What Makes New Works Project a One-of-a-Kind Cooperative Organization?

The music industry faces a range of challenges — financial, structural, and systemic — that limit access for composers, performers, and educators from underrepresented communities. Traditional commissioning and publishing models favor a select few, leaving many talented voices unheard. New Works Project exists to change that. We are not just another music organization—we are a cooperative force for transformation, dismantling industry gatekeeping and ensuring that musicians at all levels have a seat at the table.

New Works Project is redefining how music is created and shared. As a cooperative, we empower composers and performers by fostering collaboration, pooling resources, and championing accessibility. Our model ensures that musicians support one another rather than competing for limited opportunities. Through our commissioning and publishing services, we actively break down barriers and create pathways for artists to thrive.

Commissioning music should be available to everyone, not just elite institutions or those with deep pockets. New Works Project provides an accessible, community-driven way to bring new compositions to life. Our commissioning model is built for musicians who are eager to be part of something bigger—ensuring composers receive fair compensation and their works reach the widest possible audience.

Through our forward-thinking approach, participants in our commissioning projects:

• Have the opportunity to collaborate directly with composers to shape new works 

• Gain exclusive access to high-quality, custom-written pieces  

• Access networking opportunities with well-known and established performers in the industry

If you’re an individual performer, ensemble, or educator, our commissioning model offers an inclusive and financially accessible way to enrich your repertoire while driving real change in the industry.

Music deserves to be heard. Yet, too often, talented composers struggle to get their works published and into the hands of performers. We provide an alternative—an innovative, fair, and accessible publishing and distribution model that gives composers control over their work while expanding their reach.

New Works Project:

• Offers composer-friendly publishing agreements that prioritize ownership and creative control

• Provides professional-grade digital and print distribution to ensure global visibility

• Connects new works with performers, educators, and ensembles eager to champion them

We’re not just helping composers publish—we’re making sure their music thrives.

What truly sets New Works Project apart is our leadership. Our board is made up of diverse, global voices—performers, composers, and industry leaders who understand the challenges artists face because they’ve lived them. Their collective expertise and international perspectives drive our mission forward, ensuring that we are not only talking about inclusivity but actively implementing it at every level.

This diversity of leadership strengthens our commitment to equitable access, amplifying underrepresented voices and fostering innovation that transcends borders.

New Works Project is not just a service—it’s a revolution in music. Whether you’re a performer seeking new repertoire, a composer ready to publish your work, or an ensemble eager to be part of music creation, we invite you to collaborate with us.

Here’s how you can get involved:

• Commission a Work – Join a community-driven commissioning project or initiate your own.

• Publish Your Music – Work with us to get your compositions published and into the hands of performers worldwide.

• Perform New Music – Explore our catalog and bring groundbreaking works to your audience.

• Support the Movement – Spread the word, participate in our programs, or donate to help us continue breaking down barriers in music.

New Works Project is more than an organization—it’s a force for change. By fostering collaboration, championing underrepresented voices, and dismantling industry barriers, we are building a more inclusive future for music—one note at a time.

Join us and explore our commissioning and publishing opportunities and be part of the movement today.