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Original Music and Arrangements for
Concert Band, Choral Groups and String Orchestra -
Music Transcription and Songwriting -
And More
soli Deo gloria
About salt cellar creations, and me
F.A.Q.
Can you do ANY style of music?
No one can. I can do a lot of things - concert band and chorus, rock, blues, folk, "praise and worship", etc. But if you're looking for house or rap, there are others who do it better. Just as with any art form, there are those who specialize in a range of styles. Van Gogh wasn't a cubist; the Beatles did a lot of styles, but not opera or big band. You get the idea.
How do you figure out how much a song will cost?
JUST A REMINDER
Professional Work isn't Cheap
and
Cheap Work isn't Professional
Charges for Arranging, Transcribing and Writing Original Pieces are all based on a number of things.
1. The number of minutes in a piece. Only the minutes I write are counted. If a section is repeated, the repeated music doesn't count. Also, if I can use certain sections in a number of places, the cost is reduced even more.
2. The density of the measures. Density means if there are lots of notes or not so many. It also refers to the sophistication of the chords (augmented, diminished, etc.)
3. The number of lines of music. That is, are there just a melody line with lyrics and chords, a string quintet or a full concert band?
4. The number of lines of lyrics.
5. Whether guitar chords are included.
There are a number of things to consider when determining the cost of a song.
1. What are the skill levels of the singers and accompanists? If they are competent beginners, the arrangement would be simpler, often using unison parts. If they are more advanced, the parts would be different and be more complex.
2. Does the arrangement include a piano/keys part with written notation? There are all sorts of keyboard players, and so, some choices for keyboard parts. I can write a part (simple or advanced) or the keys player could simply play from the guitar part as many do. That would reduce the number of lines that you would pay for.
3. How many different horn/string parts would sound good? If you had a dozen players all playing the same part, that would be a bit overpowering. A dozen players could be divided into two to four parts, depending on the song and the style you want.
4. How long is the song? Cost is determined by the length of newly written material in the song. If all the verses and chorus are virtually identical, then I would charge just for the first time I wrote them, not for any copy and pasting I did.
The only way to get a solid answer is to Contact Me for a proper quote.
Also, I can offer “bulk discounts” if you order three or more songs at the same time. The discount would be from 10% to 40%, depending on the particulars of the song.
Professional Work isn't Cheap
and
Cheap Work isn't Professional
Charges for Arranging, Transcribing and Writing Original Pieces are all based on a number of things.
1. The number of minutes in a piece. Only the minutes I write are counted. If a section is repeated, the repeated music doesn't count. Also, if I can use certain sections in a number of places, the cost is reduced even more.
2. The density of the measures. Density means if there are lots of notes or not so many. It also refers to the sophistication of the chords (augmented, diminished, etc.)
3. The number of lines of music. That is, are there just a melody line with lyrics and chords, a string quintet or a full concert band?
4. The number of lines of lyrics.
5. Whether guitar chords are included.
There are a number of things to consider when determining the cost of a song.
1. What are the skill levels of the singers and accompanists? If they are competent beginners, the arrangement would be simpler, often using unison parts. If they are more advanced, the parts would be different and be more complex.
2. Does the arrangement include a piano/keys part with written notation? There are all sorts of keyboard players, and so, some choices for keyboard parts. I can write a part (simple or advanced) or the keys player could simply play from the guitar part as many do. That would reduce the number of lines that you would pay for.
3. How many different horn/string parts would sound good? If you had a dozen players all playing the same part, that would be a bit overpowering. A dozen players could be divided into two to four parts, depending on the song and the style you want.
4. How long is the song? Cost is determined by the length of newly written material in the song. If all the verses and chorus are virtually identical, then I would charge just for the first time I wrote them, not for any copy and pasting I did.
The only way to get a solid answer is to Contact Me for a proper quote.
Also, I can offer “bulk discounts” if you order three or more songs at the same time. The discount would be from 10% to 40%, depending on the particulars of the song.
