Composers send a quote when a producer, game studio, agency, or commissioning group asks what a project will cost, often before the music is written or the picture is locked. Clients compare composers by price, credits, turnaround, and what is included, such as live players, revisions, and stems.
When to use estimates: Use estimates to provide project quotes and get client approval before starting work. Once approved, convert your estimate to an invoice with one click to collect payment.
Create an invoice for payment collection
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The amount of music is the biggest cost driver, and a vague count leads to arguments when the project grows.
A synthesized score and a recorded string quartet have very different costs and timelines.
Clients often assume stems, cutdowns, and edits are free unless the quote says otherwise.
Sets a clear boundary on the most common cause of unpaid time.
Protects you if the client delays feedback or changes the cut after you've started.
Ownership affects price and future earnings, so it needs to be settled before work begins.
Prevents a conflict over whether the fee covers production costs or they are billed on top.
| Service | Priced | Typical range |
|---|---|---|
| Indie film or documentary score (original music) | per finished minute of music | $300-1,500 |
| Video game music (indie) | per finished minute of music | $200-1,000 |
| Commercial or ad jingle/underscore (30-60 sec) | flat fee per spot | $750-5,000 |
| Podcast or YouTube theme and stings | flat fee | $250-1,500 |
| Concert commission (solo to chamber ensemble) | flat fee per piece | $1,000-8,000 |
| Orchestration or arranging for others | per hour | $40-100 |
| Music preparation (parts extraction, engraving) | per hour | $30-60 |
| Mixing, stems, and delivery formats | per hour | $50-125 |
Typical US ranges. Rates vary by region, experience, and job size.
Many productions have a music budget already. Asking for it lets you propose a scope that fits instead of guessing and underpricing or losing the job.
For example, a sample-based score, a hybrid score with a few live players, or a full live recording. Clients can see what each level costs and choose, which helps avoid a straight price comparison.
For ads, quote different fees for web-only, broadcast, or national use, and for a limited term versus perpetual. The same music is worth more with wider use.
Build in time for re-cutting music after picture edits. If you quote a flat fee, state that significant changes to the cut may be billed as additional work.
Generally no. Share your portfolio and, if needed, a short sketch or mockup against a scene, but be careful about unpaid spec work. Some composers charge a small fee for a custom demo that is credited toward the final fee if hired.
30 days is common. Production schedules and budgets change, so a stated expiration date lets you reprice if the project is delayed or the scope shifts.
Offer a reduced scope instead of simply cutting your rate: less music, a smaller ensemble, fewer revisions, or a license instead of a full buyout. This keeps your rate steady while giving the client options.
Use the Composer invoice template to bill the client, or convert this estimate once it's approved.
Composer invoice template