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
2024 |
2024 | Come Celebrate Christmas for flute choir Commissioned by Laguna Flutes, Cindy Ellis, Music DirectorSicilienne by Gabriel Faure for flute choir In honor of the retirement of Dr. Lisa Wolynec, Professor of Flute, Austin Peay State University Commissioned by her devoted students and friends, past and present |
2023 | 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) |
2020 | A Journey with Love for Flute Choir Commissioned by Raleigh Flute Choir and RAFA in memory Kim Kittner Little Angel for flute and pianottle Angel for flute and piano |
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 |