How much would it cost if I just need you to write down my song with a melody, lyrics and guitar chords?
The melody would be one line; the lyrics another and the guitar chords are the third. The cost would be calculated based on three lines times the number of minutes. Remember, you only pay once for music that is between repeat signs.
See Pricing Examples page under Transcribing.
See Pricing Examples page under Transcribing.
Do I need to get permission from someone to have you write or arrange a song for me?
If I (Salt Cellar Creations) Compose a song or other piece of music for you, you don't need any permission. However, under United States copyright law, the composer retains all copyright ownership, even though you may have commissioned the piece.
If I Arrange a song or other piece of music written by someone else for you, there are a number of things to consider. The Bible says something about not stealing, so, YES, before I arrange a song for you that someone else has written, the FIRST thing that would need to be done is to see if anyone holds the copyright. The exception is that the song is in the public domain, that is, if the copyright has expired or there never was one (think Bach or Beethoven).
If I Arrange a piece the simplest thing for me to do is to check to see if it’s been approved for arranging. I work through an arrangement and marketing platform called ArrangeMe that takes care of all the copyright paperwork as part of their services. Once I finished the piece, I would upload it to them and you could buy it at a reasonable retail price. That would mean that other people could buy and perform the song as well; it would give you no exclusive rights.
If, for some reason, the song is not in the ArrangeMe catalog, which currently has over five million title, I can still arrange it, but it will take more work. We can try to contact the owner of the copyright and suggest that they submit it to ArrangeMe to use. Sometimes that works. If not, then the first thing that MUST be done is to acquire a Permission to Arrange from the composer.
Salt Cellar Creations will be happy to help you determine if you need permission and how to start the process if you'd like to do it yourself, at no cost as long as Salt cellar will be the one doing the arranging.
Some places to look are
If I Arrange a song or other piece of music written by someone else for you, there are a number of things to consider. The Bible says something about not stealing, so, YES, before I arrange a song for you that someone else has written, the FIRST thing that would need to be done is to see if anyone holds the copyright. The exception is that the song is in the public domain, that is, if the copyright has expired or there never was one (think Bach or Beethoven).
If I Arrange a piece the simplest thing for me to do is to check to see if it’s been approved for arranging. I work through an arrangement and marketing platform called ArrangeMe that takes care of all the copyright paperwork as part of their services. Once I finished the piece, I would upload it to them and you could buy it at a reasonable retail price. That would mean that other people could buy and perform the song as well; it would give you no exclusive rights.
If, for some reason, the song is not in the ArrangeMe catalog, which currently has over five million title, I can still arrange it, but it will take more work. We can try to contact the owner of the copyright and suggest that they submit it to ArrangeMe to use. Sometimes that works. If not, then the first thing that MUST be done is to acquire a Permission to Arrange from the composer.
- If someone still holds a song’s copyright, permission must be obtained. Otherwise, you, I or both could be fined HEAVILY, or even imprisoned.
- If the song is in the public Domain, that is, no one holds the copyright, I can arrange it as long as we give credit to the original composer(s).
Salt Cellar Creations will be happy to help you determine if you need permission and how to start the process if you'd like to do it yourself, at no cost as long as Salt cellar will be the one doing the arranging.
Some places to look are
- Hal Leonard, Inc - www.halleonard.com/licensing/index.action
- ASCAP (American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers - https://www.ascap.com/
- BMI (Broadcast Music Inc.) - https://www.bmi.com/
- Capitol Christian Music Group - https://www.capitolcmgpublishing.com/
- Music Services - https://www.musicservices.org/
What information do I need to provide for you to obtain Permission to Arrange for me?
The more you provide for me, the better the results would be. If I have to look a bunch of stuff up for you, I would have to charge for the time. I would need to know
- The name of the piece, plus anything in parentheses or some alternate title.
- The composers, of music and lyrics (if any). Please DON’T tell me who recorded it.
