Raksha
So you have a creative project in mind, a film, a video game, perhaps even a launch of music album. You know you need to hire music composers to tie it all together, but what price tag comes with that perfect score? The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to music composer commissions and prices. This article reveals the music composers average price per minute and their commission rates.
Break down of prices and commissions for music composer tiers
Music composers can bill by the hour, per minute of music, or offer a flat project fee. Here’s a table outlining some composer categories, their average price (per minute of music), commission and the type of projects they might be suited for:
Musi Composer Type | Average Cost | Description | Commission |
Hobbyist/Student Composer | Negotiable (often barter or low fees) | Aspiring composers looking to build their portfolio. May offer competitive rates or be open to alternative payment structures like barter arrangements. | N/A (rarely used) |
Indie/Freelance Composer | $100 – $500 per minute of music | Cater to a wider range of projects, offering competitive rates and flexibility. Prices can vary based on experience and complexity. | 20-50% (common for profit-sharing or ownership stake in the project) |
Boutique Composer Studios | $500 – $2,000+ per minute of music | Small studios with a roster of talented composers, specializing in specific genres or project types. Often offer a blend of experience and competitive rates. | 15-30% (might be negotiated into the per-minute rate) |
Renowned/Award-Winning Composer | Highly negotiable (often very high fees) | The Hans Zimmers and John Williams of the industry. Command top dollar for their experience, prestige, and proven ability to elevate projects. | Variable (may not apply, often built into the high per-minute rate) |
*Commission: Percentage of profits earned from music use (applicable in some cases)
Remember, these are just averages! It’s always best to reach out to composers directly to discuss your project and get a personalized quote.
Understanding rates of music composer commission
Music Composer commission prices are a way for composers to share in the future success of a project. This is most common for indie and freelance composers working on projects with the potential for future revenue, such as films, video games, or commercials. The commission percentage will vary depending on the negotiation and the type of project.
Here’s a breakdown of some common music composer commission price structures:
- Profit-Sharing: The composer receives a percentage of the net profits generated by the project after all costs are recouped.
- Ownership Stake: The composer receives a small ownership stake in the project, entitling them to a portion of any future royalties or licensing fees.
- Hybrid Model: A combination of a flat fee and a commission percentage can also be negotiated.
Beyond the Numbers
Price isn’t everything. Consider a composer’s portfolio and their ability to capture the essence of your vision. Communication and collaboration are key. Finding a music composer who gets your creative spark is invaluable.
Here are some articles we’ve written on the subject in case you need any additional assistance:
- Learn how to create the ideal job description for a music composer
- Find out what makes a good project brief
- Find out the hourly rates of music composers
- Learn about the actual cost of making music
Stuart Logan
