Why Commission Original Music Instead of Using Library Music?

For many films, adverts, corporate videos, games and creative projects, library music (also known as stock or production music) can be a practical and affordable solution. However, commissioning original music gives you something library music cannot: a piece created specifically around your project, its story, identity and emotional direction.

Music has been closely connected to storytelling for centuries. Long before recorded sound, composers were writing music to accompany theatre, ballet and other performances. When cinema emerged, musicians would often perform alongside silent films, adapting their playing to the action on screen. This established an important principle that remains true today: music can be written to respond directly to what an audience is seeing and feeling.

What is the main advantage of original music?

The biggest advantage is creative control. A composer can create music around your exact requirements, whether you need something dramatic, emotional, uplifting, mysterious, sophisticated or understated. Instead of searching through existing tracks and trying to make one fit, the music is built around your project from the beginning.

Original Music Can Strengthen Your Brand

This is particularly important for advertising and corporate work. A distinctive piece of music can become part of a company's identity and help audiences associate a particular sound with a brand. There are plenty of historical examples of music becoming inseparable from advertising. Radio jingles to instantly recognisable television themes, a relatively short musical idea can remain in the public's memory long after an advert has finished.

Is original music better for film?

Original music can be particularly valuable for film because it can follow the story and editing precisely. A composer can respond to individual scenes, characters and changes in emotion, creating recurring musical themes or motifs where appropriate. Film composers have been doing this since the earliest days of cinema. During the silent-film era, musical accompaniment was often carefully selected or composed to match dramatic moments, chase sequences and changes in mood. Modern technology simply allows composers to achieve this with far greater precision.

Original Music Gives You Flexibility

Another benefit is that commissioned music can be developed and adapted during the production process. A composer can produce different versions, lengths, arrangements or instrumental combinations to suit different sections of a project.Library music can sometimes force an editor to adjust the film or video around the track. With original music, the relationship works in the opposite direction: the music can be shaped around the picture.

Can original music be created in any style?

Yes. A composer can work across contemporary classical, orchestral, electronic, jazz, ambient, minimalist, cinematic and many other styles. Original music can also combine genres to create something completely distinctive. Though it is definitely worth discussing with the composer what their preferred or strongest styles are.

Is commissioning music expensive?

The cost varies according to the project, its duration, complexity, number of musicians, recording requirements and usage. While library music may initially appear cheaper, commissioned music can offer greater creative value and a much more tailored result.

When should I commission a composer?

Ideally, involve a composer early enough for them to understand your project and its creative direction. The earlier they become part of the process, the more effectively the music can support the overall vision.

Library music can be useful, but original music gives your project its own musical identity. If your film, advert, corporate project or creative work deserves something written specifically for it, commissioning a composer could make a significant difference.

Want to commission original music for your project?

Get in touch with Nick Pike to discuss your ideas and discover how bespoke music can be created specifically for your film, advert, video or creative project.

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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.