Crowdfunding Sources in a Commissioning Project

[Stephen Shoop]

I am interested in information about using crowdfunding sources such as Kickstarter to raise funds for a commissioning project. I'd like to know positive and negative aspects.... as well as which ones would be best in getting a music consortium off the ground. Thanks.

[Stephen Shoop]

Thanks for the information. I am a little hesitant about Kickstarter, which requires payment through Amazon. I have a feeling that people who are likely to become involved with a music commissioning project are more familiar with Paypal than Amazon.

[Michael Bush]

TubeNet needs a "before you post" FAQ. The concept of crowdfunding causes some Tubenetters to rage. I wish there was a way to warn the innocent in advance.

[ratdz]

Hello, while I am new to this site, I have been around Kickstarter quite a bit.
I recently backed an item on Kickstarter that used paypal to fund.
Most of them I've back were funded through Amazon.
You might double check, but I think you can do paypal on Kickstarter.

[Stephen Shoop]

If this topic has potential for being a hot button item with some.... that's okay. I need to know the good, bad, and ugly before launching my project.

[BVD Press]

I have never used an outside source, but have done quite bit of commissioning over the years.

My advice is to make sure it is reasonable and be sure the people participating know they are getting something for their money. In this case, probably a copy of the piece. If they commissioners only get to be part of the commission, I think you have less of a chance to succeed.

Also find a composer that will have a broad appeal. A composer that writes music that people like to play and audiences like to listen to as well. If just one or the other, the whole process might not go so well.

If it is a solo with a large ensemble, require the composer to do a reduction as well.

I am not sure I get the hot button issue. Getting new works written is always a good thing!

Good luck!

[bighonkintuba]

The crowdfunding posts on TubeNet that have drawn the ire of a few (myself included) are those soliciting funds ($7500 for one; I believe another was for over $10,000!) for purchasing a new tuba for personal use as an alternative to planning, working and saving even if that means making do by continuing to use the school-owned tuba or they tuba they already own while planning, working and saving. Essentially, 'Give me what I want because I don't have the work ethic or character to earn it for myself.'

Crowdfunding to commission/fund compositions, film, performances etc. is an interesting alternative to soliciting funding from other sources (e.g., corporate donors and foundations) that might have undesirable strings attached or ethical issues. For example, there are some interesting issues (I'll let you do the research) related to Koch Brothers' funding of PBS television programs. I won't donate to PBS or watch some of their programs for this reason. I am, however, considering donating to a crowdfunding project in support of a documentary film about an under-appreciated musician whom I admire. I do have some questions for the filmmakers and if they are answered to my satisfaction, they will likely receive a donation. I won't want anything in return other than to see the film when it's released. I won't even want a free ticket. As long as the crowdfunded project is for some greater good, I think it's fine.

[Superman258]

I think this could be something wonderful as long as it is clear what it is funding and what the people funding get in return. Sort of like if some one donated $15 they would receive a copy of the work and if someone where to donate $200 would have a copy of the work and recording rights or something of that sense. But it becomes a large grey area if someone where to use this as a front to fund their own part of a commission and the people funding did not get any of the benefits. Honestly as long as each person is treated as a part of the consortium there should not be an issue. Just my 2 cents, but what do I know I just play tuba.