Arranger for hire – orchestration and more

The word “orchestration” essentially means the bringing together of different elements for one conjoined effect. For an experienced arranger, though, orchestration is just one aspect of a number of different ways of recasting a musical idea. As a composer, orchestrator, and working musician, I’ve practiced various types of arranging, most of which are listed below.

 

Style and Approach

As with my composing, I have strong roots in the concert music approach. I also have worked as a manager, trainer, and consultant for the popular music industry. The result is that I bring a lot of different influences into my scoring, and give the orchestra a colorful, prominent role in any type of scoring.

I’m perfectly comfortable expanding a small idea into a huge orchestral tutti – or taking a very big idea and condensing it for a smaller ensemble. But more than that, I’m fascinated by the task of making a musical idea fit the emotional and dramatic context inherent in the texture and character of the available instruments.

I’m quite interested as well in capturing the essence of a musical genre or period. I’ve arranged scores in the style of many different eras, and crossed over between musical theatre, concert music, rock, jazz, and other idioms. When bringing two different styles together, I like to explore the possibilities of forging a new combined approach between the two, and using that approach to deepen the meaning of the musical idea.

 

Commissions

I am commissionable for the following categories of works:

Orchestration:

  • film and television scores
  • crossover scores (orchestral accompaniment to popular music)
  • education programming (settings of non-orchestral works to orchestra)
  • concert music (usually updating an older score to modern orchestral numbers)

Transcription:

  • adapting scores for student ensembles
  • transcribing a readable score from a recording
  • reducing an orchestral or ensemble work for piano or piano/vocal

Other:

  • wind, brass, school, and military band arrangement
  • adapting music (piano score to string quartet or wind quintet, etc.)
  • arrangements for student musicians and ensembles

 

Cost

Commissioning fees vary widely from project to project. The size of the instrumentation, length of the piece, and complexity are all deciding factors. Most contracts also involve a 50% advance, with 50% upon completion.

Before any quotes can be given, it’s always good to have a dialogue with the orchestrator. Please use the contact form to get in touch, and we’ll discuss your proposal.