Commissioning a piece of music can be one of the most rewarding things you do with your ensemble. It allows your ensemble members an opportunity to work with a composer, be a part of the compositional process, and be the first to premiere a brand new work!

Many are intimidated  by the thought of commissioning a new piece of music, but the process is easier and much more rewarding than you may think - nothing equals the joy and satisfaction of giving your ensemble members the opportunity to be a part of the creation of a new piece of music.

I prefer to broaden the scope of the commissioning process by spending time working with the commissioning group, often in a composer-in-residence or clinic format. My experience as a Conductor and a Choral Director allows me to offer insight and a different perspective when working with students or ensemble members. The entire process becomes a learning experience for all involved: selecting text, learning about composition and improvisation, working through thematic and motivic development, making instrumentation and textural choices, etc, etc. Commissioning groups and their member get much more out of the commissioning if they are an active participant in the process!
 

Please email me with any questions or ideas you may have about commissioning a new work.