How Much Does a Custom Music Score Cost? A Complete Pricing Guide

In the digital age, original music has become one of the most powerful tools for brand recognition, emotional storytelling, and audience engagement.

Whether you’re producing a film, game, commercial, or podcast, a custom music score can elevate your project from ordinary to unforgettable. But one of the most common questions clients ask is: how much does a custom music score cost?

The truth is, pricing can vary widely depending on several factors — from the scope of your project to the experience level of your composer. In this guide, we’ll break down typical pricing ranges, what influences those costs, and how to budget effectively for professional composition.

Typical Pricing Ranges for Custom Music Scores

While every project is unique, here’s a general idea of what you can expect to pay for custom music:

Independent or Student Composers

£100 – £500 per minute of finished music.Ideal for small indie films, YouTube content, or low-budget games. These composers often provide great value for money, though quality and turnaround times may vary. It’s also worth mentioning that if you approach composers saying ‘there is no budget for music’ then the assumption will be that the producers didn’t do their job properly and that the production is unlikely to be worth their time. Even if you don’t pay much, pay something - a ham sandwich and a pat on the back won’t cut it in 2025.

Mid-Level Professional Composers

£500 – £1,500 per minute of music.These professionals bring experience, industry-standard tools, and polished production quality. This tier suits commercials, short films, or mid-sized video game projects. You will likely also need to have a discussion about whether the composer retains the master rights of their soundtrack or if the production company/client needs to buy them out. The buy out is becoming increasingly popular as it’s less hassle in the long term for the client but it is only worth doing as the composer if the upfront fee reflects the work done as they’ll see (realistically) little-to-no backend royalties.

Top-Tier or Industry Composers

£1,500 – £5,000+ per minute of music.These are established names in film, television, and AAA gaming. Their scores often include live orchestras, advanced sound design, and full post-production support but if you’re hiring names at this standard then a blog like this will almost definitely not be of interest as you’ll likely have established connections for composers and the associated contractors.

Remember

Pricing can also depend on licensing rights. Some composers charge less upfront if you agree to limited usage, while a full buyout (exclusive ownership of the music) will cost significantly more. It is worth both sides being utterly clear about rights and what happens with the soundtrack after the project is complete to avoid any potential conflicts later down the line.

Key Factors That Influence Cost

Project Scope & LengthThe longer the project or the more music required, the higher the cost. A short 10-second logo sting will be much cheaper than a feature-length score (go figure).

1. Instrumentation & Production ValueElectronic or sample-based scores are more affordable than live orchestral recordings, which require musicians, studio time, and mixing.

2. Composer’s Experience Established composers command higher rates based on their reputation, credits, and unique sound. You’re also paying for their reliability and ability to deliver under deadlines.

3. Revisions & Collaboration Most composers include one or two rounds of revisions in their price. Complex feedback loops or major creative changes may add to the cost. A situation that most composers have been in (and will definitely wish to avoid being in again) is when they finish their masterpiece soundtrack and the editor comes back with a fresh newly tightened cut which pushes their music about. This often happens several times and can turn the soundtrack into a Frankensteinian mess if not dealt with deftly.

4. Usage Rights & Licensing Will your score be used worldwide, in perpetuity, across all platforms? The broader the usage rights, the higher the licensing fee - big questions that must be asked.

How to Budget for a Professional Composition

When planning your budget, start by determining how central the music is to your project. For a cinematic short film, music might account for 10–15% of your total production budget. For a brand jingle or video game soundtrack, it could be higher.

Here are some quick budgeting tips:

• Define your scope early. Know exactly how many minutes of music you need and figure out a few different composers or styles that would fit your vision.

• Communicate your vision. Clear direction saves time and reduces costly revisions.

• Ask for tiered quotes. Many composers offer scalable options for different budgets.

• Consider hybrid scores. Blending live and digital instruments can lower costs without sacrificing quality and will not be noticed by 99.99% of listeners if used correctly and subtly.

Final Thoughts

A custom music score is more than an expense — it’s an investment in your project’s emotional impact and professional polish. By understanding how pricing works and what drives costs, you can make informed decisions, collaborate effectively with composers, and ensure your project resonates with your audience.

Ready to bring your story to life with a custom score? Start by defining your creative goals and connecting with a composer who aligns with your vision and budget.

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Explore More from Nick Pike

Nick Pike is a London-based composer, pianist, saxophonist, producer, and educator with over 15 years of professional experience. His music blends neoclassical piano with jazz, funk, and contemporary influences, drawing comparisons to Ludovico Einaudi, Yiruma, and Ólafur Arnalds. Alongside original compositions, Nick offers music services including scoring for film, TV, and advertising, piano and saxophone recording, arranging for strings and horns, and professional mixing and production.

Music & Albums – Original releases from solo piano to orchestral scores.

Services – Composition, recording, arranging, and production for artists, media, and brands.

Contact – Get in touch for lessons, commissions, or collaborations.