ELLIOTT MILES MCKINLEY • COMPOSER
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CommissioniNg Music

Composers often depend on commissioning fees as a primary source of artistic income since performance and publication royalties are very speculative, especially in today's marketplace. Fortunately, anyone can commission music for just about any occasion, and commissioning new music is a relatively easy and straightforward process. After the desired length and forces (instrumentation, etc.) are determined, a fee is negotiated, and a simple contract is drawn up between the commissioning agent (individal, artist, organziation, group, etc.) and the composer. A 50% refundable deposit of the fee is due on signing the contract, and the balance of the fee is due on delivery of the completed music.

As a composer, I am happy to work in a variety of musical styles and genres, and ready to collaborate with ensembles in consortiums. I am also happy to engage in fundraising campaigns  (Kickstarter, etc.) to support the fees associated with a project, including commissioning fees, copying and production fees, and any recording costs.

Contact me for more information. 

Commissioning Rates 2021 - 2024

The amounts below are presented as a guideline. Specific commission fees will be negotiated on a per project basis.
Instrumentation Under 10' 10' - 20' 20' - 50' 50'+
Solo $250 - $1,000 $1,000 - $3,000 $3,000 - $6,000 $6,000+
2 - 3 performers $750 - $3,000 $2,5000 - $7,500 $7,500 - $10,000 $10,000+
4 - 6 performers $1,500 - $7,500 $5,000 - $10,000 $8,000 - $15,000 $15,000+
7 - 15 performers $2,500 - $10,000 $7,500 - $15,000 $12,000 - $25,000 $25,000+
Chamber Orchestra &
Wind Band
$2,500 - $10,000 $7,500 - $15,000 $12,000 - $25,000 $25,000+
Full Orchestra $3,500 - $12,000 $8,000 - $20,000 $15,000 - $30,000 $30,000+
Soloist / electronics (add) $500 - $3,500 $2,500 - $5,000 $5,000 - $10,000 $10,000+
Chorus $1,000 - $3,500 $3,000 - $7,500 $7,500 - $20,000 $20,000+
Opera & Musical Theater variable variable $15,000+ $50,000+
Film/TV/Video Games variable variable variable variable

For more information on commissioning new music, please visit New Music USA.

Elliott Miles McKinley
Composer • Improviser • Producer • Educator

  • About
  • Music
    • Works Catalog >
      • Chamber Music
      • Orchestra & Concerti
      • Choral, Solo , Mixed Media
    • Discography
    • earWorm
    • Current Projects
  • News
  • Commissioning
  • Teaching
  • Contact