AboutPhil Kelly Expertise I`m a semi-retired professional music arranger with over thirty five years in all phases of the commercial music production business. I can try to answer questions regarding music arranging, theory, orchestration , and/or composition for most acoustic ensembles .( jazz band or orchestral ) I can try to offer suggestions about studio music recording procedures and some basic MIDI applications , too. In the course of my career I`ve worked with such artists as Doc Severinsen and the old Tonight Show Band, Bill Watrous, Buddy Greco, John Gary, Mel Torme, Julius LaRosa, as well as the Pop programs of the Fort Worth, Dallas, North Carolina, and Houston Symphonies, as well as library music material for ABC, ESPN, and NFL Films.
Question Hi Phil,
Can you tell me about typical rates and methods of charging for writing arrangements (chords, forms, accompaniment, etc) for someone else's melodies and lyrics? I've just started doing this work privately/freelance for one particular singer. Also, I'm notating/charting the arrangements in Finale, the music notation software. How much can I charge for that? And I'm rehearsing and recording the piano and sax parts for his demos. What can I charge for that? In short, what can I charge for each of those three areas--arranging, notating, and rehearsing/recording? Thanks so much! - Theo
Answer Hi Theo:
What you're calling "arranging" sounds more like "transcribing" if you're taking someone
elses song off a tape, adding the chord changes , and creating a lead sheet that could be
used by rhythm players in a recording situation. This is normally done on an hourly basis
(usually about $50 p/hr )
If you ADD anything to the composition ( speciific rhythmic figures, routining, key changes
for effect, or anything that frames the performance ) it begins to enter the area considered
"arranging" and you can add a small amount for this "creative input" . The amout depends on :
1. how involved the arrangement becomes -( how many instruments, how complex the production, etc. )
2. Your reputation and experience as an arranger. Most non name artists won't pay much more than
$ 350+/- for a basic arrangement comprised of a minimum of 4/6 horns and rhythm.
The use of Finale per se isn't considered an extra, but if you print out parts for the act, you can charge for that service ( roughly $1.00 per pg )
Recording is a whole different area, particularly if you're playing and producing. Then you get into
"package "deals where for a given fee, you agree to provide several musical services, handle paying any needed outside talent, and record the process for the talent. Obviously, there are too many variables here to provide a realistic estimate.
Just for the sake of comparison, if a singer /producer calls me and wants me to write some
string sweetening parts for a recording, I'd charge between $450 -$600 per chart ( depending
upon how many charts I was doing on the project. ) If I were asked to provide the ENTIRE
arrangement prior to recording, double that figure. ( in both cases, I'd charge for any part extraction and printing.
Also, keep in mind I've been doing this for a long time and have somewhat of a decent reputation
for my work. someone less experienced wou;dn't be able to charge this much.
