Composition Program
Music That Matters
An opportunity for music students at every level to experience the healing power of music and the importance of doing for others while collaborating to create something unique together
Bring the Program to Your CommunityWhat Is the Composition Program?
This program is an opportunity for music students at every level to experience:
- The healing power of music
- The importance of giving to others
- The joy of collaboration
We hope this project not only serves the child and their family but also deeply impacts your students by helping them connect with music, storytelling, and the power of empathy.
How the Program Works
Step 1
A child in need local to the commissioning ensemble writes and illustrates a story about anything they want.
Step 2
A collegiate composition student turns the story into a musical score.
Step 3
The commissioning ensemble meets and works with the composer to learn the piece.
Step 4
The ensemble then performs the piece live for the child and their family, usually as a part of a scheduled concert.
Note: Takes 3 months; more time appreciated.
Why it Matters
This isn't just a piece of music. It's an opportunity to build empathy, creativity, and community. For the participating child, it's a moment of visibility and celebration. For the composer, a chance to grow as an artist and collaborator. For the ensemble, an unforgettable experience of performing with purpose.
Testimonials
Mark Wells - Grand Rapids Middle School Band (Director)
What impressed me most about “Sing Me a Story” was how they were there helping to make this amazing concert piece happen throughout the whole journey from start to finish. There was never a feeling of being set up then being left to your own devices. They were there through every step of the process, allowing access to talk with the composer to help with tweaks to the music if needed, getting us in contact with the family of the child who had their story to tell, working on small details like scanning the story to show at the concert, taking care of the press and even writing up helpful scripts to read at the concert and much much more.
They set a high standard from day one clear through to the very end.. even the after-concert follow up was top notch professionalism. This kind of high level collaboration is hard to find in a world of more and more automated help and AI.
The representatives of Sing Me are the highest caliber of customer service. A++!!!
Brandy, Violet's Grandma - Goddard High School Band (Family)
Sing Me a Story was a fantastic organization to work with! It's undeniable that the last few years have been challenging Violet in so many ways. Her gifted teacher, whom we truly adore, saw Violet in such a big way and knew how much she would benefit from having this positive experience to put her energy and attention into when life was handing her so many hardships one after another.
Life continued to send hurdles our way even after her starting her journey with Sing Me a Story, but throughout it all Violet so looked forward to writing and illustrating her story. It was such a great outlet for her to focus her energy into, especially when as a family we were dealing with so many medical issues that caused her a great deal of anxiety.
She has been excitedly awaiting the day that she would get to hear her story turned into a composed piece, and it was everything she hoped for and more. We are so incredibly proud of her for all of her efforts and determination - in writing this story as well as how she continues to tackle the rest of her life too.
The Goddard High School band performed wonderfully and it was evident how they all put in a great deal of effort into learning this piece of music! The students and band director made Violet feel so welcome and all made an effort to show Violet how her story left a lasting impression with all of them.
Ethan Moore, the composer, did an absolutely beautiful job in transforming her story into music. It mirrored what Violet felt while writing and illustrating her story. She has since told us that she feels even more inspired to continue with her love of writing and music now. Sing Me a Story gave Violet such a special opportunity.
We will forever be grateful for the support, encouragement, and care that everyone at Sing Me a Story gave to our family.
Willie Cornish - Georgetown High School (Composer)
The Sing Me a Story Foundation was a wonderful experience from beginning to end. Director of Operations Autumn Dobbeck and the Sing Me a Story team did a fantastic job making the entire process smooth and fun for all parties involved. From meeting Luca and his family, getting his fun story, making the music, and finally hearing it live—it was all great. Beyond everything, the best part was seeing the genuine joy on Luca's face as he heard his story brought to life in real-time. Overall, this project and organization will be one I will forever treasure!
Want to hear the results? Browse the full song archive here.
Bring the Program to Your Community
Join a Growing Network of Prestigious Ensembles
Over the years, some of the country's most respected orchestras, universities, and music programs have taken part in the Sing Me a Story Composition Program.
Resources for Teachers and Composers
FAQs
General Questions
How is the child selected?
Sing Me a Story typically partners with local non-profits to identify a child and family in need. In some cases, school social workers or special education teachers may nominate families. There have also been instances where a director nominates a child from the community.
Can we pick the cause, organization, or child?
Yes and no. We welcome input on the causes, organizations, and children we support. However, after 13 years of running this program, we've developed expertise in selecting participants. We ask to be included in the conversation to ensure the best fit.
What is my role in the story-writing process?
The story-writing process is entirely handled by SMAS.
Can we combine ensembles?
Yes!
Composition & Edits
Can we pick the composer?
Yes, you can select the composer you'd like to work with.
Can the piece be written for my ensemble's level?
Absolutely! The composer will tailor the piece to your ensemble's skill level.
Rehearsal & Performance Logistics
Are there cases where the child is unable to attend? What do we do then?
If unforeseen circumstances prevent the family from attending, SMAS will notify you immediately. We'll work together to find a suitable alternative.
Can the piece be written for my ensemble's level?
Absolutely! The composer will tailor the piece to your ensemble's skill level.
Marketing & Promotion
Can I invite local media, or is that handled by SMAS?
SMAS typically handles press releases, but we're happy to collaborate with your district's marketing or communications team.
Can we fundraise for the child and their family?
Each song that is created as a part of our program will have a fundraising campaign attached to it. The money raised from the song is split between the non-profit organization the child is a part of and Sing Me a Story. We don't fundraise for particular families as we never wanted that to be the incentive to participate in our program.
What should I do if I want to fundraise for the child's nonprofit?
You're absolutely welcome to do so!
Funding the Commission
What is the total cost?
It costs $1,750 to commission one of these pieces.
Where does the budget go?
The $1,750 commission fee covers all aspects of the project. $100 is allocated for supplies and shipping, including books and materials for the family. $250 goes to the composer's stipend. The remaining $1,400 supports SMAS staff and resources, covering the 28+ hours of coordination required per project. This includes partnering with a non-profit, identifying and connecting with the child and family, handling legal documentation, and facilitating the story-writing session. Staff also identify the composer—conducting interviews and reviewing resumes—before pairing them with the ensemble. Throughout the process, SMAS staff serve as the central point of communication between the family, composer, ensemble, press, and any other stakeholders. We also manage timelines, oversee revisions, schedule the live song reveal, and handle media outreach to ensure a seamless and meaningful experience for all involved.
What if we can't afford it?
If you're enthusiastic about participating but the cost is a barrier, please reach out to us. We may be able to connect you with alternative funding opportunities.