Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to complete the charts for one song?
What notation software do you use?
How much does each arrangement cost? What are your rates?
What forms of payment do you accept for the charts?
I'm a traveling guest entertainer. Can I get a copy of the score to study?
Do you provide an .mp3 or MIDI recording with the charts?
I've decided I want to change something in one of my charts. Do I need to pay for a whole new arrangement?
When can I expect the updated charts to be sent back to me?
When do you stop allowing edits on charts?
What styles of music/types of ensembles do you write charts for?
Mute City Music covers virtually every style of Jazz & Contemporary music for commercial and non-commercial audiences regardless of ensemble size.
How long does it take to complete the charts for one song?
On average, the whole process (from starting the score to editing and converting the parts to .pdf takes about 2 days. Please allow at least this much time for one arrangement to be completed. I may also be working on several projects at a time, so please let me know if there is a specific deadline for the completion of your charts.
What notation software do you use?
Finale 2014
How much does each arrangement cost? What are your rates?
For a 7-piece band, Mute City Music charges about $300 per song (about $42/part x 7 parts) with some room for negotiation. Medleys start at around $500. Specific deadlines can potentially increase the rate, depending on how soon the charts are needed. Returning clients receive a 10% discount. For rates of all ensemble types and sizes, please submit a form on the contact page.
What forms of payment do you accept for the charts? An invoice will be sent to you through Paypal, so this is preferred, but you don't need an account to be able to pay. Cash & checks are also accepted.
How will I receive my charts?
The charts will be sent to you in .pdf format inside a compressed (zipped) folder via email.
I'm a traveling guest entertainer. Can I get a copy of the score to study? Yes, scores are available upon request. Just contact Zack via email once the parts have been sent to you. Please keep in mind that the score may be somewhat messy. All revising/editing effort goes into the parts since that's what the musicians will see.
Do you provide an .mp3 or MIDI recording with the charts?
Temporary recordings are also available upon request. However, in order to complete the charts more effectively and to make the parts as neat and accurate as possible, the rhythm section is never fully notated, meaning a temp recording wouldn't be very useful. It cannot be stressed enough that whatever recording is provided to produce the arrangement will be EXACTLY the same in terms of feel/groove, form, and duration. Any and all deviations from the provided material WILL be reported in writing once the charts are complete to avoid confusion.
I've decided I want to change something in one of my charts. Do I need to pay for a whole new arrangement?
It depends on how drastic the changes are (this is something we can discuss via email or over the phone), but most minor adjustments are free of charge.
When can I expect the updated charts to be sent back to me?
I can't guarantee a time/date that the edited charts will be sent once the initial job is completed because I've most likely moved on to another project. Also, I may send updates at random if I happen to catch a glaring mistake I made. Hey, we're all only human right?
When do you stop allowing edits on charts?
Never, you can always contact Zack at Mute City Music for chart edits. They're always free, too, as long as it's for minor adjustments only.