Frequently Asked Questions
Clarity, transparency, and everything in between.
Commissions
Yes. We take on a limited number of original commissions each season. Reach out early to discuss availability, pricing, and timelines.
Yes. We’re happy to make revisions to better suit your ensemble. Fees and turnaround times vary depending on the scope of changes. Since notation files are included with every project, revisions can cover adjustments such as instrumentation changes, balancing parts between battery and front ensemble, or customizing individual parts to match your ensemble’s needs.
Velvet Audio does not provide pre-packaged drill, but we can connect you with trusted visual designers who create custom work tailored to your ensemble.
Yes. All commissions come with isolated rehearsal tracks and practice aids to support your performers throughout the season. Additional warm-ups and resource packs may be provided for an additional fee.
Yes. We welcome collaboration with universities, independent designers, and other creative partners. If you’re interested in shaping the next generation of the performing and marching arts, please contact us.
Yes. Our YouTube Channel offers visual and audio examples, while our Mission & Vision and Creative Process outline our philosophy.
Shows
Fill out this Contact Form with your ensemble’s details and the title you’re interested in. We’ll confirm availability, as all shows are leased on a site-based exclusivity basis.
We understand that selecting a show takes time, so we’ll hold a show for 14 business days from the date of your initial inquiry. If another ensemble with a conflicting competition schedule expresses interest during that time, we’ll inform them that you are still considering. After the 14-day hold, we’ll reach out by email or phone number provided with 3 business days to confirm. If we don’t hear back within that window, the show will be released to the next inquiring ensemble.
We don’t provide pre-made versions of shows across multiple class levels. However, we understand that ensembles often include a wide range of abilities. As a general rule of thumb, shows can be adjusted down in difficulty/class, but they cannot be adjusted up. Increasing difficulty requires significantly more time and resources, and is not feasible in most cases.
Yes. Professionally formatted notation files are included with every show. These files make it easy for staff to adjust and customize the music to fit their ensemble’s needs. We simply ask that they be used exclusively by the staff of the licensed ensemble or organization.
Yes. Show materials are restricted to members of the licensed ensemble for that competitive season. Unauthorized distribution or outside use may result in legal liability and loss of future eligibility. Learn more
All shows are leased, not purchased, and remain the property of Velvet Audio. Each lease is valid for one competitive season (365 days from the date of purchase). If an ensemble leases a show but chooses not to compete that season, the license is forfeited and a new license must be purchased for future use. Because the show was removed from circulation during the lease, an unused license is treated the same as one that has been performed.
No. Our shows are written as complete productions with built-in continuity and flow, so we cannot lease individual portions or isolated sections.
No. Winds and percussion are only sold as a complete package. The strength of our productions comes from the full integration of both elements, and separating them would compromise the design quality set within the Velvet Audio standard.
We guarantee that no two ensembles within the same circuit or event (DCI, WGI, BOA, IPA, etc.) may lease the same show in the same competitive season. Clients must submit their competition schedule early and accurately.
Note: If two ensembles accidentally perform the same show due to inaccurate reporting, VELVET AUDIO is not responsible.
Catalog
Yes. All catalog publications include a preview that shows the full instrumentation in their full score format (no parts). To protect our intellectual property, previews are watermarked and have certain pages withheld.
If a publication requires copyright clearance, you can secure it through services such as Tresóna Music, or by contacting the publisher directly.
Note: Proof of licensing is required before you are authorized to perform/compete using a publication containing third-party copyrighted material.
After successful purchase, you’ll receive a unique link to a download page with all associated files. If your link expires, please do not hesitate to contact us for assistance.
Yes. Many catalog items include isolated audio tracks at reduced tempos for sectional rehearsals and individual practice. These can also be requested at purchase (if not included already).
