Commissioning Music
The reasons for commissioning music are personal and varied:
• Anniversaries: Community choirs and orchestras celebrate founding anniversaries.
• Special occasions: Surprise loved ones with custom music for birthdays, anniversaries, or milestones.
• Tributes: Honor retiring staff members, family members, or friends.
• Co-commissions: Organizations join forces to commission a work, like the Elementary School Music Festival in Los Angeles.
“Allan R. Petker is a gifted composer and arranger who is a sought-after interpreter of symphonic and choral works. His compositions are thoughtful, well-crafted, and extremely musical. As president of Pavane Publishing and vice president at Fred Bock Music Company, he has helped shape high-quality choral literature across several major imprints. Whether composing, conducting, or curating music, Allan brings experience, insight, and care to everything he does. His leadership and musicianship continue to make a meaningful impact in the choral world.”
Brandon Boyd
Composer and Conductor
Commissioning is a Process
From the moment of inspiration and conception to the moment the completed manuscript arrives in your hands, there are decisions to be made, creative ideas to be tried out, and memorable moments to experience when the commissioner and composer collaborate in their own ways to give birth to a new work of art.
Frequently Asked Qustions & Answers About Commissioning Music
What will it cost to commission a work?
The cost of a commission is determined by a number of factors, including the composer’s reputation, the length of the proposed work, and the instrumentation (soloist only, chorus only, small instrumental ensemble, full orchestra or chorus with orchestra). This guide lists midrange commissioning fees and can give you an idea of approximate costs.
As you can see, there is quite a large range at each level. And remember, once the piece is composed, a master score and parts for the performers must also be prepared and may require the services of a professional music engraver. The costs for this have been calculated and included in the fee ranges listed above. Half of the commissioning fee is normally paid before the project begins, and the remainder is paid upon receipt of the commission.
A Guide to Allan’s Commission Rates
• A standard 3- to 4-minute choral piece with or without accompaniment starts at $4,000.
• Additional instruments (such as flute, violin, etc.) can be added at $100 per instrument (up to a maximum of 5 instruments).
• Six or more instruments will be negotiated separately.
Please contact Allan Robert Petker directly for information regarding your specific commission request:
apetker@gmail.com
(310) 548-7260
How long does it take a composer to write a piece of music?
Commissions are composed in the order received. It is prudent to allow 12–18 months from the signing of an agreement for the work to be completed and prepared in its final form before it is given to the musicians to study for performance.
What else do I need to know about the commissioning process?
Your first step is to decide which voicing or instrumentation you would like in your piece (solo voice, solo instrument, choral with keyboard accompaniment, choral with orchestral accompaniment, orchestral work, etc.).
Next, a text will be needed. If this is a sacred work, you may wish to choose a passage from scripture or other sacred writing. For a secular work, a public domain poem might be your choice. If a copyrighted text is selected, securing permission to use the text and any corresponding fees are the responsibility of the commissioning party.
Who actually owns the music?
It is standard practice that the composer retains the rights to his own works, so that the legal ownership of the piece remains with the composer. However, the commissioner is acknowledged on the first page of the musical score along with any personal dedication. (“Commissioned by the First Church, Anytown, U.S.A. for John and Mary Doe in honor of their 20 years of service.) It is customary that the commissioner is given a presentation copy of the completed score, almost always specially inscribed by the composer.
Will the composer attend or conduct the premiere performance?
While it is always exciting to have the composer at the premiere performance, this service is not included in the cost of the commission. Please navigate to the Workshops and Clinics page on this site for more information.
Will the commission be published?
Although it is always the composer’s hope that every commission will be published, it cannot be guaranteed. Of course, the commissioner’s name is always included on the published work as well as any dedications.
Want to bring a unique musical vision to life?
Bring your musical vision to life with a custom composition from renowned composer Allan Robert Petker. Commissioning a piece or extended work from him offers a unique opportunity to create something truly special and meaningful for your ensemble, worship service, or celebration.
