Page 27 - Mar_Apr23

The Business of Composing

Part 1

Commissions & Publishing

J ak e R unestad with Dan F orr est

hen coaching musicians, the great American conduc-
tor Dale Warland discusses three important aspects of
W our art form:

building the instrument (the choir), build-
ing the repertoire, and building the musi-
cal leadership (the conductor). What really
makes the choir what it becomes or what it
doesn’t become is the repertoire. [The con-
ductor] will grow only according to the de-
mands of the repertoire. If it’s quality reper-
toire, chances are that conductor is going to
become quality, as well. 1

One of the great traditions of the choral community is
supporting and performing new music by living composers.
The development of new repertoire allows for engaging re-
hearsals and performances, fostering conversations around
relevant and complex topics, improving the techniques and
abilities of the musicians, and building community through
meaningful collaboration with living artists. While training
on musical craft is widely available to composers, there are
few resources addressing the financial side of this artistic
endeavor (which ultimately enables composers to continue
their creative work).

CHORAL JOURNAL March/April 2023 Volume 63 Number 7 25