NEW COMMISSIONS
Are you interested in commissioning a bespoke piece of music for yourself, your ensemble or a special occasion? Here you can find information on my commission rate and terms and conditions.
Please get in touch via the contact page to discuss your new music.
I welcome and thank you for your interest in my music. Should you wish to commission a bespoke piece for a special occasion, soloist, or ensemble,
please get in touch via my contact page to discuss your requirements.
In order to provide both myself and the commissioner with a clear, fair, and reliable framework, I work to the following terms:
COMMISSION TERMS AND CONDITIONS:
Commission Fee:
The standard commission rate is £200 per minute of agreed target duration.
Minimum Fee:
Any composition under two minutes in duration is subject to a minimum fixed fee of £400.
Deposit:
All commissions require a non-refundable deposit of 20% of the total agreed commission fee. No work will commence until the deposit has been received in cleared funds and a written commission agreement has been signed by both parties.
Contractual Agreement:
Prior to the commencement of any work, a written commission agreement incorporating these terms (and specifying project details, instrumentation, target duration, and delivery dates) will be signed by both the composer and the commissioner. Both parties agree that the signed contract is legally binding under the laws of England and Wales.
Instrument and Brief Changes:
The instrumentation, approximate grade/difficulty, and target duration will be agreed in writing prior to commencement. Significant changes to the brief or instrumentation after composition has begun, or requests that extend the agreed target duration, will incur an additional fee (charged pro-rata at £200 per minute for duration increases, or quoted separately for structural/orchestration changes).
Schedule and Delivery:
Target delivery dates for the first draft and final score/parts will be agreed in writing prior to commencement. Both parties agree to adhere to these milestones, subject to the Force Majeure provisions below.
Delivery Format:
All music (both draft and final versions, including the full score and individual instrumental/vocal parts) will be delivered digitally as PDF files unless otherwise agreed. Draft scores and parts will be watermarked and are supplied for review purposes only. A professionally printed set (bound score and parts) for the final version of the work can be provided at an additional cost; a printing and postage quote will be supplied for the commissioner's approval prior to ordering.
Approvals and Revisions:
Upon delivery of the first completed draft (and MIDI/audio mockup, if applicable), two rounds of reasonable revisions within the scope of the original brief are included in the fee. Revisions cover minor adjustments to notation, dynamics, articulation, phrasing, or register; structural rewrites or re-orchestration will be quoted separately. The commissioner has 14 days from receipt of a draft to request revisions or confirm approval; if no feedback is received within 14 days, the draft will be deemed approved. Once the composition is approved and the final score and parts are delivered, any subsequent amendments, re-scoring, or revisions requested by the commissioner will incur an additional fee of 10% of the total commission fee per revision round.
Final Payment:
The remaining balance (80%, plus any agreed printing or additional revision fees) is payable by bank transfer within 14 days of final delivery. Permission to rehearse, perform, record, or broadcast the work is strictly conditional upon receipt of the final balance in full. The composer reserves the right to charge statutory interest on overdue balances in accordance with UK commercial debt legislation.
Copyright and Exclusivity:
Full copyright, performing rights, and publication rights for the composition remain solely with the composer, including the right to publish, distribute, and sell the sheet music. Should the commissioner require a period of exclusivity following the premiere performance, the duration and terms of this exclusivity (and any applicable exclusivity fee) must be agreed in writing beforehand.
Cancellation Fee:
If the commissioner cancels the commission after work has commenced, the 20% deposit is retained, or a pro-rata fee based on the percentage of work completed (whichever is greater) is payable. If cancellation occurs after the first draft has been delivered, 50% of the total fee is payable; if after the final version is completed, 100% of the total fee is payable. In the event of cancellation at any stage, all copyright and rights to incomplete or draft material remain with the composer, and the commissioner may not retain, rehearse, or perform any draft material.
Force Majeure:
Neither party shall be liable for any delay or failure to perform their obligations under this agreement if caused by events beyond their reasonable control (including, but not limited to, serious illness, bereavement, natural disaster, fire, flood, venue closure, or government restrictions). In such an event, the affected party must notify the other promptly, and both parties will agree to a reasonable extension of the delivery or performance schedule. If performance becomes permanently impossible, the commission may be terminated by either party; in such an instance, the commissioner shall pay the composer on a pro-rata basis for all composition work completed up to the date of termination (with the 20% deposit retained as a minimum), and full copyright shall remain with the composer.
Dedication and Programme Credit:
The score will bear a dedication/commission credit as agreed with the commissioner. The commissioner agrees to credit the composer accurately in all concert programmes, publicity materials, recordings, and digital broadcasts relating to the work.
PRS / Performing Rights Notification:
The commission fee covers the creation of the work and the supply of the score and parts. The commissioner or performing venue remains responsible for standard PRS for Music reporting for all public performances and broadcasts.
Premiere Archival Recording:
Where a live or studio recording of the premiere performance is made, the commissioner agrees to provide the composer with a copy for non-commercial archival and promotional/portfolio use, and confirms that any necessary performer or venue clearances have been obtained for this purpose.
Dispute Resolution:
In the unlikely event of a dispute that cannot be resolved amicably between both parties, the matter will be referred to the Musicians' Union for mediation or advice prior to pursuing formal legal proceedings.