Hired work

Commissioned engraving

Publication-quality full scores and instrumental parts for publishers, composers, and ensembles.

Submit your raw source—handwritten manuscript, scan, PDF, or notation file. We deliver publication-ready scores tailored for rehearsal, printing, or digital archiving. Sibelius is the default. Finale or MuseScore may be specified. Formats, page size, and deadline are agreed in writing before work starts.

A score being marked during proofing.

What the work covers

Full scores, piano-vocal scores, extracted parts, transpositions, and revision of existing files. Cueing, bar numbers, and instrument order follow the spec you send. The page is set for the use named in the quote—study, rehearsal, or print.

Every score is engraved by professional musicians. Native files are included only when the spec asks for them.

The studio

This is the studio’s main occupation, not a sideline. Commissioned engraving has been the work for more than 16 years. The people on the jobs are trained musicians. Specs are written down; delivery is files.

  • 16+ years on this work as the main occupation
  • 15+ countries where clients are based
  • 8,000+ score pages a year, not counting parts
  • 40+ regular partners: ensembles, publishers, and schools

Figures are approximate estimates through May 2026, reflecting operational volume rather than rank or awards. To respect confidentiality and protect unreleased works, we do not publish a public client list.

On the desk

Two engraved piano-vocal pages side by side.

Score

A readable score, set for the forces on the job. The layout is fixed before parts are extracted.

Extracted parts fanned on a desk.

Parts

Extracted and meticulously collated instrumental parts, optimized for live performance and effortless page turns.

The same vocal line engraved in two keys.

Keys

Additional keys where the work needs them. Vocal titles often need a range of transpositions.

Printed score beside a digital copy on a drive.

Files

PDF as standard. MusicXML, MIDI, or the native Sibelius file when that is written into the spec.

How a job runs

  1. Send the source PDF, scan, or notation file, plus the use (print, classroom, or performance) and the deadline.
  2. Agree the spec Formats, page size, software, and fee, in writing. Work does not start without that.
  3. Engrave and proof One proof round is included unless the quote says otherwise. Mark the PDF; we correct the file.
  4. Deliver Files as agreed.

Typical fees

Amounts are in US dollars and are set per project. The ranges below are a starting point, not a locked price list.

Rates may vary depending on manuscript clarity, instrumentation complexity, and turnaround urgency.

Work Scope Typical fee
Full-key pack One title, about 6–8 keys, PDF $35–60
Parts and revision Extraction and page work to the spec About $5–8 / page

Sibelius is the default. Finale or MuseScore when specified. Catalog licenses for teachers and schools are a separate quote; write if that is the need.

A studio project

Score Restoration Project

Separate from a hired job: restoring damaged, obscure, or out-of-print scores, and sharing the cost of a volume. Anyone may propose a title, proof a draft, or contribute.

The project

Contact

Email us or send a message with your project details—including source files, intended use, and target deadline.

Contact