Frequently Asked Questions
Q: WHAT IS A MUSICAL GIFT?
A: A Musical Gift is a song or short piece of music that I, Maxwell Lucas, compose for you to gift to a friend or loved one; it is a custom work of music that I create, in consultation with you, for someone else. See examples here.
Q: HOW DO YOU MAKE THE MUSICAL GIFT PERSONAL AND MEANINGFUL?
A: There are a variety of ways I can create a piece of music that is tailored specifically to your dedicatee. We can discuss these methods in our first consultation. I welcome your own ideas.
Q: HOW DOES THE PROCESS WORK?
A: There are three consultations, done on the phone or over zoom.
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We discuss our options and come to a decision about what the song will be like. We sign a contract and you make a 50% down payment.
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I show you the song in process, I demonstrate how your ideas for the piece have been implemented. You make any further suggestions.
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I send you the finalized piece. You pay the remaining 50% fee. Any further changes requested are charged on an hourly basis.
A minimum of 14 days is needed to complete the song.
Q: DO I HAVE TO SIGN A CONTRACT?
A: Yes, I provide a contract which both parties must agree to sign after the first consultation.
Q: WHAT KINDS OF INSTRUMENTS AND SOUNDS CAN I HAVE IN MY MUSICAL GIFT?
A: The following is a list of instruments and musical software I work with:
Instruments: Piano, violin, acoustic guitar, electric guitar, recorders, percussion instruments.
Software and Virtual Instrumentation: Ableton Live, Max MSP.
A song can feature a solo instrument or a combination of instruments. We will discuss the instrumentation of your song during the first consultation.
Q: HOW MUCH DOES A MUSICAL GIFT COST?
A: The cost for a Musical Gift featuring one instrument, with a duration of approximately 2 minutes, is $200. Any addition of instruments or duration is charged, the amount of which is calculated according to the specifics of the Musical Gift.
Q: WHAT DOES THE FINISHED PRODUCT LOOK LIKE AND HOW DO I RECEIVE IT?
A: You will receive a link to download an MP3 of your Musical Gift via email. You will also receive a custom postcard made by the artist from images pertaining to your Musical Gift. This postcard will also include have the download link for the Musical Gift. You may choose to mail the card to your dedicatee or give it to them in person. You can listen to examples of songs and see some postcards here.
Still have questions?
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