Commissions

All commissions are priced on an individual basis, and the estimate can change based on the duration, instrumentation, completion deadline, cost of materials/shipping and number of anticipated performances. For more information please send a message with the proposed composition details and your contact information directly to Matt via the portal on the CONTACT page or leave a detailed message at the hone number above.

The boring part: Comission details

Minimum duration of 2 minutes for all commissions.

• Each commission fee is calculated individually based on the desired music. Generally, I charge $75 per minute of music, with large ensembles or solos costing $100 per minute. For works with text, any licensing fees to use the text will be passed on to the commissioner. Works with a large electronic component may require an additional cost for materials depending on the desired effect.

• Half of the cost of commission is due before work begins on the project, the remainder will be due upon delivery of the final documents.

• There is a minimum fee of 2 minutes of music for each composition. If the commissioner wants a piece totaling less than 2 minutes, the minimum fee still applies. (tldr: a 30 second commission will cost the same as a 2 minute commission if duration is the only difference)

• If the composition requires any licensing of copyrighted materials, it is the responsibility of the commissioner to communicate this at the time of commission. Any costs brought about by the licensing of copyrighted material will be added to the total cost of commission.

• All works are expected to be performed at least once within one calendar year of completion. If a performance is not planned, then an additional 15% will be added to the final total.

• All final versions of commissions can be delivered electronically for free, or printed, bound, and mailed for the cost of shipping and materials (usually $10-$30 depending on the amount of materials, distance, and shipping speed). 

• Please feel free to CONTACT me with any questions regarding the commission process and pricing. It is my goal to be as up-front and transparent with my pricing as possible in order to help you, the commissioner, understand exactly what to expect; especially if this is your first time commissioning a new piece of music. I can work with individuals or groups in order to set up a payment plan or discounted rate as needed. Please don’t be afraid to ask.

Recording

For solo and chamber compositions, a recording of the commission can be created for an additional fee. This can be useful for the commissioner if a live performance is more difficult to put together. The specifics of the cost will depend on the commission, but will mainly go towards paying the performers for their time and effort in learning the music.

Recordings include:

• performance either in a performance venue or studio space. (multiple takes or a live performance).

• basic audio mixing and mastering.

• delivery of the audio as either a digital file or CD.

• Professional video recordings are not available at this time, but I can set up a single camera if desired.

why the cost?

You may be asking yourself, “Why does this cost money?” or “Why is this becoming so expensive?” To put it simply, the creation of new music is a time consuming process. The majority of the cost goes directly to my time and effort in creating new Art. This is something I take seriously and will devote my maximum effort to delivering something that pleases both you as the paying party and myself as the artistic creator. Everyone involved in creating music is an individual and the costs are put in place to make sure that everyone is properly compensated for their time and work. Each of the people involved are professionals who have been trained for several years in their craft, myself included. You wouldn’t ask your plumber to repair your sink, then pay them with recommendations and “exposure”.