- The copyright information, often found at the bottom of the sheet music, fake chart, etc. It will be preceded by the famous © symbol.
- The name of the group that would be performing it. You could simply list Anytown High School or First Church of Anytown. If you want to RECORD the song, we need to do something entirely different. This is just for performance. (Churches, if you broadcast the music part of your services, you may want to check on permissions and/or licensing for that.)
- The person responsible for the ensemble. Churches, if it’s a paid position, use that person’s name. If not, the Head Pastor’s name will do.
- The instruments involved, including voices (especially if there’s a harmony to be written) and how many you have in your ensemble. If it varies, give a good estimate. I think they want to know the general size of the ensemble.
What's the easiest way for me to let you hear my music/song?
> You can upload a recording (it doesn't have to be great) to YouTube or Sound Cloud.
> You can e-mail an attachment of an MP3, WMA or WAV file.
> You can send by e-mail or snail mail:
> There may be another option I haven't thought of.
> You can e-mail an attachment of an MP3, WMA or WAV file.
> You can send by e-mail or snail mail:
- CD (or even a cassette)
- The lyrics
- A set of possible/recommended chords OR
- In the case of an arrangement, a copy of whatever sheet music you have
> There may be another option I haven't thought of.
What's the best way to send you lyrics or an idea for a song so you can write the music for them?
An e-mail attachment is good. PLEASE don't use the "Contact Me" form. That's just for an initial contact.
Snail mail is also fine. But, PLEASE be sure that I can read it. I know that a lot of artistic people (me included) express themselves best with pen and paper, but I want to express what you really want to say, not what I misinterpret your handwriting to mean.
If you have a great idea for a song, please include as much information as you can so I can make it as personal as possible.
Snail mail is also fine. But, PLEASE be sure that I can read it. I know that a lot of artistic people (me included) express themselves best with pen and paper, but I want to express what you really want to say, not what I misinterpret your handwriting to mean.
If you have a great idea for a song, please include as much information as you can so I can make it as personal as possible.
How long will it take to get my project finished and delivered to me?
The length of time it takes to complete a project depends on the length and complexity of the music. A transcription of your new song from a recording that includes melody, lyrics and guitar chords could take less than a week to complete. If the same song included a piano part that was more than just chords (a real piano accompaniment), it would take somewhat longer. It also depends on how many people have submitted projects ahead of you.
The bottom line is that, even though I use a computer to do the work, it is a creative human endeavor and takes a while.
The bottom line is that, even though I use a computer to do the work, it is a creative human endeavor and takes a while.
What will I need to provide for you for most projects?
- If you want me to transcribe a song for you, I'll need an audio copy of it.
- Your desired instrumentation and style (“sounds like”)
- Who’s going to be playing it (skill level)
- Do you need a track?
Can you just add a horn or string part to the music or fake chart we already have? (This usually applies to Church Praise Bands or other "pop" groups.)
It may be possible if the music is in a generally accepted form (a hymn or other standard song).
Unfortunately, I cannot simply overlay an extra instrument part on top of your lead sheets. I have discovered that there are many varieties of each song. I would have to do a standardized arrangement. I would have to make sure that the key that the arrangement is in is playable by the instrument you want to add. For example, if you're playing a song on guitar in the key of G and have simply slid your capo to the fourth fret, you are in the real key of B. That's not going to work.
Please Contact Me for a more detailed explanation.
Unfortunately, I cannot simply overlay an extra instrument part on top of your lead sheets. I have discovered that there are many varieties of each song. I would have to do a standardized arrangement. I would have to make sure that the key that the arrangement is in is playable by the instrument you want to add. For example, if you're playing a song on guitar in the key of G and have simply slid your capo to the fourth fret, you are in the real key of B. That's not going to work.
Please Contact Me for a more detailed explanation.
For vocal groups, can you do an accompaniment part other than piano?
