Collaboration with other artists is always rewarding. These included new music presenting groups, professional orchestras, community orchestras, and dance companies. A few commissions came from individuals, and school systems. The most unusual commission came from a martial arts school that was celebrating its 10th anniversary. It is hard to convince people that you make a living by writing music.
Many people look at composers as playing.
The smartest thing that I did as an independent composer was not to compromise. I always negotiated for a fair commission. Many people felt that composers should give away pieces, and were offended that I would ask for fair compensation. My fondest memory is one of negotiating a contract with a major dance company. I was placed in a room negotiating with the dance company's artistic director, the technical director, the business manager, and the company 's lawyer.