Custom Work2018-06-29T19:31:34-04:00

CUSTOM WORK

Commission a transcription, arrangement, or original work for any size ensemble in any genre, or make adjustments to any of the charts in the store before you take them to your band.

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FAQs
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Transcriptions

Get any out-of-print arrangement moved straight from the record into your book. Accurate, authentic, and ready to sightread. Add customized factors like a key change for your singer, written out improvised solos, or a full reorchestration to fit your band.

Arrangements

Pick your favorite tune, add in the specs you need for your band, and get a custom-tailored arrangement made just for you. Any size ensemble, any style, any personalized elements you need. A one-of-kind chart, made to measure.

Original Songs

You need a completely unique, never-heard-before composition that can feature your best soloist, section, or singer? Something with flair, that imitates your favorite historical composer, or can be dedicated to someone important in your life? Pick the specs you want, including length, influence, and occasion, and get a truly bespoke chart. Set your band apart from the rest and give the people something new.

  • Solos (custom & transcribed)
  • Heads

  • Leadsheets

  • Small Groups

  • Duets/Trios

  • Big Bands

  • Orchestras

  • Marching Bands

  • Just about anything!

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Frequently
Asked Questions

What can I expect to get when I order the average transcription?2018-10-26T15:30:44-04:00

You can expect a quick turnaround and a perfect-sounding transcription. You will get a set of PDF parts and a PDF score for the director’s reference. If it’s a special commission, your name will be on all the parts and if the chart is sold in the future, you’ll be able to promote your featured player/band/school through it.

What can I expect to pay for the average transcription?2018-05-25T00:24:28-04:00

Well, there really is no average transcription. The longer the piece, the higher the cost, and the more “add-ons” you go with the higher the cost as well (such as heavy reorchestration, improvised solos transcribed, etc). I try to make it as affordable as possible, considering the amount of work involved. At least get an idea by filling out the custom work form.

Do you do short notice jobs?2018-05-25T00:50:46-04:00

I absolutely can try, yes! If I am on the road or out of town, I will let you know if there is a price difference before we start. This also applies to overnight work, and when you need something over a major holiday.

What if the recording I need transcribed is low quality, either because of the noise on the record or because it’s live, or something else?2018-05-25T00:51:11-04:00

That’s ok! I always do the best job possible with the material I’m given. I might charge an extra fee for poor recording quality, it just depends on the source material I get. Send me what you have and we’ll make it work!

If I need a big band transcription, can you change the original 4/3/2/4 instrumentation to 5/5/5/4?2018-05-25T00:27:07-04:00

Yes! When the original 4/3/2 horn lineup for older big band piece is not enough to keep your 5/4/4 lineup busy, you need an “expansion” job done so that several players are not sitting around on their phones.

Most expansion charts I’ve played have a number of common problems, which you can read about here.

When you work with me to expand a chart, every player in your band will have a part to play and it will sound as good as the original! Reach out and let’s figure out how to make it work.

I’m doing a show with my Frank Sinatra cover band that will have a string orchestra playing with us. Can you add string parts to charts?2018-05-01T09:57:49-04:00

Usually, yes. That service is definitely offered here. In many cases, I already have the string parts for many Sinatra (and other) pieces. However, if I don’t know which version you are using, there is a high chance that my recording-accurate parts may not fit your version, especially if there is even a single beat added or deleted from your version or any chords are different. Which is usually the case. The great arrangers, like Nelson Riddle and Billy May, were precise in their work and every vertical score moment locked in – yours should too!

To ensure you get studio-ready string parts, it’s best to buy the big band version I sell that will definitely match the other parts. It may not be on the site, but check with me anyway! Alternatively, you can email me a copy of the score you are using and I can assemble parts based on that, but the cost will likely be higher than usual because I’ll have to study your score and search for potential errors or adjustments that I would need to make.

Big band and string parts are like the two pieces of a suit – a two-piece navy suit matches perfectly, but getting something “close enough” always looks off. Get both pieces at once to ensure harmony. Contact me – let’s make it work!

Can you change the key for my vocalist?2018-05-25T00:49:50-04:00

Usually yes! However, it is a time-consuming and involved process: when you change the key, many instruments end up out of their range or in muddy or unbalanced parts of their range, and oftentimes reorchestration is needed along with creating new parts.

All of this together is a completely doable procedure that I do all the time, but because of the amount of edit time there is a separate cost that is not included in the price of the chart. Go through the custom work link below the specific product page to get a quote, or let’s start something from scratch.

Can you arrange an easier version of the song in your store that I love?2018-05-25T00:48:43-04:00

Yes! I work with younger school systems often in making classic tunes easier. Go through the custom quote link below the particular product’s page and let me know about your group and what their level is and we’ll make it work!

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