A report examining the commissioning environment faced by Australian creators of art music. It takes a comprehensive look at commissioning practices – rates and practices – across the art music sector, which encompasses contemporary classical, jazz, improvised and experimental music, and sound art. 

The findings will inform the development of a new best-practice commissioning guide, to be published by Music Australia in mid-2026, to support both commissioners and music creators, providing recommended principles around negotiation, contracts, rights management, professional expectations and fair remuneration. 

Key findings

• More than three quarters of music creators received three or fewer commissions per year.
• 55% earned $5,000 or less annually from art music commissions.
• Private organisations were the largest group of commissioners (31% of all commissions).
• The majority of commissions (86%) had only a single funding source.
• 20% of creators (and 55% of commissioners) had a standard contract.