Collaborate: Commission New Music
“I have grown confident over the past few years of the reaction I will observe when I announce that we are going to begin rehearsing a piece by Chris Massa. I know there will be a cheer, excited faces looking at each other, and other murmurs of excitement. These students know what I know—that the music Chris writes connects with performer and audience every time and that the music is a joy to both rehearse and perform. Our choirs have commissioned Chris to write individual pieces for all levels as well as some large scale works. Each time, Chris has created works that are beautiful, age appropriate, approachable by audiences, and instant favorites for our students.”
Philip Warner,
Educator
There are few things that Chris enjoys more than writing new music, particularly when it is for a specific musician, ensemble, and/or occasion. Pieces that he has written on commission have included anthems for church use, incidental music for stage and screen, choral and instrumental music (including large-scale works) for student ensembles, and chamber/solo works for professional musicians. There is no project too large or small, and no ensemble too experienced or inexperienced.
If you are interested in commissioning a new work from Chris, please complete the Questionnaire. As soon as possible (usually within a week), you will get an email response that will either (a) accept and confirm the commission, (b) ask questions about, or suggest changes to, the proposed commission, or (c) decline the commission. Once the terms of the commission have been accepted, a contract will be sent that must be signed and received before composing begins, and a signed copy will be sent to you as well. Please be aware that, from time to time, it is necessary for Chris to decline commissions, usually due to timing and scheduling constraints.
A word regarding fees: The question often comes up as far as what is the "usual fee" for a certain type of commission, and the truthful answer is that there is no "usual fee." Each proposed commission is evaluated on a case-by-case basis, and if necessary, changes will be suggested. That being said, Chris is well aware of the financial constraints and limitations that are facing many educational institutions, and he has a long-standing policy of flexibility and leniency regarding these type of commissions. While Chris has had to decline some commissions, it has never been because of the fee.
Is this not quite what you were looking for? You may want to try Arrange Existing Music or Copy/Transcribe/Edit Existing Music.