Commissioning a Piece of Music
Phyllis Avidan Louke is accepting commissions. If you’d like information on how to commission a piece of music, contact Phyllis at palouke@comcast.net or 503-703-7961 to discuss the specifics.
Some things to think about when commissioning a piece of music:
- Is the commission for a special occasion or a gift for a special person?
- Will the commissioned music occupy a specific spot on a program? (i.e. an opening piece, closing piece, fanfare, etc.)
- Would you like music about a particular subject, or with a particular style or mood?
- Consider the length of the piece desired, difficulty level, number of parts, instrumentation and date needed for the first rehearsal.
- Inscription or dedication on title page.
Cost of commissioning a piece of music:
- Cost is based on length of piece and instrumentation.
- In most cases the commissioning fee is paid at the project’s completion.
- The composer retains the rights to publish the music, although the commissioner may maintain exclusive performance rights for a specified period of time, usually between a few months to a year.
- Commissioning a piece is surprisingly affordable.
List of Commissioned Music
| 2025 | In the Garden for flute duet (and for Eb flute and c-flute) Commissioned by Linda Bailey |
| 2025 | Land of Make Believe for flute choir Commissioned by Nicole O’Toole and the Groton Hill Flute Orchestra |
| 2024 | Come, Celebrate Christmas for flute choir Commissioned by Cindy Ellis and the Laguna Flutes |
| 2024 | Sicilienne (arr for flute choir) by Faure Commissioned by Angela Reynolds and a consortium of students and friends in honor of the retirement of Lisa Wolynec, Professor of Flute, from Austin Peay University, in Clarksville, Tennessee |
| 2024 | Of Mountains, Lakes, and Mischief for flute choir In memory of Dr. Eldred Spell, Professor of Flute, Western Carolina University Commissioned by his devoted students and friends, past and present (Townes Miller) |
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| 2020 | A Journey with Love for Flute Choir Commissioned by Raleigh Flute Choir and RAFA in memory Kim Kittner Little Angel for flute and piano |
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| 2019 | Alleluia by Eric Whitacre for flute choir Dedicated to The Columbia Flute Choir by Sydnee Stein in honor of her parents, Paul and Jan |
| 2018 | Flirtations for Flute Choir Commissioned by Linda Mintener and dedicated to Linda Mintener and the Madison Flute Choir |
| 2017 | Sonatina for two flutes (or alto flutes) Commissioned by Peter Sheridan |
| 2016 | Pandas in the Bamboo Forest for flute choir Commissioned by Linda Mintener and dedicated to Linda Mintener and the Madison Flute Choir |
| 2016 | Beach Party! for flute choir Commissioned by Peter Sheridan for the Opening Concert of the 2016 National Flute Association Convention in San Diego, CA |
| 2016 | Postcards from Pikes Peak for flute choir Dedicated to Pikes Peak Flute Choir, Treese Kjeldsen, Conductor, in honor of Director Emeritus Karen Morsch |
| 2013 | Fanfare and Celebration for flute choir Commissioned by Quad City Flutes Unlimited, Moline, Illinois |
| 2012 | Canyon Dreams for flute choir Commissioned by Arizona Flute Society |
| 2012 | Fantasy on “Amazing Grace” by Johnnie Carl for flute choir Arrangement commissioned by Pipe Dream Flutes, Westlake Village, California |
| 2011 | Spirit of the Stallion for flute alone Commissioned by David Etienne, Arkadelphia, Arkansas |
| 2010 | Summer Medley Commissioned by Denise Westby for Flute Fandango, Portland, Oregon |
| 2009 | Four Spirituals for Flute Choir Commissioned by Francine Pancost, Los Angeles, California |
| 2009 | Oh, The Places We’ll See! Commissioned by Paige Long, Flagler Beach, Florida |
| 2008 | As the Clouds Parted for alto flute & piano Commissioned by Mary Novak Sand, Cromwell, Connecticut |
| 2008 | Big Sky for alto flute & piano Commissioned by Maggie Schuberg, Missoula, MT |
| 2007 | On Fire for Trombone Quintet Commissioned by Wilson Winner, Loveland, Colorado |
| 2007 | A New Beginning for Flute Choir Commissioned by The Hampton Roads Flute Choir to Commemorate the 400th Anniversary of the Founding of Jamestown, Virginia |
| 2007 | Flute Fiesta for Flute Choir Commissioned by Gwen Powell for the Fiesta Flute Orchestra at the NFA Convention |
| 2006 | Temple of Heaven for Flute Choir Commissioned by Mary Novak Sand for the Loomis Chaffee Flutes |
| 2005 | Madama Butterfly Suite for flute quartet an arrangement of 4 arias by Puccini Commissioned by Mara Goosman and the Butterfly Headjoint Company |
| 2002 | Castle in the Mist for alto flute & piano Commissioned by Sue Blessing, Boston, MA |
| 2000 | Echoes in the Wind—A Native American Soliloquy (for alto flute & piano) Commissioned by Sue Blessing, Boston, MA |
| 2000 | Cloud Images for Flute Choir Commissioned by Albert Weatherly, Mara Goosman and Sankyo Flutes USA |