First Readings Project
high-quality recordings for new or unperformed choral works
Introducing: The First Readings Opportunity Grant (FROG)
We now offer financial assistance toward the production of a FRP recording! A generous gift from a long-time friend of FRP has helped increase financial access to our services to a broader range of composers. Grants are awarded on a sliding scale, determined by a self-administered online survey. There are two survey options, one for full-time students and one for everyone else. Surveys generate a discount percentage which can be applied to the full price of a recording.
Below are links to both surveys. Completing a survey in no way obligates you to a recording project – it will simply give you an idea of how much your recording fee would be reduced, if you decide to work with us in the future.
FROG: STUDENT SURVEY
About Us
Composers rely on recordings to promote their music. Conductors and other performers rely on recordings to discover new repertoire. The First Readings Project produces high-quality demo recordings of new or unperformed choral works, helping to introduce this music to the world. Since 2012, we have recorded over 150 works by composers from all over the United States as well as from Brazil, England, Germany, Greece, Israel, and Japan. Our ensemble is typically comprised of sixteen singers, and that number can expand or contract to accommodate the needs of the score. No work is too large or too small to be considered.
Recording Your Music
I can provide an accurate quote for recording a piece for $25, which is deducted from the cost of the recording, if the recording proceeds. The quote will include several pricing options – the cost of a project is calculated by the number of performing personnel and the difficulty of the work (a simple 4-part chorale will not take us as long to record as a highly chromatic, prestissimo work in Brazilian Portuguese). Once the cost is agreed upon, the composer and I choose a recording date and get the score to the singers.
Highlights of Past Work
Upcoming Recording Dates
2025
Monday, June 9
Thursday, June 26
Monday, July 21
Monday, August 11
Thursday, September 4
Other Services We Offer:
• produce publication-ready scores for performance or publication, whether from rough sketch or transcribed from recording
• help you to polish your score for publication or distribution
• devise piano reductions
• choral notation vs. instrumental notation
• feedback on finished work or work-in-progress
• publishing and promoting your own work
• gaining permissions for copyright-protected text and music
• collecting performance, mechanical, and streaming royalties
Sessions can be in real time over Zoom or Skype, or through email correspondence. Send me a note through the contact link up there to the right. As always, we’re happy to review scores for recording. Use the form below to submit your score for a free estimate.
An invaluable resource
First Readings Project has been an invaluable resource for me …The singers are stellar musicians always and J. David Moore is a sensitive, exceptionally conscientious conductor who brings out the very best in his singers.
Bravissimi!
The First Readings Project is a treasure…The singers/musicians are top-notch, David’s preparation is meticulous, and the product is excellent. I’ve used them several times…and have been uniformly pleased with the results. Bravissimi!
The Best Investment In My Career
It would be impossible to overstate the role that First Readings Project has played in helping launch my career…J. David Moore is an absolute delight to work with, the singers are the best in the business, and the fees are modest and fair. Without a doubt, the best investment I’ve made to grow my composing career.
Consistently Brilliant
This group (First Readings Project) consistently comes through with brilliant recordings of choral works. I’m amazed at the singing – the group is top-notch.
Superb quality
David is a gifted conductor who directs a wonderful group of singers. The quality of their collective work is superb. Composers, I highly recommend their work.
Artistically Satisfying and Useful
The First Readings Project is easily one of the most artistically satisfying and useful experiences I’ve had in my “classical” music career.
A Fantastic Experience
Wow, the First Readings Project experience was fantastic! The 16 singers were … experts in their craft and it showed by their intonation, color, phrasing, diction, and precision.
First Readings Project
Score Submission Form
Have a question or want to pitch an idea?
Get in touch with me here.
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