Please fill out the form below if you would like to reach out to me! I will be sure to follow up as soon as possible. Check out the FAQ section below the form, as it may answer a question you have. I look forward to hearing from you!
Here you can find answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs). If you can’t find the answer here, please get in touch with me! Click on any of the prompts below in order to view the answer to the question.
Custom MUSIC DESIGN Questions
• How much does custom music design cost?
Each project is different, and therefore, pricing will vary from commission to commission. The best way to find out is to fill out a contact form. After that is submitted, I will reach back out and we begin our conversation. Please remember that the cost of the show is only the arranging fee, and does not include licensing costs. I can handle licensing as well, for an additional fee.
• Can you make alterations to the music after it is completed?
The short answer is yes. While we will be as thorough as possible while discussing your goals, students, and needs, it is possible that adjustments may be needed down the road. My goal in writing for you is for your students to be successful. Small rewrites, adjustments, or corrections are usually no issue. However, if the rewrites are substantial in nature and require a great deal of time to complete, there will likely be additional charges before making changes. In 99% of cases I have had to make rewrites, they have occurred BEFORE the final product was finished and invoiced for completion.
• Can I make alterations/take liberties of my own after a project is completed?
Small changes are typicallly not an issue. However, I would like to be made aware of any changes or liberties you make. I am invested in making sure the product you receive for your students works for them, and that includes throughout the season. Keeping me involved in making even small changes ensures you will receive a thoroughly consistent and well-flowing musical design from start to finish.
• What else is needed in order to complete a custom music design?
In some cases a study score may be requested (this is rare). If this is the case, it is the responsibility of the client to secure the study score. In these cases, I will notify the client with ample time to complete the project.
• How much time is needed to complete a custom music design?
This varies on a case-by-case basis depending the number of shows I am writing and my availability. I encourage all potential clients to initiate contact ASAP to ensure your design is booked and on my calendar. Please note that all copyright materials must be in order BEFORE a note of music is written. Obtaining rights for music can days, weeks, or even months, so agreements must be reached in plenty of time for proper rights documentation to come through BEFORE the first note is notated.
• Does our custom music design include additional supplemental materials?
I am happy to create custom fundamental exercises and supplemental materials trailored for your show. This is an additional fee, and it varies based upon the client's needs.
Ready-To-Go Show Library Questions
• How do I purchase a Ready-To-Go show?
First, reach out to me through a contact form. Once it is determined what you would like to order, you will need to A. acquire (obtain and pay for) appropriate copyrights and B. communicate what adjustments need to be made with me. Next, you will need to pay for the show materials. I will then complete and deliver your show materials to you!
• Are perusal scores available?
Yes they are! Please contact me for perusal score requests. Please note that perusal scores will be missing pages, and it only meant to give you a preview of a work.
• Can I purchase individual movements of Ready-To-Go shows?
Absolutely! Please contact me for pricing on individual movements.
• Can I mix and match individual movements of Ready-To-Go shows?
Yes! Please contact me for pricing. I will also work with you to make sure the flow of the show makes sense, and that everything works for maximum effectiveness. This includes limited adjustements, such as tailoring solos/ensembles to highlight your students' strengths.
• Can I change the title of a show or movement of a show?
Yes you can. Please communicate your intended show title with me during the purchasing process.
• Do Ready-To-Go shows include full scores?
Currently, the Ready-To-Go show library involves ONLY wind scores. The wind scores do feature limited percussion cues. In addition, you will receive PDF parts for all instruments, XML/Sibelius files for your percussion arranger, and audio mockups. As noted above, your Ready-To-Go show purchase also includes limited adjustments to make the music most effective for your ensemble, as well as season-long support.
• What customization options are available for Ready-To-Go shows?
Each Ready-To-Go show includes instrumentation adjustment and solo/ensemble adjustment to best meet your ensemble's needs and strengths. I will also make sure the flow of your production makes sense. Customization beyond this will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may incur additional fees.
Copyright Questions
• How does music licensing affect my project?
If a work is in the public domain, then it can be used without securing rights to arrange. Any time a work is being arranged that is not in the public domain, the proper rights need to be obtained directly from an artist/copyright holder/publishing company. The best (and usually cheapest) method of obtaining rights is by contacting the artist directly, although there are agencies that can do this for a fee.
• How does licensing affect the arranging/composing process?
I will not begin notating music without first receiving proper documentation of all necessary rights being obtained. Without the proper rights, the music is not legally permitted to be arranged or performed. Writing and performing music without proper licensing is unethical, illegal, and unfair to composers that make their living by writing music. For these reasons, obtaining proper rights is the only way to go. I can take care of this for you, for an additional fee.
• Can you obtain the appropriate rights for our project?
I can secure the proper licensing for an additional fee, plus the cost of copyrights. If you choose to acquire the appropriate licensing on your own, you will need to present documentation of the purchase before the writing process begins.
• Will my custom music design be exclusive for my ensemble?
Your custom music design automatically includes regional protection and exclusivity. This is my way of ensuring your production is unique and stands out from other performing ensembles. In order to ensure this exclusivity, you must submit your competitive schedule at the beginning of the design process. Please note that any changes to your schedule need to be communicated ASAP in order to ensure your unique performance!
• Can I make photocopies of parts for your arrangements and compositions?
Here's the short answer - yes! If you've purchase music from the site, like a parade tune, you are definitely able to make photocopies of parts.
Payment Questions
• How flexible are you with payments?
In most cases, I require 50% at the onset of the agreement before writing begins, and then 50% after the final music has been delivered. However, each school/district operates differently, and sometimes cash flow is dependent on the school/district itself. I am willing to work with you on a payment plan, as I understand situations are sometimes beyond the control of teachers and boosters.
• What do payment timelines look like?
Timelines vary on a case-by-case basis depending on a number of factors. Please contact me for specific payment timeline questions.
• What payment methods do you accept?
Currently, I am able to accept payments through Stripe, PayPal, purchase orders, and checks. If your organization has tax exempt status, please reach out via the Contact form so that I can provide an invoice/quote with proper exemption.
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