"...produces a music quite unlike that of his contemporaries: it is craggy and intense, nervous and sensitive – in
short it demonstrates a marked individuality and shows a creative mind...."

Dominick Argento

One of the greatest joys for a composer is the opportunity to create new music for someone's appreciative request. Commissioning has been a well-spring for creativity throughout the ages, and it's not just the province of royalty and wealthy patrons; musicians and music-lovers of all sorts can support the creation of new music through commissions. Commissions can be conceived and crafted in many ways: to celebrate a joyful occasion or commemorate a solemn event; to feature the talents of a particular performer or ensemble; to lend one's support for an artistic community; or simply to foster the creative work of a particular composer.

Commissions can range in size from a short piece for a solo instrument to a major work for chorus and orchestra. My commissioning fees vary accordingly, and they take a number of factors into account (such as the length and scope of the piece; the opportunities for performances and/or publication and/or recordings; the circumstances of the commissioning party; etc.). I do not calculate from a fixed per-minute rate; rather, I fashion each project individually, through consultation with the commissioning party.

Sometimes, groups of friends will pool their resources to commission a piece collectively. Also, opportunities for funding support from third-party sources are sometimes available. I can help you in the process of looking for grants, preparing applications, etc.

If you would like to discuss the possibility of commissioning a new piece from me, do not hesitate to contact me (even if your ideas seem very preliminary). We can work through the details together, to fashion a successful and meaningful project.

A few ensemble commissions:

• Dale Warland Singers, funded by the Jerome Foundation and the Ditson Fund

• Gotham Chamber Orchestra, funded by the Minnesota Composers Forum and the Jerome Foundation

• Monmouth Civic Chorus, funded by the Dodge Foundation

• Crane School of Music, funded by the New York State Music Fund

• Julia Gleich Dances and Norte Maar Collaborative Projects

• 2000 Winter Goodwill Games

• St. Olaf College Band

• North Country Public Radio

• Leiv Ericksson International Festival

• National Conference on John Berryman

• Mi-bemol Saxophone Ensemble

• Allegro Theatre Productions

• Heartland Men's Chorus

• Sweet, Fair, and Wise

A few commissions by individuals:

• Philip and Eleanor Hopke, for the Orchestra of Northern New York

• Virginia Cayey, for the Orchestra of Northern New York

• Kathy Bina, personal commission

• Luke Shwart, for the Rocky Mountain Singers

• Michael Reiser, for the Gateway Men's Chorus

• Charlotte Ramsay, Robin Duncan Remick, Betsy Northrop and Bill Kirchgasser, and Judy Gibson, for the Unitarian-Universalist Church of Canton NY