Yes, indeed. I can do small wind or string instruments or ensembles. I can do organ, with or without pedals. Some ensembles have both piano and organ/keyboard; I can do an arrangement in which each instrument adds its own color and texture. It would give the effect of having a small orchestra since each instrument would be playing its own part.
What kind of recording do you do? What kind of gear do you have?
These days, there are as many different styles of recording as there are musical styles. I primarily do live recordings, computer-created recording (Finale PrintMusic Playback) and a combination of the two. I play a number of instruments including guitar (acoustic and electric), keyboard, electric bass, acoustic drums, trumpet, recorder and sundry rhythm instruments. I have some semi-programmable drum sequences. My rig is 24-track digital recorder, an assortment of effects devices (including a vintage spring reverb), and an array of mics.
My recording technique fits a LOT of styles. However, there have been a few potential clients that looked elsewhere for their recording needs. Remember, we all have our special abilities. Keep an eye open on the website; I'll be including more samples of my work as time goes by.
My recording technique fits a LOT of styles. However, there have been a few potential clients that looked elsewhere for their recording needs. Remember, we all have our special abilities. Keep an eye open on the website; I'll be including more samples of my work as time goes by.
Do you offer any guarantee for your work?
Yes, conditionally. My aim is to work with your music so that will be completely satisfied with the result, but, as with any endeavor, there are limitations. To begin with, for any project, you will be given a representative sample of the project. If you are a first-time client and have an issue with it, l will do my best to correct it. If it is "un-correctable", then we can call it a learning experience, it won't cost you any more and you will be free to find another arranger/writer.
There is usually a down payment for any project; that would be non-refundable.
If I can correct it, we will proceed. Once a step has been approved, it cannot be changed.
If you are a repeat customer, I will assume that you liked what I did for you before, and the restrictions on the guarantee will be tighter.
There is usually a down payment for any project; that would be non-refundable.
If I can correct it, we will proceed. Once a step has been approved, it cannot be changed.
If you are a repeat customer, I will assume that you liked what I did for you before, and the restrictions on the guarantee will be tighter.
What if I need printed music instead of a digital download?
Salt Cellar Creations can provide printed versions of any of its original and public domain pieces. Contact Me to get started. The cost would include the price of the printing itself (much lower than you might expect), the cost of shipping and a 5% or $10 service fee, whichever is less.
SERVICES & PRICING
Transcribing
Songwriters, I will write your song in proper music form. Send it to me as a recording, with or without your "notes".
Arranging
Arrange vocals, keyboard, horns, strings, etc. to make your song sound its best.
Composition / Song Writing
I will take your great idea for a song, band, choral or orchestra piece and custom craft it to make it a reality.
Recording
I can record your song, with vocals or solo instrument, or as a back-up track.
Bundles
Good deals when I do more than one service at a time.
TESTIMONIALS
Ralph Meyer, Western Reserve Community Band
Old Warsh Rag was a perfect piece for us to learn and perform. We recommend it for any ensemble that would like to program that style.
Rebecca Crimmins - Church in Asheville
John Daniels has been …an incredible asset. John’s work has streamlined the entire process… … made it fun once again to try new music.
Mountain Top Polka Band, Asheville, NC
John Daniels is awesome! John at Salt Cellar provided us with a professional atmosphere...
Heather J. Altimira
My uncle, John Daniels wrote Lucas and I a song for our wedding and it's absolutely beautiful. We will cherish it forever!!!
Prof. Pete Wolford, Church Organist, Choir Director
John does excellent work. He has that unique and gifted ability to take an idea and mold it into a meaningful and artistic musical creation.
Samples of Works for Hire (Song-writing, transcription)
THE STORE
Concert Band Introduction
As a result of the years of successfully Composing creative new music for a wide variety of bands, Salt Cellar Creations has a broad knowledge of what it takes to compose and arrange for Concert Bands and our growing catalog of music reflects that expertise. Many of the pieces are Original Compositions, written with the structure of many current concert bands in mind, whether high school, homeschool, college, or community.
