Creating Opportunities for
Under-Resourced Composers

My challenge to you:
Start performing at least one piece by a COMPLETELY unknown composer that you find on each recital you give!

As a courtesy and a follow-up to my 2024 conference appearances presenting my annual “Call for Scores” opportunity, I have compiled a few resources that showcase how to reach these unknown composers around the world and make the first steps of taking on this journey more accessible.

Sample Messages for Reaching Out

“I am looking for two 5-10 minute solo piano works by composers who have never heard their music performed. I will be performing and recording them for my XX concert, and I will pay $XX for the selected composer’s time!”
— — —
“Hello! I really like your music and would love to have you write me a work for clarinet and piano to premiere on my upcoming concert. I only have $50 that I could pay you, but please let me know if you are interested! I can be reached at johndoe@gmail.com.”
— — —
“Hi everyone! For my upcoming concert, I am looking for unperformed solo trombone music to give premieres to. I am unable to offer any payment for your time, but we will be recording the concert. You are welcome to write a new piece to send to me, but I may not be able to select your work.”

Samples of Selected Music

Do You Need Funding?

If you are interested in starting to perform music by under-resourced composers, start off with a smaller, realistic plan that matches your financial situation. While I now have upgraded my own call for scores to offer larger paid commissions to be as accessible as possible for all submitting composers, it started off as just an effort to perform music by under-resourced + unknown composers. I only raised $250 so I could put money where my mouth was and offer some form of financial compensation for the composers I selected. While it is more than fair to want to compensate a composer’s time for writing a piece, many composers will be elated if you reach out at all to perform their music! Maybe you could think of offering money to a composer like you would normally spend to purchase the sheet music for a piece you will be playing on a recital. Be open with the composer!

If you are wanting to financially invest more into unknown composers that you perform like I have, starting with donations / crowdfunding from your peers and supporters is a great way to make some headway. If you have a university you are affiliated with, maybe they would contribute some funding to help pay for something. I have also started leveraging my opportunity’s non-profit value to be a foot-in-the-door for partnerships that will help bring my opportunity to life. Evan Erickson Music is now fiscally-sponsored and offers tax benefits to donating businesses, allowing me to solicit donations that benefit the businesses who support my efforts. You only need as much money as you want to put forth!

Feedback & Questions Form

Please use the space below to help share feedback / takeaways on my presentation, connect with me, or inquire further about connecting with composers around the world! At the very bottom of this page, you can sign up for my newsletter to stay up to date with my call for scores / get involved!