Robert Burrell
Composer and Educator
What is your musical background?
I am a retired Senior Lecturer in Music, (UPIS) with a PhD in Music Composition. My works range from educational rounds and canons to serious choral repertoire as well as chamber and concert band music. I am also a registered teacher with over 30 years of experience working in schools and tertiary education. I am and have been a community musician since I first supported congregational singing at church when I was a teenager. I am that odd mix of everyday musician and highly trained semi-professional.
What is your advice to singers performing your works?
Most of my vocal music is approachable and easily learnt. I usually only write what I can sing. Sing each line with confidence whilst ensuring you balance and blend with the other parts. Enjoy yourself!
Songs by Robert:
We Don’t Sing (because we are happy) 2-parts with piano
What are your favourite pieces you’ve composed?
There are quite a few, but I would like to mention the Dona Nobis for SATB and piano, the Choral Song Cycle. Also the as-yet unpublished work If I Were Blind for SATB, and its revision for Soprano and string orchestra. Towards a Shining Light for Clarinet, viola and piano is a favourite of mine. And lastly, The Serenade for Strings published by Wirripang and recorded by Navano records.