Industry Reference
Rolls of Music Preperation
Orchestration and copying are often grouped together as "music prep," but AFM agreements treat them as distinct trades with separate scales, structures, and scopes of work. This practical summary translates those distinctions into real-world planning for contracts, budgets, and invoicing.
What Each Role Produces
Under AFM Local 802 General Price List language, orchestration and copying are separate categories within music preparation services. The boundary is simple: orchestration is creative instrument assignment, while copying is production of performance-ready materials.
Role 01
Orchestration
The orchestrator works from a complete composition and assigns material to specific instruments and voices, determining registration, doublings, divisi, and voicing strategy without changing the underlying composition.
Role 02
Copying
The copyist works from the finished score and produces the individual parts, conductor score, and associated performance materials. The objective is clean, readable, rehearsal-ready notation for every stand.
These roles are sequential. Orchestration is completed first; copying follows from that completed score. AFM language also addresses cases where these roles are collapsed, requiring compensation consistent with both functions.
How Each Role Is Paid
Both trades are page-based by default, but the definition of a page and the labor category differ. Orchestrators are paid per score page; copyists are paid per page of individual performance materials, with rates changing by part type.
| Service | Unit | Minimum Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Orchestration, non-theatrical (5-line minimum) | Per score page | $20.66 |
| Orchestration, theatrical (10-line minimum) | Per score page | $37.57 |
| Copying, single-stave instrumental | Per part page | $12.64 |
| Copying, piano or multi-stave keyboard | Per part page | $23.94 |
| Copying, single vocal line with lyrics | Per part page | $19.43 |
| Copying, conductor or piano-conductor part | Per part page | $28.45 |
Rates above are minimum scale references from AFM Local 802 source material and are presented for education only. Confirm current agreements for active engagements.
When Hourly Rates Apply
Time work applies only to certain categories that are not sensible to measure by page. For orchestrators this includes adjustments, rehearsal work, and transitional writing. For copyists this includes non-writing tasks such as corrections, production lines, bar counting, and related prep duties.
Supervision and Credit
Orchestration and copying each have dedicated supervisory tiers. Supervisor Orchestrator and Supervisor Copyist functions are distinct and compensated by added premium above total supervised wages. Program credit requirements apply per AFM language for listed production staff and orchestrators.
Practical Summary
Orchestration is creative assignment of musical material to ensemble forces. Copying is production of parts from that orchestrated score. Each has separate scales, supervisory structures, and hourly exceptions. Keeping them distinct in planning and billing protects scope clarity and fair compensation.