Roadmap
I. Kick-Off
1-3 days
Key Outputs
Availability check and next-stepsClient Actions
Share concept overview, dates and goalsII. Scope
~1 week
Key Outputs
Proposals, milestones and quotesClient Actions
Approve scope and initial deposit dueIII. Orchestration
4-8 weeks**
Key Outputs
Sketches and motifs to ensemble applicationsClient Actions
Consolidated feedback on draftsIV. Audio & SFX
2-4 weeks
Key Outputs
Mixed audio mock-ups, MainStage/SFX (optional)Client Actions
Mixing/ensemble clarity notes; confirm setupIV. Delivery
~1 week + Support
Key Outputs
Sheet music, mock-ups, licensing, final tweaksClient Actions
Final sign-off, print & distribute, post-season feedback* Timeline will vary by scope and how quickly feedback is received.
** Staged delivery (movement-by-movement) available when helpful.Items may include, but are not limited to: any pre-developed show concepts, musical selection(s) to include key quotes/lyrics, voiceover(s)/script(s), ensemble player count, instrumentation, overall and section skill levels, target runtime(s), and deadline(s). Any other limits/constraints (equipment, electronics, budget, player capabilities, or other bottlenecks you may run into) are encouraged.
Typically one round of revisions is included (but is scope-dependent); additional rounds may incur an additional fee. First-round revisions typically include, but are not limited to notation fixes, balance/voicing tweaks, small cuts/length edits. New scope usually consists of new movements, larger rewrites, re-targeting difficulty, or new instrumentation.
As part of best practice, we recommend providing one consolidated notes document (by movement/measure).Scores & parts in PDF, Sibelius and MusicXML file formats. Audio files with full ensemble mixes; isolated sections; with/without click tracks. Electronic assets, such as any applicable MainStage concert sets for real-time synth/FX playback. As well as any other approved materials determined during design.
We review prior-season performance footage and current/past warm-up packets to gauge technique, stamina, timing, and tone—then write parts that feel ambitious yet attainable for your ensemble.
As a general rule of thumb, we can adjust a catalog show down in difficulty/class, but not up. If revisions become dense enough to alter the original vision, we’ll recommend commissioning a fully custom show to better suit your ensemble's vision.
Initial base pricing is determined by the overall scope of your project, and is aligned to length, ensemble size, and complexity. This typically includes core deliverables (scores/parts, mockups, editable files) plus one complimentary round of revisions. Add-ons may include extra revisions, alternates, electronics/SFX, additional mixes/documents. A deposit of 50% is required to reserve dates; with the remainder paid in 1–2 milestones; and the final payment due at delivery.
Note: deposits are typically non-refundable once writing begins; work-to-date billed if canceled.Yes. Select/specialized services are priced upon request. Learn more
Payments
For our catalog items
We accept any/all standard payment options, but not limited to: credit/debit card, Apple/Google Pay and PayPal.For our show packages
The same goes as our catalog items, along with: paper/mail-in check, money order, PayPal invoices, and purchase order(s).
Note: PayPal/PayPal invoices incurs an additional surcharge, but electronic payment is the fastest option if you need immediate access.
Yes. We understand school budgeting challenges and can arrange installment payments on a case-by-case basis.
Yes. Bundled packages can be arranged upon request, if not already available here on our website.
Yes. In most cases, returning customers/clients may qualify for a discount on a case-by-case basis.
For digital products
Once downloaded, refunds cannot be issued, since access to the files cannot be revoked.For our show packages
Because each show is site-protected, purchasing removes it from the market for your circuit/season. For this reason, refunds are not available. However, future credits may be offered if you choose to return for a future competitive season.
Support
You can reach us with any questions—whether about shows, custom commissions, or general inquiries—by emailing contact@velvetaudio.net, or by using the Contact Us form on our website.
We aim to respond within 2 business days. If you haven’t heard back, you’re welcome to follow up through our social media channels (linked in our site footer), where our team is always active.
Right here. Learn more about our Terms of Service, Refund Policy, Privacy Policy, and Regional Protection Policy. These are also linked in our site footer.