"A terrific, talented composer... thank
you for our original composition!"
Classical composer and pianist Nathan Shirley
Creating melodic and accessible, yet complex and subtle music, in the great classical tradition
~How to Commission~
To receive a free quote, simply contact the composer directly to discuss your proposal, either by email or phone~ (828) 659-8737. Be sure to include details such as what instrument or group of instruments might be involved, what general time frame is in mind, and any other relevant details, difficulty level, special issues, questions, etc. Mr. Shirley is happy to talk about any proposition, so if you have never commissioned a work before don’t feel hesitant. He can also aid in finding musicians and organizing a recording of the new music as needed. If an agreement is reached and you wish to go ahead with the commission, a contract will be prepared and signed by both parties. Next, half of the commissioning fee will be due, and once it is received work will commence.
Once the music is completed the composer will prepare the sheet music (with a special inscription), any parts, and a computer generated recording of the music which will be delivered to you. As with standard practice, the composer will retain all rights to the music, however the printed score will forever bear the name(s) of the commissioner and anyone the music might be dedicated to. In addition the music will be made available online.
The fee to commission original music from Nathan Shirley is determined by a number of factors such as length, instrumentation, difficulty, etc. It is possible to commission music of any magnitude, from the smallest miniature to the mammoth symphony. Mr. Shirley's fees are set to be very competitive which makes his small scale compositions easily affordable. In fact, he has a unique gift for writing music to be performed by children (see below).
A very small commission might be completed in one week. A very ambitious, large scale commission might take up to six months or more to complete. If a work is needed in a shorter time frame, it may be possible to speed up the process in certain circumstances.
Mr. Shirley is very open to unusual or challenging musical concepts, and can give informative suggestions if you are unsure about a specific musical need. Contact Nathan Shirley with any ideas or questions.
"As late as it is, my children have asked me to write to you immediately. They absolutely loved the piece. So did I. It is just perfect... haunting and beautiful. And, within their range. Really, just perfect. We are all extremely pleased."
Know a talented young musician who has a flair for their instrument? A custom composition dedicated to them can make for an overwhelming surprise.
Nathan Shirley has given private lessons to nearly 70 students, and group lessons to about 500. With this experience he has gained a deep insight into the musical wants and needs of children. He has composed much for children, from the youngest beginner to the much more experienced, and can tailor a composition to suit any music student (young or old).
~Comments~
"Hallelujah! At last a 'symphonist'... this is a fifteen minute demonstration of strong, vital musical ideas, interesting and characterful rhythms, intelligent and competent harmony..."
"This third in a series of 10 short character pieces is typical of all ten; the well-written, pianistic product of someone who really understands how to play, and write for, the instrument. Each number has a very distinctive atmosphere, and though there are perhaps echoes of influences like Bach or gamelan, it is clear that here we have a young composer who has something to say and knows technically how to say it."
-Laurence Hughes (Reviewer for the British press / Composer)
"Excellent work of intelligence and sensitivity - thanks Nathan!"
-Commissioning individual
"We received the sheet music for the Duet. Incidentally, we’ve shown it to - & -‘s orchestra conductor, their performance coach (who is a professional viola player), their primary violin teacher (Juliard Grad and former Philly Orchestra violinist), and the former concertmaster for the National Youth Orchestra...
They all thought it was a terrific piece...refreshing for the age of my kids. We’re all looking forward to the solos."
-Commissioning individual
"A privilege to have been associated with the creation of a lovely piece of music"
-Commissioning individual
"Skupienie I podskorne napiecie ustapilo miejsca niepohamowanemu wybuchowi soczystej, zywej I radosnej niemal symfonicznej w rozmachu Music for Strings and Marimba Nathana Wrighta Shirleya."
-Ewa Cichon (Writer / music critic)