Rates for Music Preparation

• Music Preparation is covered by AFM minimum scale rates which differ according to each project, whether it’s for Live Performance, Theatrical Motion Picture, Sound Recording, CCPR (a.k.a. Canadian Film), etc. For more information please visit the American Federation of Musicians web site at: www.afm.org

• All copying is charged by the page (see below) with the exception of scores, while editing, proofreading and librarian work is charged by the hour.

• All jobs include providing performance hard copies and/or PDF's of any scores and parts. Data files are available upon request at an additional charge depending upon the use of the files.

Please contact us to discuss how we can help with the music preparation on your next project, as well as a free written estimate.

Information needed for estimating the cost of a project.

Recording Sessions:

• The number of minutes of music and/or a total bar count.
• The number of starts (cues).
• The style of music (action/romantic/comedy) and/or the complexity of the score. An action film may have almost twice the bar count as a romantic film, thereby increasing the copying costs.
• The size of the orchestra and instrumentation, and if there are any doubles in the woodwinds?
• Will you be providing concert or transposed scores? A typical concert score will cost roughly 15% more than a transposed score.
• Whether or not a librarian is needed to attend the sessions.

Independent Composers:

• A photocopy of the manuscript score, or
• The duration of the music, instrumentation, tempi and complexity of the notation.

Glossary of Parts

• Single Line: A part for one player such as flute or trombone.

• Single Line Transposed: Same as a single line part, but for a transposing instrument such as clarinet in B flat or Horn in F.

• Divisi: A part for two players written on one staff.

• Chorded: A part with fully notated chord voicings such as a percussion mallet part.

• Keyboard: A bracketed double line part such as piano or harp.

• Master Rhythm: Also a bracketed double line part, but written for the rhythm section. Typically contains chord symbols, bass line, occasional drum figures, etc.

• Piano/Conductor: A highly condensed version of the full score having anywhere from two to four staves. Typically containing vocal melody with lyrics, essential lead lines, chord symbols and bass line.

• Lead Sheet: A single stave part containing the melody, chord symbols and lyrics.

• Song Copy: A three stave part for vocal melody and keyboard accompaniment.