Why I compose music.....

I received the following email from an Australian women living in Ireland just before Christmas:


My name is Leanne and I have been trying to locate a copy of your piano sheet music for "Waltzing Matilda" as you played it on your album "The Scarecrow". 

I am an Australian getting married in Scotland next year. I have been living here for a few years and marrying an Irishman, and I am hoping to walk down the isle to your version of "Waltzing Matilda". I searched and searched for the perfect isle song, and as soon as I heard you playing it on your album I knew it was the one. You play it so beautifully, it brings tears to my eyes (and makes me homesick) every time I hear it. 

It would be great to have the sheet music so that my good friend can play it on the piano as I walk down the isle. Do you have copies of it for sale? If so how can I go about purchasing it? 

Many thanks for your time. I look forward to hearing from you. 

At the time I didn't publish the sheet music for my songs, just made the downloads available on iTunes and other sources. I get many requests like this so I bit the bullet, bought the software, added a download page to my Website and now there's (6) pieces available for free.You can listen, view the score and download the pdf. 

I also joined several piano teacher groups in LinkedIn. I let them know I had these pieces available for free download and the response has been great. I used to think it was cool to see that someone from Japan, Canada or Germany downloaded one of my songs from iTunes but knowing piano students and teachers are learning & performing my original compositions and arrangements is the coolest!!

Here's a link to Waltzing Matilda

Why I compose music (Part 2).....

Here's the response from Ireland regarding the sheet music for Waltzing Matilda:

"I cannot thank you enough for sending through this music. I am so very excited to be able to walk down the isle to this song and you have made it possible to do so. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!  I'll be sure to credit you in our order of service :)

 

I hope all is well with you and wish you a very happy Easter with your family.

 

Thank you again. You've made such a valued contribution to our wedding day."

 

~ Leanne.

That's why I compose music and make it available for others to enjoy.

SB

Woodland Creek Music

"Our Town Milwaukee" (1988) A Timeless Anthem

I was cleaning out a box of old cassette tapes this weekend and stumbled upon a tune I wrote and recorded with my band Mauve Decade in 1988. The tune "Our Town Milwaukee" became an anthem for Mauve Decade and was picked up by a few local radio stations. WKLH hired us to record a few commercial spots using it. The Big Bang Fireworks show played it on the 4th of July. It was the big time for 7 guys with day jobs. Ben Barkin (Mr Circus Parade) and PR giant in Milwaukee called me at home and requested a copy. I had no idea who he was and I don't remember if I even sent one. What a fool I was. He said "I don't think you know what you've created". I guess I never will.

After transferring from tape to CD and listening to it a few times it struck me how the words are just as relevant today as in 1988. Yes, a few things have changed in 24 years but for the most part the lyrics still ring true.The biggest difference today is the negative attitude we and others have about Milwaukee. Mauve Decade became history shortly after this recording was made and the members went their separate musical ways. I wish them all the best and hope this recording brings back some great memories.

 "Our Town Milwaukee" is an attitude adjuster, a soul vaccination, an anthem that every Milwaukeean needs to hear to appreciate our "Great Place On a Great Lake".... "Our Town Milwaukee." Click below to hear:

http://www.woodlandcreekmusic.webs.com/

Spread the Musical Word!
SB

Free Sheet Music Downloads by Steve Burleson @ Woodland Creek Music

I get many requests for the sheet music of my original compositions and arrangements. I've always responded that it just takes too much time to put together a "publishable" document. Recentlly a request came in from Ireland to use my arrangement of Waltzing Matilda as a processional for a wedding. The request was heart -warming: an Australian women marrying an Irish man and how when she listened to the recording it brought tears to her eyes. THAT DID IT. I'm now in the Music Publishing Business.

BUT THAT'S NOT ALL. I'm also producing a video performance of each published composition and a "Composer's Forum" video where I explain the compositional techniques used and thoughts behind the music. I have a YouTube Channel, Woodland Creek Music TV where these videos will be posted. The free sheet music can be downloaded and listened to at my Website and audio recordings are available to purchase at my CD Baby Store or on iTunes. All of the above can be linked to from Woodland Creek Music

Currently, there are 3 original compositions that can be downloaded in solo piano sheet music format and listened to at the Woodland Creek Music Website. This intellectual content is being offered free for personal and educational use. WHEN I SAY FREE I MEAN FREE! Look for the first video posts this weekend.

Spread the Musical Word!
SB

Introducing the "New & Improved" Woodland Creek Music

Woodland Creek Music (WCM) has totally remodeled, updated and expanded services to Waukesha County residences interested in learning how to play the piano and compose music. The studio now has (3) new Yamaha pianos, (2) new computers, Finale software, Bose noise cancelling headphones, Web access and other amenities.

WCM serves between 45-50 students ranging from age 5 through adult. We study all types of music, perform recitals, play at the Sussex Library, participate in the National Federation of Music Clubs and WMSA solo & ensemble.Check out our Website: www.woodlandcreekmusic.webs.com

We are planning an open house for September 10th, 2-4 pm @ the studio:

N69 W25055 Indiangrass Lane
Sussex, Wi. 53089
262-309-2707

Got Music?