Meet the Musicians of “Wayfaring Stranger” + Download Your Free Sheet Music

How do you celebrate spreading the joy of music to more than 5 million people around the world? Well, if you’re the world’s leading digital sheet music company, you give away free sheet music, of course!

Not only are we offering a variety of vocal, piano, instrumental and even choral “Wayfaring Stranger” sheet music for free through the end of November, we also filmed a beautiful video featuring the piece, which we think demonstrates the unifying power of music. If you haven’t yet seen it, take a moment to watch now.

We shot the video at a local historical theatre here in Madison, Wis. and enlisted the help of four very talented local musicians. Although none of our “Wayfaring Stranger” artists had previously played together and they collectively span a range of experience, together they accomplished breathing new life into this 200-year-old folk & gospel standard.

Strangers no more, we asked our four featured “Wayfaring Stranger” artists to answer a few short questions about themselves. Get acquainted with the talent behind our latest video, and be sure to download your free sheet music for “Wayfaring Stranger” today!

Pianist/Vocalist Madison Malone

Singer/songwriter Madison Malone tours the country performing ‘feel-good’ soul and pop music. Malone has also taught at Girls Rock Camp, and she released her first full-length album, ‘LIMINAL,’ last spring.

Musicnotes: How did you first get involved in music?

Madison Malone: From the start of my upbringing, I was raised in a family that really appreciated music; so getting involved with music seemed like second nature! My grandmother started a community theatre in my hometown, Portage, WI & my mom is an incredible pianist. On top of that, my parents & family have great taste in music; my whole upbringing consisted of listening to legends such as The Beatles, Warren Zevon, Indigo Girls, Bruce Springsteen, Aretha Franklin, and Broadway musical soundtracks.

With all of this incredible music playing, I had a pretty good foundation for a knowledge of music. When I was 5 years old, my parents let me decide which hobby I wanted to take up (as most children in the United States do at this age). I decided to start piano lessons! We have this beautiful cherry red baby grand piano at my house, I was mesmerized by the beauty & sound that it created each time my mom played the piano.

Musicnotes: Do you remember the first song you downloaded and played from Musicnotes? Were you ever in a situation where you couldn’t find sheet music for a song you need and Musicnotes had the song?

MM: Musicnotes was the website that I went to when I decided that I no longer wanted to learn classical music, but rather, learn more contemporary tunes! The first song I printed off of Musicnotes was Five for Fighting’s “100 Years.”  Musicnotes allowed me to find or discover any piece of music from all sorts of genres; it really let me expand my piano playing repertoire.

Musicnotes: What’s the most gratifying part of working as a professional musician? Are there any parts of the ‘gig’ you’ve found surprising?

MM: The most gratifying part of being a professional musician is that I have the capability to influence a numerous amount of people through creating art that I am passionate about. Whether my music touches someone at a gig, online, in a collaborative musician session; whether the person is young, old, a fellow musician, a scientist; I can speak to people through my art & perhaps inspire them to follow their happiness & passions as well.

This cultivating of positivity or getting through to someone via music has been the most surprising thing for me to realize about being a musician. As an artist, I am taking my life experiences in song-form and proclaiming them out to people in hopes of making everyone feel a little bit more like we each belong in this world. There is a place that each of us fits into, we belong. So when someone tells me that the lyrics in a song of mine inspired them to take the next incredible step  in their lives, I am completely humbled.

If my art has the capability to do that, to truly connect with people, then I have succeeded in my life’s endeavors. I will always be creating & pushing this passion of mine to reach all boundaries and display the likeness us humans all share.

Musicnotes: What was the last song you played?

MM: The last song I played was “She Used to Be Mine” by Sara Bareilles. I do this thing on Mondays called Madison Malone Music Mondays where I post a video on YouTube & Facebook of a cover that I’ve created! It is kind of my way of blogging with my audience & friends.

Musicnotes: You’re stranded on a deserted island and can bring 5 songs with you. Which would you choose and why?

MM: “To Build a Home” – Cinematic Orchestra The soaring harmonies & cadences in this song are just impeccable; I would sing to it over & over.

“Part of Your World” – The Little Mermaid To remind me of home, my childhood, my roots! I’d also swim in the ocean during this song and pretend that I was Princess Ariel!

“Sleeping Beauty” – Tchaikovsky I would create an entire ballet to fill the void of sitting on a deserted island!  I would just be dancing by the shores.

