person, or a work with a specific style or mood, make sure to give these details. For all compositions, it is important for me to know what grade level you would like, and possible limitations in your ensemble, as well as when you would like the work to be delivered. Also, make sure you have a source of funding for the commission prepared to make negotiations quicker down the line.
– If I feel the concept of the composition is not fit for me, I may turn it down. While I heavily respect and am humbled by any interest, I want to make sure I can deliver the best product possible!
STEP 2 – After this initial step, we can negotiate the cost of the commission. While I have a general scale of how works are priced, I understand that every situation is different for ensembles, and I am willing to negotiate!
STEP 3 – Once the parameters are agreed upon, I will send you a contract detailing the overview of the commission, deadlines, and cost. Once this is done, I will begin work on the commission!
STEP 4 – I will send a rough draft of the composition. We can look over the composition together and make revisions where needed.
STEP 5 – Once final edits are finished, a clean score, instrument parts, and MIDI audio will be sent!
FAQ
How much will a commission cost?
Please contact me for a quote based on work grade level.
What grade levels do you write for?
I currently am taking commissions for middle and high school band
(Grade 0.5 – Grade 4, VA Grade 1 – VA Grade 5). Feel free to contact for more information.
Who comes up with the title and dedication?
While input by commissioners/students is welcome, the final name and dedication notice at the top of the score is determined by the composer.
Does my ensemble own the copyright?
The composer retains the copyright to the piece, UNLESS the piece is later published.
Who can perform the commission?
When the contract is signed, an ensemble is given a “period of exclusivity” when they are the only group with the right to perform the commission. However, once that period ends (usually after the premiere performance) other ensembles may be allowed by the composer to perform the work.
How long does writing a commission take?
While this can be negotiated depending on the circumstance, commissions typically take several months. Therefore, it is important to contact me with ample time to write the work and make sure it is as good as it can be!
Will the commission be published?
While I submit almost all my finished works for publication, this is not guaranteed.
Got any questions! Feel free to contact me! Thank you for your interest.
Connor Dunford Music 