Composer Commission Fees

[MaestroX]

I thought this was rather interesting,

British Academy of Composers and Songwriters Guidelines for fees, 2004-2005

So an ensemble or player has contacted you and want to commission a new piece. Many composers are so happy to even be asked they sell themselves short. Here are the guidelines from the British Academy of Composers and Songwriters as to the fees you should really be asking for.

Solo works- including works for piano, harp and keyboard.
£245 per minute

A cappella choral works and chamber works
2-9 players, including works for solo instruments accompanied by piano, and choral works accompanied by a solo instrument
£370 per minute

Large chamber ensemble
10-120 players
£420 per minute

Chamber orchestra and brass band
£570 per minute

Symphony orchestra and symphonic wind ensemble
£700 per minute

Orchestral works with soloist and/or chorus
£780 per minute

Electronic music
(compositional element only)
£380 per minute

Instrumental/vocal works with tape
Fees should be commensurate with those recommended for the appropriate category of works. A further 50% should be charged for preparation of the tape.

Opera, music theatre or dance
Fees should be commensurate with the rate for the instrumental forces employed. An appropriate amount for producing the piano score should be charged in addition.


Notes:

a) It is recommended that 50% of the fee is payable on agreement of the commission, and 50% payable on presentation of the finished score.

b) the cost of preparation of performing material is not included in the commissioning fee for the composer; the current rates for copyists can be obtained from the Musicians’ Union, 020 7582 5566

The British Academy of Composers and Songwriters produce a simple standard commissioning contract which covers the commissioning of a new unpublished concert piece. This is available from the Academy office, free of charge to members or £5.

c) the Librettist’s fee should be negotiated separately; it is usually 25- 40% of the composer’s fee.
d) If the duration of a commissioned work in categories 4-8 is to exceed 30 minutes (or 90 minutes in category 9) it is suggested that beyond this point the fee need not be calculated on a per minute basis.


Additional fee guidelines:

· Pre-concert talk, lecture, interview = £150
· Workshop/educational project work = £225 per session
£400 all day

These fees do not take account of travel fees or for preliminary meetings, these should be negotiated separately, as should overnight stay where relevant.

[ttw]

Does the composer retain the copyright under these terms?

Is it assigned to the client? Split?

[MaestroX]

It doesn't say, it does say though for further deatils go to http://www.britishacademy.com, but I can't find no further details.
Does anyone or has anyone sold pieces for this amount or use this as a guide?

[Thorolf]

Greetings.

In Norway, all the copyrights are retained, even if the work is commissioned. But a copy has to be given to the one who paid the commision, of course.



Regards

[reith]

I'm pretty sure it's the same in England but it depends on the terms of contract. If you sell the copyrights you no longer have it. There are several issues here - performance rights and so on.

I'm having an argument about some unfinished film music at the moment where (thank god there was nothing in writing) the commissioners thought they bought the rights in the fee for the commission. I claim they don't.

[Thorolf]

Originally Posted by reith

I'm pretty sure it's the same in England but it depends on the terms of contract. If you sell the copyrights you no longer have it. There are several issues here - performance rights and so on.
I'm having an argument about some unfinished film music at the moment where (thank god there was nothing in writing) the commissioners thought they bought the rights in the fee for the commission. I claim they don't.

Anyone can sell their copyright if they wish to, of course.

To clarify: The rule of thumb in Norway, is that you retain your copyright if nothing else is explicitly stated in the contract. I say you have a very good case, if your opponent doesn’t have explicitly in print that you renounce your copyrights. That said, having all kinds of weird contracts surrounding the production of film music, is rather common.

Regards

[Boneman]

Don't those figures look lovely! I was paid £500 for the sax piece on another thread. I was happy with that. Obviously when one rises up the ladder of success the fees go up with you.