“Imagine” – John Lennon This song would ground me and make me feel at peace on that island.

“Hey Ya” – Outkast This song never fails to make me dance.  It would be the one upbeat, body-shaking song!

Guitarist Doug Brown

Doug Brown is a multi-instrumentalist, performer and composer who’s played festivals around the world and has lent talents to a variety of groups, playing jazz, swing, rock, bluegrass and more. Brown teaches guitar lessons and can be heard on a number of notable jazz recordings.

Musicnotes: How did you first get involved in music?

Doug Brown: I first got involved in music with my family, all fine musicians, each with different musical interests. Dad played dixieland trumpet, mainly by ear, and Mom sat at the piano singing folk music and playing classically, both always from written music. (My) brother and sister both played piano and one other instrument (clarinet and viola). We always went to sleep with music playing on the stereo.

So I’ve always been surrounded by music which first I heard, then I listened then I imitated. That led to taking piano, violin and music theory lessons. With that background I then started teaching myself guitar, banjo, mandolin, sax and figuring out how to play nicely with others.

Musicnotes: Is there anything that you’ve found surprising about your career in music?

DB: It’s surprising that the phone keeps ringing! There are so many wonderful musicians that I feel honored and lucky that people choose to work with me enough to keep me busy.

Musicnotes: If you could play one venue over and over again, which would it be and what instrument would you play?

DB: I’ve had many delightful performing experiences with inspiring bandmates and supportive, encouraging audiences, but my favorite place to play of all would be the front steps of my childhood home where I would play for hours, with no pressure or expectations, just contributing to the soundscape and feeling part of the natural flow of life in the the neighborhood.

Musicnotes: Do you have any pre-performance rituals or tips?

DB: Often I arrive at the last minute, rush to set up and start playing with no warm-up! The tip would be to not do any of that. It’s hard on you, your fellow musicians and all those working with you. It always works better not only for me, but also for everyone else’s sanity to arrive early, prepared with enough time to settle into whatever the situation is.

Often the performance will be technically enhanced by knowing the room sonically, getting the lights and the placement of your equipment right. But just as important is connecting with others involved in the show, not just the musicians, but also the hosts, sponsors, tech staff and also getting a feel for the mood of the audience. That can make everyone more comfortable and increases the chances of connecting meaningfully with the audience.

Musicnotes: You’re stranded on a deserted island and can bring 5 songs with you. Which would you choose and why?

DB: Since I’m a big fan of relevance and variety, I’d go with “Slow Boat to China” (Bing Crosby & Rosemary Clooney), “I’ll Fly Away” (gospel, bluegrass), “The Water is Wide” sung by Eva Cassidy, “Message in a Bottle” (Sting) and Debussy’s “La Mer.”

Fiddler Biff Blumfumgagnge

When he’s not teaching music and recording technology or touring with prog-rock group King Crimson, you might find Biff Blumfumgagnge playing with The Gomers, a long-time Madison, Wis. comedy/rock band. Blumfumgagnge also happens to be a former team member, and good friend, of the Musicnotes crew.

Musicnotes: How did you first get involved in music?

Biff Blumfumgagnge: I got involved in the Madison School Systems, playing violin. I guess before that, my Mom taught me some piano as she was a teacher. Early WYSO (Wisconsin Youth Symphony Orchestra), school orchestras, then bands in high school. I didn’t know it was my pro calling until – well – probably 25 years ago.

Musicnotes: Performing, producing, playing and teaching (even working here at Musicnotes for a time), you’ve worn many musical hats. Would you be able to share any career highlights or stand-out moments?

BB: Highlights include – playing with Les Paul & Steve Miller, playing with Lee Scratch Perry, touring the Gulf States with Natty Nation, and working with Robert Fripp / King Crimson, who I’m currently on tour with in Canada & Japan.

I’ve worked with Adrian Belew since the late 1980’s… And Robert Fripp since 2006. Recording violin and viola on the “PM Does DM” album with Pat MacDonald was pretty special. Also, playing with Eugene Chadbourne and Jimmy Carl Black was a definite highlight, as well as with Napoleon Murphy Brock (Frank Zappa’s sax, flute & lead singer) with Project/Object was unforgettable…

Musicnotes: You’re a member of a well-known band here in Madison, Wis., The Gomers, that’s known locally as “Madison’s House Band.” How do you think music affects a community and visa-versa?

