“Composing a Living: A Music Creator’s Guide to Money, Relationships, and Business” is a new book co-authored by conductor Brandon Elliott and composer and essayist Dale Trumbore.

“Composing a Living” offers an honest, practical guide to building a sustainable career in today’s freelance music economy. The book is based on interviews with 28 composers working across classical, opera, film, and experimental genres. Specific topics include, “Setting fair fees and negotiating contracts,” “Managing copyright and licensing,” “Navigating collaborations and commissions,” “Avoiding burnout in a high-pressure, low-margin industry,” and more. “Composing a Living” is aimed at professionals navigating the evolving music landscape, those starting a side hustle, transitioning from academia, or pursuing composition full-time.

Elliott is a conductor, educator, and consultant specializing in creative and strategic leadership in the arts and entertainment industry. He is a Professor of Music at Saddleback College and Founder & Artistic Director of Choral Arts Initiative. Trumbore’s compositions have been performed by ensembles including Conspirare, Los Angeles Master Chorale, National Youth Choir of Scotland, and the Pasadena Symphony. She is the author of “Staying Composed.”

“Composing a Living” will be published by Oxford University Press on Sept. 30. The book is available for pre-order through the publisher and on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.