Others are Arrangements of classic rock and pop tunes. This type of music is chosen for its artfulness, rather than simple popularity. These pieces have shown great staying power through the years.
Although playing familiar pieces is more comfortable for many conductors and band musicians, it is important that Concert Bands try new music, whether an original composition or a new arrangement of an old song.
Playing new and original music helps to foster a sense of adventure in the world of music. Also, performing new and original music challenges musicians to explore unfamiliar musical territory, enhancing their skills and pushing them beyond their comfort zones. Engaging in the creation and performance of original music also can be seen as a reflection of God's gift of creativity.
You probably have a few questions about Salt Cellar’s Concert band music. Let’s answer some of them here:
- – What if the music you offer doesn’t have the instrumentation that I need?
- – Just contact us and we’ll get the extra instrument parts that you need. Generally, that service is free. There may be a small fee if the part is for an exotic instrument.
A. – Again, contact us and it’s no problem to change keys for the whole piece. That service is also free. Remember that Salt Cellar has researched the best keys for Concert bands and has matched the key used in the music to the target skill level of the piece.
Q. – Does it cost anything to make a suggestion of a piece of music for you to arrange?
A. – NO! PLEASE make suggestions. It’s difficult to guess what band directors are looking for. You may make other suggestions as to its instrumentation and style. Otherwise, I will let my imagination run rampant.
Q. – Can you compose a special arrangement just for my band?
A. – We can do that in one of two ways.
- The first way is for us to do a truly commissioned piece. It will be composed with your band as its target skill level, with the type of music you’re looking for, and, most importantly, your band will be the only one to be able to play it; it will not be for sale to any other band. The cost for this can range from several hundred dollars to a few thousand dollars, depending on the length of the piece and its complexity.
- The second way is much more affordable. We can write a piece with your band and your style generally in mind. We call this a suggested piece. We can offer it to you first and then wait an agreed upon length of time before we offer it for sale, so that you will be the only one to play it for a certain competition or exposition. Then, we will offer it for sale like any other piece of music. The cost will only be a little more than three times the regular Concert Band music price. That way, I can help you get a sound more like you prefer, rather than my own ideas, at a cost that you can afford. The regular cost is between $45 and $65, so a suggested piece would be about $150 - $225.
A. – There’s an old saying, “Good ain’t cheap and cheap ain’t good.” Again, the answer depends on the length of the piece and its complexity. It can take from six to eighteen months from the initiation of the work until the music has been completed and is ready to be given to the musicians to prepare for performance.
Go to the Concert Band Main Page to see our growing catalog.
CONCERT BAND main page
Baroquen Carriage
Original Composition - Intermediate Difficulty
A brawny yet delightful piece.
Bridge Over Troubled Water
by Paul Simon - Intermediate level
A stirring rendition of the Simon and Garfunkel classic with some interesting variations.
Cantummit Waltz (For Small Band)
Original Composition - Easy Intermediate Difficulty
Suitable for a middle or high school or community band, or even a polka band.
Carry Me Back to Old Killarney
Original Composition - Advanced Intermediate
A Celtic dance / march tune
Classical Gas
by Mason Williams - Advanced Intermediate Difficulty
This exciting arrangement of Classical Gas has all of the dynamic and rhythmic energy of the original.
The Hound of Heaven
Original Composition - Intermediate Difficulty
A wondrous display of a variety of musical color, seasoned with the unexpected.
Humble Waltz (for Small Band)
Original Composition - Easy Intermediate Difficulty
Suitable for a middle or high school, community or polka band.
Minuet in Four
by Petzold / Bach - Advanced Intermediate
Energetic Arrangement of Bach / Petzold "Minuet in G"
Morning Star Serenade
Original Composition - Advanced Intermediate
An expression of a variety of emotions, displayed as an assortment of variations on a theme.
The Old Warsh Rag
Original Composition - Intermediate Difficulty
A Fun Ragtime Tune in the style of Scott Joplin.
