Commission
The creation of new music is at the center of my life and career as a composer. By commissioning me to compose a new work, you are not only engaging yourself, your ensemble and your audience in a memorable, collaborative experience; you are also granting me the means to continue pursuing my personal and professional calling as an artist. To date, I have collaborated with dozens of ensembles and individual performers; from youth ensembles to professional choirs like the BBC Singers, solo pianists to string orchestras - each commission I have completed has been as unique as the artist or ensemble that has taken part in the process.
Since 2017 I have also operated annual discounted Commission Drives for four-part choral works, and, new in 2021, will be offering a flexible Rolling Commission Drive for the foreseeable future. Also available for upper voice choirs (Unison or SA) is my Dreamsongs project, which offers commissions setting the words of child poet Hilda Conkling.
To express interest in any kind of commission, simply fill out the form below or contact me.
Performers
Commissioning is a great way to engage yourself or your ensemble in brand new music written by a living composer. In recent years, I have taken on many exciting commissions for a variety of solo and ensemble types; everything from children’s choirs to professional ensembles like the BBC Singers, to vocal soloists and oboists. This is, without a doubt, my favorite part of the job - writing new music for living, breathing humans and engaging with them on a personal level throughout the commissioning process. This is a truly collaborative endeavor that continues to surprise and challenge me. If you have any questions about this process, please feel free to contact me to begin a discussion.
Supporters
I have been approached by a number of individuals who have expressed interest in supporting my work as a composer but who also have no direct link to a musical artist or performing ensemble. I am pleased to announce that I will be working to match private, individual donors with ensembles and performers in my ever-growing network who are eager to premiere new music. These special commissions can also be tailor-made to suit your needs; a gift for someone special in your life, a new work commissioned in memoriam, etc. Please contact me directly if you would like to be involved in this new endeavor - or, if you wish to remain anonymous, please fill out this form.
Past Commissions
Below is a sample list of works that have I have been commissioned to compose recently. This list is not exhaustive; nearly everything I have composed as of late has been commissioned. Please peruse my Choral and Instrumental pages to peruse the many works I have created on commission.
Our Waking Souls | Northern Michigan University Arts Chorale, Dr. Erin Colwitz
Tänka na véshu | Nancy Railey, pianist
In Heaven, Hereafter | Consortium of seven choirs in England, Scotland and the United States.
The Last Letter | Westminster Williamson Voices, Professor James Jordan
When You are Old | Mastersingers City of Palms Youth Choir, Mastersingers Chamber Chorus, Matt Koller
O Great Beyond | John Armitage Memorial (JAM), The BBC Singers, Nicholas Cleobury
Salvator mundi | Pennsbury High School Touring Choir, James D. Moyer
Ave, maris stella | The Chapel Choir of King's College, Aberdeen, Dr. David J. Smith
Jock and Jenny | Margaret Carlaw, for inclusion in the book Trees and Woodlands of Stichill Parish.
Adam lay ybounden | The University of Aberdeen Chamber Choir, Professor Paul Mealor
A Child's Requiem | The Marquette Symphony Orchestra, Dr. Matthew Ludwig
When Daylight Came | Niall Anderson, baritone
Timeline
In general I ask for six months to a year from the time of signing a contract to delivery of a commissioned piece of music, depending on the size of the ensemble and the length of the piece. However, this depends entirely on my current workload. If you have need of a quick turnaround on a commission, I urge you to contact me - it is entirely possible that I will be able to accommodate your needs!