Music Composer Prices and Commission Rates: How Much Does It Cost?

So you have a creative project in mind, a film, a video game, or even a new album. You know you need to hire a music composer to tie it all together, but what price tag comes with that perfect score?

The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to music composer prices and commission rates. Costs vary depending on experience, project scope, usage rights, and how you structure the deal.

In this guide, we’ll break down typical music composer rates, how commission structures work, and what you can realistically expect to pay when hiring a composer for your project.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Music Composer?

For most clients, music composer prices can range from a few hundred dollars for a short indie cue to tens of thousands for a full feature film or game soundtrack. Composers might charge by the hour, by the minute of finished music, or on a flat project fee. The more music you need, the more complex the score, and the more experienced the composer, the higher your budget should be.

Music Composer Prices by Tier and Commission Rates

Music composers can bill by the hour, per minute of music, or offer a flat project fee. Here’s a breakdown of common composer tiers, their average cost per minute of music, typical commission approach, and what kinds of projects they’re best suited for:

Typical Music Composer Prices by Tier

Commission: percentage of profits or revenue earned from the music’s use (only applicable in some deals).

Remember, these are just averages. The best way to get an accurate figure is to share your brief with composers and request personalised quotes for your project.

Key Factors That Affect Music Composer Prices

Before you lock in a budget, it helps to understand what actually drives music composer prices up or down:

• Length of the score
  Most composers price based on the total minutes of finished music. A 30-second logo sting is very different from a 60-minute feature film soundtrack.
• Complexity and style
  Orchestral scores, hybrid soundtracks, and experimental or highly produced music usually cost more than simple, minimalist cues.
• Live vs. virtual instruments
  If you need live musicians, singers, or full orchestra sessions, expect higher costs for recording, studio time, and performers’ fees.
• Usage and rights
  Pricing changes depending on whether you want a buyout, exclusive rights, or limited usage (e.g. festival circuit vs global streaming release).
• Composer experience and credits
  Composers with strong portfolios, awards, or big-name credits can charge premium rates, but often bring speed, quality, and industry credibility.
• Deadlines and revisions
  Tight turnarounds, multiple rounds of revisions, or last-minute changes can all push the overall budget higher.

By being clear on these factors in your brief, you’ll get more accurate quotes and avoid surprises later.

Understanding rates of music composer commission

Music composer commission rates are a way for composers to share in the future success of a project. This is most common for indie and freelance composers working on projects with meaningful revenue potential, such as films, video games, series, or commercials.

Instead of (or as well as) a flat fee, the composer might receive a share of profits, royalties, or licensing income. The exact percentage is negotiable and depends on the scale of the project, the budget, and the perceived risk on both sides.

Here are some common music composer commission structures:

• Profit-sharing
  The composer receives an agreed percentage of the net profits generated by the project after costs are recouped. This works best when there’s clear accounting and realistic revenue expectations.
• Ownership stake
  The composer receives a small ownership stake or “points” on the project, entitling them to a share of future royalties or licensing fees (for example, from streaming, sync deals, or game sales).
• Hybrid model
  A combination of a lower flat fee plus a commission percentage. This can be a good compromise when the upfront budget is tight but the project has long-term potential.
• No commission (flat fee only)
  For many commercial projects, particularly with higher budgets, clients prefer a simple buyout or flat fee agreement with no ongoing commission.

As a client, decide upfront whether you’re open to commission-based deals. If your budget is limited but the project has strong potential, offering a hybrid or profit-sharing model can help you attract better talent.

Beyond the Numbers: Choosing the Right Music Composer

Price isn’t everything. The right music composer can completely change how your audience feels about your project, so it’s worth looking beyond the numbers.

When comparing quotes:

• Review their portfolio and showreel
  Look for projects similar to yours in tone, genre, or medium (film, games, ads, podcasts, etc.).
• Check communication and collaboration style
  A composer who understands feedback, works well with pictures, and communicates clearly can save you time and stress.
• Be clear in your brief
  The more specific you are about references, mood, instrumentation, and deliverables, the more accurate the quote will be.
• Start with a smaller test
  If the budget allows, you can commission a short cue or theme first. If it works well, expand into a full score.

A strong brief and job description will help you attract the right composer at the right price.

Here are some articles we’ve written on the subject in case you need any additional assistance:

• Learn how to create the ideal job description for a music composer
• Find out what makes a good project brief
• Find out the hourly rates of music composers
• Learn about the actual cost of making music
• Top websites to find and hire music composers