Questions to ask a composer before commissioning

You've just decided your brand needs original music—a jingle for your radio spot, underscore for your corporate video, or a theme for your podcast. Now you need to find the right composer. But how do you know, in a conversation with someone whose work you admire, whether they'll actually deliver what you need?

The best protection is preparation. Before you book, ask the right questions. Not in an interrogating way, but as part of a genuine vetting conversation. A skilled composer should welcome clarity; they know that misalignment early causes problems later.

Questions about their process and timeline

Start with the practical: "How many revision rounds do you typically include, and what happens if we want changes beyond that?" A vague answer—or one that sounds like they're making it up—is a yellow flag. A good composer will name a specific number (often two or three rounds as standard) and explain what counts as a revision versus a new direction. If they say "unlimited revisions," probe further: do they mean within a fee, or does scope creep add cost? Clarity here prevents frustration.

Next: "What's your turnaround time from brief to first draft?" This tells you whether they're reactive or whether they batch work. A composer who says "I'll need a week" sounds more reliable than one who's vague. Ask also: "If we need edits quickly, can you accommodate that?" Some do; others work to their own rhythm. Neither is wrong, but you need to know before you commit.

"Do you work with a lyricist if the jingle needs words?" If your brief includes lyrics and they say no, either you'll need to hire separately (which adds cost and coordination) or they'll connect you with someone. Understand the answer before you sign on.

"Can you send me a draft contract or agreement template?" Reputable composers have one. If they don't, or if they deflect, that's a concern. The agreement should clarify deliverables, revisions, timeline, and—critically—what rights you receive. Don't assume.

Questions about their suitability for your brief

"Can you show me work in the genre or style we're after?" Don't just listen to their showreel; ask specifically for examples that match your mood. If you need upbeat, quirky, modern jingles and their portfolio is all orchestral drama, that mismatch matters. A good answer sounds like: "I have three examples similar to what you're describing" or "I've not done exactly this, but here's how I'd approach it." Evasion—"I can do anything"—is less credible.

"How do you approach a brief?" Listen for whether they ask questions back. Do they want to know your target audience, your brand tone, where the music sits in the overall piece? Or do they jump straight to "send me the script"? Composers who dig deeper tend to deliver more aligned work.

"Have you licensed your work to others, or do you write exclusively?" This matters for your rights. If a composer licenses the same track to multiple brands, you don't own it exclusively. That might be fine and cost-effective for you, or it might matter for your brand. Get the answer now, not later.

"What format will you deliver?" You want to know: do you get the individual stems (so your audio editor can tweak levels), the master mix, or just the final stereo file? Do you get the project file? Can you reuse it if you need a variation? These details affect future flexibility.

"If we need to modify the music later—say, tighten a section or change the ending—what does that cost?" Some composers include minor tweaks in their fee; others charge per revision after a deadline. Know the boundary.

When a composer answers thoughtfully, names specifics, and asks you clarifying questions in return, you're likely dealing with someone professional. They're not defensive about process; they're confident in it. Look for that confidence, paired with genuine interest in your project, and you've found a solid match. Once you've vetted a few options on Strove and narrowed your choice, these conversations will help you make the right call.