Let’s discuss the possibilities!
Recent Commissions by Allan Robert Petker:
A Timeless Tribute: “In Unceasing Serenade”
“In Unceasing Serenade,” a brand-new SATB choral piece by Allan Robert Petker available for purchase at Pavane Publishing January 2026.
A Tribute to Faithful Service: “I Am Your Servant”
A heartfelt anthem for SATB choir, piano, and flute, honoring servant-hood and gratitude. Based on Psalm 116:16-19.
A Gift of Song: “Blessed Be The One” SATB Choral Score
A humble start gives way to vibrant energy in this rhythmic Psalm setting. The chorus bursts with strength, interrupted by serene contrasts that only fuel its energetic response. A joy to sing. Commissioned by the First Congregational UCC, Santa Rosa, CA, Ron Hawks, Director. In loving memory of Laverna Brown
A Dynamic Concert Opener: “I Will Sing”
A High-Energy Concert Opener for SATB Choir, Keyboard, Brass, and Percussion. Commissioned by Westminster Presbyterian Church, Oklahoma City, this vibrant anthem grabs attention and invites all to sing. With optional brass and percussion, the accompaniment is crisp and rhythmic, featuring exuberant choral sentences that break into canon.
A Beautiful Message: “True Wisdom Brings Peace”
“True Wisdom Brings Peace” is a beautiful anthem for SATB choir and keyboard, based on James 3:17-18. This piece skillfully weaves together themes of compassion, peace, and wisdom, featuring a poignant reharmonization of “There is a Balm in Gilead.”
A Vibrant Anthem:“Live In The Light of God”
Incorporating the hymn, ”God of the Ages, Whose Almighty Hand,” this anthem for choir, piano and optional trumpet celebrates God’s love for us and our calling to share the good news. Commissioned for the dedication of a new church sanctuary, this piece begins softly and builds to a joyful conclusion.
Festival Music for Special Celebrations: “The Light of the World”
A vibrant anthem for SATB choir, organ, brass, and percussion, commissioned by Northern Light United Church in Alaska for its 30th anniversary. This piece shines with a brilliant fanfare, making it perfect for festival or Easter performances.
A Fresh Take on a Timeless Psalm: “I Will Lift Up Mine Eyes”
Discover a fresh take on Psalm 121 with Allan Robert Petker’s beautiful setting, ‘I Will Lift Up Mine Eyes’. This lovely melody and harmonious flow will transport you to a place of comfort, strength, and peace.
A Joyful Celebration: “Rejoice in the Lord”
Get ready to lift your spirits with Allan Robert Petker’s vibrant setting of Philippians 4! “Rejoice in the Lord” (SATB choir and keyboard) is a regal fanfare that unfolds into a classical-inspired melody, taking you on a journey of rejoicing. Perfect for festival performances and general praise.
A Gift of Love and Faith: “From the Hands of God”
A heartfelt piece commissioned by Dr. John Nylund in celebration of his 40th wedding anniversary, lovingly dedicating it to his wife, Joan, Music Director of Trinity Presbyterian Church in Oroville, California.
A Heartfelt Celebration: “More Than You Can Know”
Commissioned by the children and grandchildren of Marian Claussen on the occasion of her 80th birthday.
An Expression of Gratitude: ” The Fruit of Love Is Joy”
Commissioned by Bob Frembling, this piece is dedicated to the special people in his life who have brought him immense joy, including his loving wife, Bryana; his daughters, Heidi and Candice; his sons-in-law, Chris and Dick; and his beloved grandchildren, Bryan, Andrew, John, and Abbey.
A Touch of Elegance: “Hush” for SSA Choir and Handbells
A beautiful and soothing composition commissioned by Margaret Armstrong for the women of “Grace” at Trinity Lutheran Church in Hawthorne, California. This piece for SSA choir and handbells creates a peaceful atmosphere, perfect for reflection and worship.