A request for music.

Hello. I don't know how to propose this or what is required of me, but I would like to commission someone to write a composition for me. My only real experience with music was in high school and the 9 weeks I was in the military band. That was nearly 10 years ago, so whoever decides to accept my offer, you can do as you please musically. The only request I have is that we discuss the mood of the piece, because it's very personal and something most civilians cannot comprehend.

With all that said, I should address what I want the music to be about. I've an NCO in the 75th Ranger Regiment and have been in combat since 2002. I have been in the middle east longer than I have been home and during that time, I've lost many friends on two theaters of war.

As I prepare for another tour of duty, I feel that each deployment is bringing me closer to death so just in case the worst does happen, I want to take time and honor the friends I've lost during these last 7 years.

To many people they are names heard for a brief moment on Tv and quickly forgotten. I've lived by an act of God through to many close calls and oftentimes those who have fallen have saved my life. In requesting someone to write this music, I'm trying to pay tribute to my heroes.

I can't pay much. Infantry doesn't pay well, but I will volunteer for another tour of duty and use my combat pay to pay whomever accepts this request. Please, serious replies only.

Well, first off I hope that you understand that this site has a lot of younger people (high school and college). As such, very, very few of us are professional composers. However there are very talented people here. (What I am saying is output varies do to varying experience.)

That said, this is a wonderful opprotunity for who ever you choose. (I would love to do it for you; however, please understand there are many much more acomplished/experienced composers than me on here. I strongly suggest that you skim through the different stuff on here and see if something/someone stands out to you.)

I have a couple thoughts though.

1. For me at least, a major point of music is to be heard; it is, after all, what sets music apart from most other art. This is not the only point merely a tribute of ink and paper can say much (but a poem can do that too). Do you plan on having this played by someone? I understand you limited due to your enlistment, this is more curiosity than anything.

2. Do you want just the pages, or are you looking for some sort of audio rendering whether live or computer made?

3. For me, I wouldn't ask for payment. I especially wouldn't ask for you to put your life on the line to pay me, but the thought is endearing for is senserity. Though, I am sure some are interested in what the actual compensation would be.

I hope you find what you are looking for. Let me know if you want to hear any of my stuff.

1)During BMT I was forced to join the military march band. (When asked "Do you have an interest in music?" by the army, say no." During that time I met a future officer who is now a captain and runs a military orchestra. He gave me this idea back in 2004 and told me if I can get someone to write the music, he'll play it. So yes, the music can be performed and I trust his word that he will do it.

2)I think I can handle just the pages. My sister-in-law, i'm told, can render music if just given the scores.

3)I possess a unique skill that guarantees me another deployment. I prefer to go on my own terms than theirs, so if it makes people feel better, I'm going back to Afghan one day, if I like it or not. For 15 months on a battlefield, I can make a little over 2,000. I am willing to sell my leave days (I have 45) and take extra danger pay and do jump pay and fast rope pay. All in all, I think I can bring 5,000. Like i said, infantry doesn't pay well.

Yes, I would like to hear your music. How would I go about listening to it?

Yes, I would like to hear your music. How would I go about listening to it?

I'll PM you some stuff.

I PMed you about this. :)

I'd actually be interested in this as well. I don't know what type of ensemble or music you're looking for but I have been interested in doing some sort of elegy for a woodwind instrument in piano. Let me know if you're interested.

Check this piece I wrote: Psalms(mp3).mp3 - File Shared from Box.net - Free Online File Storage Skip the slow long intro if you want.

I guess you'd like something in this style:

I'd love to write something like that. I have access to a real orchestra and choir as well as some of the best virtual ones so I could get a good recording/rendering.

I can't afford to do it for free, but please don't put your life on the line to pay someone. How much can you pay now? When do you need the piece?

I must point out the irony in any statement that says "please don't put your life on the line to pay someone." I'm infantry, if I'm paying you or paying for food, I make my money by being shot at, so please don't worry.

I've received a few messages from people and I'm really excited about the responds. I'm going to try to reply to everyone who messages me later tonight. Thank you all.

I must point out the irony in any statement that says "please don't put your life on the line to pay someone." I'm infantry, if I'm paying you or paying for food, I make my money by being shot at, so please don't worry.

Haha, that is funny. At the same time, it isn't. You're protecting me and the rest of the USA. ;)

I've received a few messages from people and I'm really excited about the responds. I'm going to try to reply to everyone who messages me later tonight. Thank you all.

I'll be waiting.

If you have some money to spend, I would commission an actual composer. You'll find very very few capable composers here. But it might be fun for you to have a bunch of people write for you, and choose which one you like best. Just be warned that not only do most people here not have the musical chops, but even those that do might not have the emotional depth required to comprehend, let alone write, about such a grave topic.

It's true. Most of us don't have the emotional depth because we haven't had enough experience in life. However, if you want it, go for it. I won't stop you... Just backing up what Nico says.

Yes because having EMOTION!!!!!! is how you write good music.

Yes because having EMOTION!!!!!! is how you write good music.

Oh lordy... here we go on the bandwagon of expressionist pieces. Ok, a combination of emotion AND technical training. And... use of that training (which a lot of us haven't had either! ;) )

Yes because having EMOTION!!!!!! is how you write good music.

No, but this IS some heavy shtuff. Heavier than I'd even try, to be honest.

Well, obviously I'm not being completely serious. But, out of respect for the subject matter, I'll refrain from further trolling.

I wrote a message to those who messaged me detailing the nature of what it is to be a soldier. Hopefully, I'll have one person who feels they can capture that and dare to take it on.

On another note, Im going to say this again. Infantry does not pay well. You can look up my pay for an E-6 and it's as clear as sunshine that infantry does not pay well. I'm asking here because it's the best I can do with my limited funds and personally I don't want to go on the field for 30 straight months ago to save enough to hire a professional. I won't even be given that chance, I'm being promoted from E-6 to O-1 after my next deployment.

And on another note again, life experience is important. I think so at least. I have my doubts that a 17 yr old kid can related on any level watching your friends being pinned down while you beg to take a shot at the people shooting them, but are denied because the target is a religious symbol.

I'm not saying it's impossible, but I think there should be at least some level of mutual understanding between me and whomever decides to write this music.