A Guide to Commissions

A commission is a special project. A new composition is created for a specific ensemble. The ensemble then is granted premiere performance rights which is a huge honor for any level of ensemble. All subsequent scores will bear the name of the commissioning group, an honor which will last a lifetime. When an ensemble knows that music was written with them in mind, they perform it with a greater sense of pride. Additionally, this ensures that more music is added to the larger musical canon.

The commissioning process can be challenging to manage at first. However, we can work together to make it a memorable experience—one that will excite you to commission more music in the future. The commissioning body has several things to consider. The first question is “What do you want?” You get to set the parameters for the new work and can be as specific as you’d like. Some composers prefer having more flexibility while others like some level of constraint. You can give guidelines in terms of text, existing tune, mood, voicing, instrumentation, tempo, etc.

For those new to the process, payment can be a tough subject to discuss. Two important things to consider about the composer are their respective professional level and time. New composers often do not get the same amount of money as established composers. However, all composers must dedicate time to create the music; this includes from the initial ideas to the completed product. Composers decide on a rate based on instrumentation and length. Therefore, a 3-minute unaccompanied song for 4-part choir will cost significantly less than a 45-minute oratorio for chorus, soloists, and orchestra.

To begin the process of commissioning a new work, please visit the Contact page and select “Commission” under “Interested in.” I look forward to making your dream become a reality.

Upcoming Commissions

American Spiritual Ensemble, Everett McCorvey, conductor

First Presbyterian Church (Greensboro, NC), Robert Wells, Chancel Choir conductor

St. Andrew Presbyterian Church (Iowa City, IA), Austen Wilson, conductor

Completed Commissions

2024

Earth Song – Oakland Gay Men’s Chorus, Ben Riggs, conductor

2023

Don’t Leave Me, Lord – Abendmusik at First-Plymouth, Tom Trenney, artistic director, for National Lutheran Choir, David Cherwien, conductor
The Lesson – Choral Arts Ensemble, Rick Kvam, conductor
Lucis Creator Optime – Des Moines Choral Society, James Rodde, conductor
Make a Joyful Noise – Gustavus Adolphus College, Brandon Dean, conductor
Magnificat – Mendelssohn Chorus of Philadelphia, Dominick DiOrio, conductor
Perfect Love – Edward D. Anderson Choral Scholars Fund to honor The Concordia Choir (Concordia College), Michael Culloton, conductor
Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child – Waukee & Waukee Northwest High Schools, Jeff Knutson, Jack Daubitz, conductors

2022

Cantate Domino – Harvard University Choirs, Andrew Clark, conductor (with special guest Oakwood University Aeolians, Jason Max Ferdinand, conductor)
Dreamland: Tulsa, 1921 – Turtle Creek Chorale, Sean Baugh, conductor; Sandra Seaton, librettist
Madrigal – Seattle Pro Musica, Karen P. Thomas, conductor
A Song of Life – University of Kentucky Women’s Choir, Lori Hetzel, conductor
Your Hand and Mine – Cincinnati Youth Chorus, Cincinnati Conservatory of Music, Henry Leck, conductor

2021

God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen (accompaniment expansion) – Chor Leoni, Erik Lichte, conductor
I Will Stand with You – Festival Singers of Florida, Kevin Fenton, conductor
My Heart Be Brave (revoicing) – Chor Leoni, Erik Lichte, conductor

2019

Deep in the Quiet Wood – University of New Hampshire Concert Choir, Alex T. Favazza, Jr., conductor
My Faith Looks Up to Thee – Westminster Choir College Jubilee Singers, Vinroy D. Brown, Jr., conductor
Rise, Shine! – Abendmusik at First-Plymouth for the American Spiritual Ensemble, Tom Trenney, artistic director
Sing Out, My Soul – American Choral Directors Association Eastern Region, Junior High Honor Choir, Lynnel Joy Jenkins, conductor

2018

My Heart Be Brave – Anthony Trecek-King for Seraphic Fire

2016

Ride On, King Jesus - Clark Atlanta University Philharmonic Society, Curtis Powell, conductor

2015

Sit Down, Servant - The Legend Singers, Doris Jones Wilson, conductor