This field is wide open.  There are a few small companies that advertise this kind of service, and you could seek one out, but your own personal touch and attention will be worth more to this type of client than hiring a company.  As time goes on, more of this type of music and songwriters are definitely needed.

One of our members, Tom Taylor, writes music for special people and special occasions, and is very good at it.  Check out his Jen’s Song

Consider writing personalized songs for weddings, memorial services, baby dedications, grad parties, and other occasions. A few tips to get you started:

• Set up an interview. Ask to meet with the people who know who the song will be written about.  They may want only a phone or Zoom interview, so be prepared for that. Write down what they tell you about the person, or couple, and any special events, awards, personality quirks and the beauty of the person you will be writing about.
• Set your fee up front.  This is a very personal subject. You will come up with a number that is comfortable for you. Just keep trying. Setting artist’s fee can be challenging, and if you try to find out what other musicians/songwriters are charging by asking around or looking online, you may not come up with a number you like. If, after asking around, you still don’t know what to charge, start naming money amounts in your mind. Think $100, $500, $1000.  What sounds like too little for your time?  What sounds like too much, like you are gouging? You will be able to settle on a number you are comfortable with, and that should be your starting point. As you progress, you may want to consider offering a custom tiered plan if the family wants to buy the song outright, as an exclusive deal. Call us if you have any questions about this type of arrangement.
• Get an agreement in writing. Keep it Simple. Find a good legal source to help you craft your agreement. A good agreement will name all the people involved in the agreement, date the agreement, say specifically what is agreed upon, what the fee is, a paragraph declaring your sole rights to the song copyright, and signatures at the bottom.
• Write song lyrics using key phrases and events from the person or couple you are writing about. If you include funny incidents, craft them carefully and tactfully, so they will bring a tear of joy. Make dates and events a little more poetically creative, and not too factual.
• Write your own style of music, what you think fits the lyrics. You will be surprised that in your interview discussion, the tempo, chords and type of music style will probably not come up.  This is for you to manage, and to craft the song with your own unique style and tempo.
• Offer a money-back guarantee.  This is a courtesy, and you probably will never be asked for a refund.  They will be so grateful for this personalized song that all they will ask you for is a box of Kleenex.
• Give yourself enough time to finish the song well. Be reasonable, most likely 1 to 2 months would be the limit.
• Communicate with the family and friends often.  Let them know your progress is going well, and if they have any additional interesting facts they want incorporated in the song (the more, the better). Steer clear of playing a partial song for them. This can only create confusion and may cause doubt and mixed feelings.
• Make a date with them to play the song for them. Try to get that date as close to the event as possible. Invite the whole group of planners and supporters. Dress for this preview as if you were at the event already.  Put out your best musical interpretation.  Take your time, and make it sound as endearing and personal as you can.