BB: Our “Rockstar Gomeroke” actually allows anyone in the community to come onstage and rock a tune with a real live band, the Gomers. Cathy Dethmers took a chance on us with 6 house gigs a month, and since 2004 we’ve been creating rock stars out of – anyone. The community aspect is a highlight, as “regulars” as well as “newbies” can all get their Rockstar on. As was mentioned in the NPR feature on Gomeroke, there is a therapy aspect to getting on stage and “letting it all out.” It remains a vital community feature in Madison to this day.

Musicnotes: Any tips or secrets for folks looking to break into the music business?

BB: Know your craft. Be fun to work with. Make connections and work them. Keep things light but tight.

Musicnotes: You’re stranded on a deserted island and can bring 5 songs with you. Which would you choose and why?

Inca Roads, Frank Zappa – playing and listening to this one is fun, and a challenge. My fave FZ tune, hands down.

Starless, King Crimson – probably my fave KC tune, visceral, dynamic and satisfying melodically.

Time, Tom Waits – I’d pick from a handful of Waits tunes, but the words to this one always get me.

Hallelujah, Leonard Cohen – Amazing tune, great words and music, this one nearly always brings me to tears. Uplifting, life affirming yet shows the dark parts of existence and desire, this one has it all.

Mercy Seat, Nick Cave cover by Johnny Cash – I love the way Cash strips this tune down, and I love Nick Cave, so – win / win.

Floutist Naomi Destimondia

A freshman neuroscience major at the University of Wisconsin, Naomi Destimondia says her musical background has helped prepare her for life outside the music room. She still carves out time in the flute studio, and continues to practice her love of music.

Musicnotes: How did you first get involved in music?

Naomi Destimondia: I first got into music when I took piano lessons in 3rd grade. I took lessons for two years but then quit. I had always been interested by music as I kid but I didn’t really like the rigorous practice regime lessons required. I kinda liked playing when I wanted to, not when my mom told me to.

Musicnotes: Was flute your first instrument?

ND: To be completely honest, I don’t really remember why or how I picked flute. All I know is that one day in the middle of 6th grade, I realized that I was making a huge mistake by not playing the flute. I had actually chosen in 5th grade not to play any instruments, and so when I did chose to play flute, I learned how to play 6 months later than all of my peers. Piano was my first instrument, but flute was the first instrument I really insisted on learning on my own.

Musicnotes: How do you think music has affected your education beyond the music room?

ND: Although I’m not majoring in music right now, I’m still in the flute studio on campus. Music has thoroughly impacted my life. I know for me and all of my musician friends, some who are attending prestigious music schools such as Eastman and Michigan State right now, being a successful musician requires talent, work ethic, organization, and dedication. These four things definitely travel outside of the practice room into everyday life. I can’t even explain how much music has affected my life, but I can say it has made me into a really well rounded student and person.

Musicnotes: As an accomplished student musician (State Honors band, WYSO, along with academic honors), do you have any practice or time management advice for other student musicians?

ND: Know when you practice best! For some people, it’s in the morning, for some it’s at night —I was the latter— because nothing is worse then setting aside time to practice for three hours and wasting an hour just not feeling in the mood for it, because that can happen.

I’ll say an obvious, but key point in being a serious musician: practicing more will provide more results. I can tell you from personal experience that practicing 2 hours every day for a month will make you sound and play twice as well than if you had practiced just an hour a day. It makes a huge difference when people increase their hours of practicing, and everyone notices it, especially your private teacher! Also, you really don’t need to practice more than four hours daily, physically it can actually be damaging. Also, try not to forget to sleep!

Musicnotes: Lastly, you’re stranded on a deserted island and can take 5 pieces of music with you. Which pieces would you choose and why?

Right now, I’m really into the “Daphnis and Chloe” flute excerpt by Maurice Ravel. Although that’s not really a piece, I would definitely have that with me.

(I’d bring) Poulenc flute sonatas, because they’re simple yet beautiful and emotional.

I’m really into Latin music, so I would bring Astor Piazzolla’s Tango etudes.

Bach’s flute sonatas in E minor are really beautiful and complex, so I would bring those to have something to work on.

My last piece is one I’ve played way too many times. It’s the Concerto by Otar Gordeli. I’ve competed with this piece several times and won some competitions on it, so I would bring it to remember the beauty of the mainland.

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Musicnotes would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to each of the musicians who starred in our video. Your time and talent helped us create a project we can all be proud of!