Rockin' Rondo
Original Composition - Advanced Intermediate Difficulty
Classical Music Form with Rock Elements, suitable for high school, community or college band.
Windy
by Ruthann Friedman - Easy Intermediate Difficulty
A fun arrangement with lots of character.
Choral Music Introduction
As a result of the years of successfully Composing creative new music for a wide variety of vocal groups, Salt Cellar Creations has a broad knowledge of what it takes to compose and arrange for Choral Groups and our growing catalog of music reflects that expertise. Many of the pieces are Original Compositions, most often written for SATB groups, whether high school, homeschool, college, or community. Of course, other combinations of voices can be arranged. If you don’t see what you need, just Contact Us.
Others are Arrangements of classic rock, pop and Christian songs. This type of music is chosen for its artfulness, rather than simple popularity. These pieces have shown great staying power through the years.
Although singing familiar music is more comfortable for many directors and singers, it is important that Choral Groups try new music, whether an original composition or a new arrangement of an old song.
Singing new and original music helps to foster a sense of adventure in the world of music. Also, performing new and original music challenges musicians to explore unfamiliar musical territory, enhancing their skills and pushing them beyond their comfort zones. Engaging in the creation and performance of original music also can be seen as a reflection of God's gift of creativity.
You probably have a few questions about Salt Cellar’s Choral music. Let’s answer some of them here:
- – What if the music you offer doesn’t have the vocal parts that I need?
- – Just contact us and we’ll arrange for your ensemble. Often, that service is free. There may be a small fee if the arrangement requires writing totally new parts.
A. – Again, contact us and it’s no problem to change keys for the whole piece. That service is also free. Remember that Salt Cellar has researched the best keys for Choral Ensembles and has matched the key used in the music to the target skill level of the piece.
Q. – Does it cost anything to make a suggestion of a song for you to arrange?
A. – NO. PLEASE make suggestions. It’s difficult to guess what choral directors are looking for. You may make other suggestions as to its voicing and style. Otherwise, I will let my imagination run rampant.
Q. – Can you compose a special piece just for my Choral Group?
A. – We can do that in one of two ways.
- The first way is for us to do a truly commissioned piece. It will be composed with your Choral Group as its target skill level, with the type of music you’re looking for, and, most importantly, your Choral Ensemble will be the only one to be able to sing it; it will not be for sale to any other group. The cost for this can range from several hundred dollars to a few thousand dollars, depending on the length of the piece and its complexity.
- The second way is much more affordable. We can write a piece with your Choral Ensemble and your style generally in mind. We call this a suggested piece. We can offer it to you first and then wait an agreed upon length of time before we offer it for sale, so that you will be the only one to sing it for a certain competition or exposition. Then, we will offer it for sale like any other piece of music. The cost will only be a little more than three times the regular price for Choral Music. That way, I can help you get a sound more like you prefer, rather than my own ideas, at a cost that you can afford. The regular cost is between $2 and $3 each (with a minimum order of 10 copies), so a suggested piece would cost about $75 - $120.
A. – There’s an old saying, “Good ain’t cheap and cheap ain’t good.” Again, the answer depends on the length of the piece and its complexity. It can take from six to twelve months from the initiation of the work until the music has been completed and is ready to be given to the musicians to prepare for performance.
Go to the Choral Music Main Page to see our growing catalog.
CHORAL music main page
A Thousand Years
SATB - Intermediate Difficulty
An arrangement of "A Thousand Years" by Christina Perri with a touch of classical and jazz color.
How Sweet the Sound
a Capella SATB - Intermediate Difficulty
Amazing Grace in an Appalachian music style
If (by Bread)
SATB - Advanced Intermediate Difficulty
Luscious choral arrangement of one of David Gates' most popular songs.
The Call (from "Prince Caspian")
SAB - Easy Intermediate Difficulty
Beautiful and haunting arrangement of the closing song from "Prince Caspian".
Shower the People
SATB - Intermediate Difficulty
A simple yet beautiful choral arrangement of James Taylor's "Shower the People".
