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Lessons & FAQ:

  • What is your rate?
    My rate can depend on the type and length of the piece, ensemble type/size, if we're talking a single over-all fee for the project or an hourly rate, and how much time I have to complete the work. Each commission is different and I am always interested in hearing the rate that will work for your ensemble/organization. Let's talk and find something that works for the both of us!
  • If I commission you, how long until I receive the piece?
    This can also be varied depending on the type and time-consuming factors of a pieces creation (e.g. getting the rights to use a copyrighted text). However, I do ask for a minimum of three months before the piece is submitted to the ensemble/player(s). I'm open to exceptions to that minimum timeframe, depending on the variables of the piece. Please don't hesitate to reach out!
  • Are you willing to do clinician work with my ensemble?
    Yes! I'd absolutely love to come in or set up a Skype/Zoom/Google Hangouts session and work with your ensemble, providing them with insight to the creative process so that they can more fully create their own personal meaning and expression in breathing life into the music. On that note, if you are an educational institution I'm also happy to answer any questions from the students about the creation of a piece of music or the life of a composer, and provide in-person or online lessons for any emerging composer who wants a fresh take on their work. ​ If you desire a clinician session with your ensemble and/or lessons with your composition students, we can work that into the commission contract. Depending on the situation, I may request a small stipend be added as a fee to the commission contract to help facilitate travel costs for in-person appearances.
  • Will you be at the premiere performance of a commissioned piece?
    I am always so excited to attend a concert that includes my music! Time and travel costs absolutely factor into my ability to attend a concert, but I will always try my hardest to be at a performance of my music, if feasible. Depending on the situation, I may request a small stipend be added as a fee to the commission contract to help facilitate travel costs for in-person appearances.
  • What do I get when I commission you?
    When you commission a new work from me, first and foremost you will receive a piece of music with your name/organization in the dedication on the first page of the score and parts. This will also be cited on programs and program notes. ​ You will receive an unlimited amount (PDF/Digital) and/or an agreed upon amount (Physical) of scores for the work. If a physical score is desired, printing fees will be waived for any commission (shipping and handling fees will be worked into the contract fee). ​ MIDI rehearsal tracks can be provided for ensembles requesting additional learning resources at no extra cost. As the commissioning party, you may also request sole performing rights of the work for a specified period of time without performance by another ensemble. We will work that out early in the commissioning process.
  • How does copyright work with a commissioned piece?
    As the composer, I will retain the copyright for all of my music. However, your name or your organizations name will forever be imprinted in the dedication on the first page of the score and parts as the commissioner of the work. This will also be cited on programs and program notes. You may also request sole performing rights of the work for a specified period of time without performance by another ensemble. Just specify that you're interested in that when we talk.
  • I notice you're registered with ASCAP. Do I need to pay them to premiere the piece?
    As a member of ASCAP, I report my premieres and all performances. Most concert halls (educational institutions exempt) pay a fee to ASCAP or BMI for performance of works by their registered members. I ask that your performance venue registers the performance of my piece with ASCAP because I receive a small payment from these performances. Feel free to reach out if you have more specific questions about that.
  • Is there anything else you want out of a commission?
    I would very much appreciate a recording of the premiere performance for the sole purpose of personal use and promotional material on my website (i.e. I will not sell this recording).
  • I think I'm ready to commission you. How do I contact you?
    You can shoot me an email, I look forward to hearing from you!
  • Who else have you been commissioned by?
    I have previously been commissioned by: - American Guild of Organists (Lincoln, NE chapter) ​- Chatfield Senior High School Women's Choir "Charisma" (Josh Jackson) ​- Daniel Oshiro, Saxophone - Marsden Media (Denver 48-hour Film Project, Graham Marsden) ​- Metropolitan State University of Denver Chorale (Dr. Michael J. Kornelsen & MB Krueger) ​- Michael Ballard, Conductor ​- St. Andrew's Episcopal Church of Denver Choir (Timothy J. Krueger) - Trinity United Methodist Church of Denver ​- World Compass Academy in Castle Rock, CO.

I believe that anyone and everyone with a creative desire and interest in music can learn music theory and composition. Regardless of what type of music you're interested in writing, private lessons in music theory and composition offer the opportunity to understand further how your favorite music functions, how you can use examples from your favorite artists to influence the music you create, and some ways to navigate the process of crafting a piece of music.

 

I offer 45 minute lessons for adults and children for composition and/or music theory. I can teach either in-person or online over Skype/Zoom/Google Hangouts (please note that I will teach lessons exclusively online during the Covid-19 pandemic and will post here when I am able/ready to travel to your home or chosen meeting place). On occasion, I also teach 45 minute lessons in Guitar and Piano (if you're interested in either of these types of lessons, we can discuss further).

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Please feel free to contact me if you're interested in starting lessons. Below are some commonly asked questions about lessons:

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