Commission a new work, written for you and enjoyed by countless generations of musicians and audiences.

Bring a new composition to life.

Commissioning music is more than creating a new piece; it’s building a legacy.

You choose the instrumentation and length. I’ll listen to your goals and plans for the piece and work to ensure it highlights your ensemble’s strengths and honors your vision.

Steve Danyew composer, writing commission

My compositions have been commissioned and premiered by high school and college ensembles, community choirs, and professional groups and performed in venues including Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, and the Sydney Opera House.

Critics have called my music “...a feast for the mind and ear” (MusicWeb International) and praised its “sensitivity, skill and tremendous sophistication” (Kansas City Independent).

Whether you're commissioning a 5-minute quartet or a large-scale wind ensemble piece, know that I bring the same level of care, creativity, and craftsmanship to every new work.

Music manuscript notebook on wooden desk | Steve Danyew - Commissioned Works.jpg

Commissioning is a Collaborative Process

  1. Initial Idea & Concept
    We’ll discuss your goals, the event (if applicable), ensemble size, and desired outcomes.

  2. Scope, Timeline & Contract
    We’ll define the instrumentation, length, and difficulty for the new work, discuss rights, set a timeline, and sign a contract.

  3. Delivery & Premiere Rights
    You’ll receive the full score and parts in formats of your choice, with exclusive performance (and potentially recording) rights for a limited period.

What’s Included With Your Commission

01
A BRAND-NEW MUSICAL WORK

When you commission a new work, you’re contributing to the repertoire, which is important to maintaining the vitality of music in our culture. The score will always carry a designation listing you as the commissioner or commissioning ensemble.

02
PREMIERE PERFORMANCE RIGHTS

You’ll receive premiere performance rights, which means you’ll have the sole privilege of presenting the first performance and listing it in your program as a “world premiere.”

03
LIMITED EXCLUSIVE ACCESS

You’ll receive exclusive access to the work for a limited time before it’s publicly available. We can also write a clause into the contract that allows you first rights to record the work for commercial distribution.

Cost is based on piece length and ensemble type (e.g. a 20-minute wind ensemble work vs. a 5-minute chamber piece). Please contact me for a custom quote.

Commissioned works are great for ensembles or individuals who want to:

  • Mark a milestone or event with a piece written especially for them

  • Create a new work tailored to their level and needs

  • Offer students the experience of premiering a brand-new work

Steve Danyew talking to college wind band in rehearsal hall | Steve Danyew - Composer Residencies

Interested in a residency or virtual clinic?

I offer rehearsal clinics (virtual or in-person), workshops, Q&As, and residencies to provide insight into the work, give feedback, and support the musicians as they prepare for the premiere. This can be built into your commission or added separately.

Working with a living composer and hearing about the inspiration behind the music, how it was written, and why the composer made various artistic choices is an exciting and meaningful experience for all involved.

Learn more about Virtual Clinics and Residency options >>

What other commissioners have asked:

Here are some common questions I get from directors & commissioning parties, and an overview of what to expect during the process. Have a question not addressed here? Reach out to me directly.

  • Commissioning means hiring a composer to create a brand-new work tailored to your ensemble or occasion. You choose the instrumentation, voicing, length, difficulty level, and any inspiration you'd like reflected in the music.

  • There are lots of reasons—marking a milestone or anniversary, honoring a person or place, or simply offering your musicians the chance to premiere a meaningful new work. Whatever your motivation, commissioning contributes to the future of music and creates something your ensemble can truly call its own.

  • Commission fees vary based on the scope of the project—things like instrumentation and length. For instance, a 20-minute piece for wind ensemble will cost more than a 5-minute piece for a trio. I’m happy to provide a custom quote once we discuss your goals.

  • Yes! Joint commissions are common, and encouraged. Groups co-fund the work and share premiere privileges and credit. I’ve coordinated consortia from 2 to 36 members. If you need help finding partners, just ask.

  • Very. We'll discuss your goals, ensemble strengths, and any specific ideas you may have. For choral or vocal works, I’m happy to consider specific requests or look for a text that suits your group or a particular occasion. Once we have these initial discussions and a general idea of the scope of the piece, the creative work begins—I grab my pencil and head to the piano!

  • Ideally, we’ll begin planning at least a year in advance (or more). That said, I’ve written commissions in as little as a month. If you have a tight timeline, reach out and I’ll see what’s possible.

  • Absolutely. Past clients have commissioned pieces as gifts, memorials, or personal artistic contributions, even without a specific ensemble in mind to perform it. Let’s talk and come up with a plan.

  • Sometimes. I’ve written arrangements of hymns and Christmas carols for orchestra/choir/organ/brass/congregational singing, and arranged choral works for wind ensemble, orchestra, and more. The original music must be public domain or you must have permission from the copyright holder.

Ready to commission a new piece?

Fill out the inquiry form below to get started.