He Who Would Valiant Be
SATB - Intermediate Difficulty
An arrangement of one of the songs from John Bunyan's "Pilgrim's Progress".
The Lord's Prayer - Sister Janet Mead
SATB - Intermediate Difficulty
This choral arrangement maintains the same power and joy as the original,.
Now I See
SATB - Advanced Intermediate Difficulty
Amazing Grace in a jazzy, colorful 5/4 time.
I'll Never Find Another You
SATB - Intermediate Difficulty
CURRENTLY UNAVAILABLE DUE TO COPYRIGHT ISSUE “I’ll Never Find Another You” is a fun-to-sing folk-pop song from 1964, made popular by The Seekers.
String Orchestra Introduction
As a result of the years of successfully composing creative new music for a wide variety of string ensembles, Salt Cellar Creations has a broad knowledge of what it takes to compose and arrange for String Orchestras and our growing catalog of music reflects that expertise. Most of the pieces are Original Compositions; some are written for four parts and some for five, whether for high school, homeschool, college, or community string orchestras.
Although playing familiar pieces is more comfortable for many conductors and band musicians, it is important that String Orchestras try new music, whether an original composition or a new arrangement of an old song.
Playing new and original music helps to foster a sense of adventure in the world of music. Also, performing new and original music challenges musicians to explore unfamiliar musical territory, enhancing their skills and pushing them beyond their comfort zones. Engaging in the creation and performance of original music also can be seen as a reflection of God's gift of creativity.
You probably have a few questions about Salt Cellar’s String Orchestra music. Let’s answer some of them here:
- – What if the music you offer doesn’t have the instrumentation that I need?
- – Just contact us and we’ll get the extra instrument parts that you need. Generally, that service is free. There may be a small fee if a totally new part would need to be written.
A. – Again, contact us and it’s no problem to change keys for the whole piece. That service is also free. Remember that Salt Cellar has researched the best keys for String Orchestras and has matched the key used in the music to the target skill level of the piece.
Q. – Does it cost anything to make a suggestion of a piece of music for you to arrange.
A. – NO! PLEASE make suggestions. It’s difficult to guess what string orchestra directors are looking for. You may make other suggestions as to its instrumentation and style. Otherwise, I will let my imagination run rampant.
Q. – Can you compose a special piece just for my string orchestra?
A. – We can do that in one of two ways.
- The first way is for us to do a truly commissioned piece. It will be composed with your string orchestra as its target skill level, with the type of music you’re looking for, and, most importantly, your string orchestra will be the only one to be able to play it; it will not be for sale to any other group. The cost for this can range from several hundred dollars to a few thousand dollars, depending on the length of the piece and its complexity.
- The second way is much more affordable. We can write a piece with your string orchestra and your style generally in mind. We call this a suggested piece. We can offer it to you first and then wait an agreed upon length of time before we offer it for sale, so that you will be the only one to play it for a certain competition or exposition. Then, we will offer it for sale like any other piece of music. The cost will only be a little more than three times the regular String Orchestra music price. That way, I can help you get a sound more like you prefer, rather than my own ideas, at a cost that you can afford. The regular cost is between $25 and $45, so a suggested piece would be about $75 - $150.
A. – There’s an old saying, “Good ain’t cheap and cheap ain’t good.” Again, the answer depends on the length of the piece and its complexity. It can take from six to eighteen months from the initiation of the work until the music has been completed and is ready to be given to the musicians to prepare for performance.
Go to the String Orchestra Main Page to see our growing catalog.
STRING ORCHESTRA Main Page
A Royal Affinity
Vln, Vln, Vla, Vcl, DB - Intermediate Difficulty
Energetic Original Piece for String Orchestra
The Awkward Marionette
Vln, Vln, Vla, Vcl, DB - Intermediate Difficulty
A quirky tune with lovely layers.
