Before your consultation...

You don't have to have all the answers! But here are a few things to think about :

Tip: Commission the song or poem well in advance of when you will need it. That allows time for you to approve the progress of the song and artwork, and also a bit of extra time for that creative fermentation! If you can, allow at least a month before you need the song or poem. Remember, for turnarounds of less than two weeks, a surcharge may apply.

What do you want to convey to the recipient of the song? What are some key memories or images you have of the recipient?

Should anyone else be consulted about the content and mood of the song? For example, if it is for your mother's 60th birthday, should you consult other siblings, or some of your mother's friends, for ideas and stories?

Does the person for whom the song is intended have a favorite artist (Sting, Pearl Jam, Moby, Patsy Cline, John Coltrane...), or a preference for musical style (pop ballad, impressionist instrumental, modern jazz, grunge, world, techno, country...)?

How involved do you want to be in the development of the song? Do you have lyrics already written that you want help with, or a tune? Do you want to sing or play on the recording?

Do you have some ideas about arrangement (the kinds of instruments, voices and sounds that should be on the recording)?

When do you need the song to be delivered by?

Do you want it on CD? Cassette? MP3? What kind of packaging do you want (images and text on the CD and on the CD cover, for example)?

Would you like to hear some Songsmith samples?