Celebration (String Orchestra)
Vln, Vln, Vla, Vcl - Intermediate Difficulty
Stately piece to celebrate any occasion
Dance at Sunrise
Vln, Vln, Vla, Vcl, DB - Advanced Intermediate Difficulty
A Delightful Dance to Celebrate a New Day
Golden Morning
Vln, Vln, Vla, Vcl, DB - Intermediate Difficulty
A luscious string ensemble image of a glorious new morning
Jewels and Treasures
Vln, Vln, Vla, Vcl - Advanced Intermediate Difficulty
Arrangement of an Original Piano Piece for String Orchestra.
Pilgrim's Song
Vln, Vln, Vla, Vcl, DB - Advanced Intermediate Difficulty
String Arrangement of John Bunyan's song from "Pilgrim's Progress"
Solos & Small Groups - More coming soon
Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing
Flute and Recorder Duet with Piano Accompaniment - Advanced Intermediate Difficulty
This arrangement maintains the dignity of the original while adding some classical elements.
Fascination With You
A Mysteriously Romantic, Light Jazz Instrumental Solo with Piano Accompaniment - Intermediate Difficulty
This piece has been arranged for a Variety of Solo Instruments.
Variations of the Doxology from "Come Together"
Piano arrangement of Jimmy Owens' classic Doxology - Easy Intermediate Difficulty
This arrangement is for an intermediate beginner pianist. It contains a number of intriguing variation techniques.
PRAISE AND WORSHIP
John's Original Concert Songs
Nice Guy
"Nice Guy" is being sung by an imaginary character who is expressing his selfish, misguided philosophy of life to his girlfriend.
Maybe It's Jesus
"Maybe It's Jesus" is a "back-door" approach to presenting the Good News about Jesus.
Class Reunion
A rock and roll prayer for the the greatest, most phenomenal high school senior class I’ve ever been in.
Who Loves You?
A simple comparison between hypocritical church-goers and the true love and salvation that Jesus offers.
Without You Blues
The Without You Blues is a street level sort of praise song that compares nasty things to life without Jesus as the Savior of the singer’s life.
Hold Onto Life
An energetic keyboard-led song, inviting people to cling to life, one of God’s great gifts.
Escape From Death Row
The account of the crucifixion of Jesus presented in a more contemporary way.
Racetrack Rabbit
An energetic, 1960s style blues-rock interpretation of the apostle Paul’s battle with the flesh and the way to victory over it.
Daddy is Not a Bad Word
Some people’s view of God as Heavenly Father is distorted because their earthly father has been a bad example of what a father should be.
One True Love Song
An easy-going piano led song, inviting people to leave their failed past behind and follow Jesus.
Peter's Reply
A simple recount of what Peter said when Jesus asked if the disciples would leave Him, too.
Celebrate Jesus (Celebrate Life)
Christmas Song Celebrating the Incarnation
"God has put on skin and bones and come to walk around".
CONTACT US
- 15 Prospect St, Asheville, NC, USA
- +1-828 - 273 - 7258 - Talk or Text (Text is better.)
- CustomMusic@Salt-Cellar-Creations.com
- Open by appointment only.
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I'd love to hear what you have to say about Salt Cellar Creations. Did you like one of the finished compositions or arrangements from the Store? Did I do a custom arrangement, composition or recording service for you? Let me know how I did.
Since this will be part of my website (not a review forum) I may not publish everything you say, but I will respond to your review. Thanks so much.
Since this will be part of my website (not a review forum) I may not publish everything you say, but I will respond to your review. Thanks so much.
Notes From the Cellar - MY BLOG
Learn More About Concert Bands, Choral Groups, String Orchestras, the Art of Composing and Arranging and More
Here’s how to choose the best new music for your Concert Band from among the wide variety available.
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Here are a few pointers for making transposing between instruments easier.
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Make students smarter by improving your school’s curriculum with a String Orchestra.
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Make sure you choose music for your choral ensemble that fits it perfectly.
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Playing in a Concert Band offers more benefits than the just satisfaction of playing good music.
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