Johnny Steiner is a composer and arranger.

Since he began playing piano (incidentally, he never took formal piano lessons), Johnny has composed music. He has written songs for church, for weddings, for voice recitals, for plays and musicals, for films, for theater-workshops, and for his own performances.

In 1992, a song he wrote was adopted by 'A Special Wish Foundation' as the theme for their tenth anniversary celebration held at the Ohio governor's residence. Entitled "Special Children," the song was adapted from a poem written by the foundation's founder, Ramona Fickle.

In August of 1999, Johnny performed Evolution, a concert comprised solely of original compositions to a packed house in Columbus. His original songs are in the style of the celebrated singer-songwriters of the seventies - with a little Billy Joel/Elton John style mixed in. Most are piano driven, but often Johnny performs his original music on guitar and dulcimer.

In 2005, along with one of his private voice students Victoria Fox, Johnny composed a song called "Remember." Written specifically for a high school commencement ceremony, the song debuted at Marion Pleasant High School's graduation to great avail. Publishing of "Remember" is pending.

Johnny has composed music for the plays The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940, The Servant of Two Masters, and the stage adaptation of the award-winning children's book, Holes.

Johnny has also scored four short films for Joe Wink, an independent-film director from Cleveland. These horrific creature-features include Shark from Hell, The Creature from the Murky Swamp, King Kong vs. the United States, and Revenge of the Birds.

Johnny also arranges music. Along with numerous TTBB choral settings for Saint Charles Chorus, Johnny has arranged several SATB songs and solos for recitals.

I almost shudder to associate the word composer with myself. That title implies such a wealth of knowledge and creativity that I certainly would never claim to have. I just hear melodies and rhythms in my head. Constantly. It's like a leaky faucet in my brain that never quite shuts off. Sometimes I am lucky enough to retain those ideas and write them down.

The 'Special Wish' experience for me back when I was 17 was truly life-changing and inspiring. Such a deal was made about that little song and I think it's then that I realized that maybe - just maybe - I might have a future making music.

Performing Evolution in 1999 was also inspiring. I had never really done a concert comprised exclusively of my own material. It was probably the most vulnerable I have ever been on stage. Singing other peoples' thoughts and feelings is one thing - but presenting your own! What an emotional night that was. I am so grateful for my friends Heather Bjerke and Cassie Oshaben for giving a voice to two of my favorite compositions, "There is a Morn by Men Unseen" and "The Fisherman's Song." Love to you both. One of these days - I promise - I will get around to recording my music. One of these days.

Again, creating music for existing text is a gratifying experience. "Remember" was written in 2005 with my dear Victoria. Just wait until the world hears that one…soon, I promise! My songs for plays at Saint Charles have been a thrill to create. What's even more thrilling than making them up is actually hearing them come to life and help tell a story.

And, yes, Joe Wink...the husband of my dear friend Kristi. Probably one of the most creative men I know. His short Halloween films have given me the opportunity to pretend to be Danny Elfman - and what fun that is! It has been sheer bliss creating scores to accompany land-sharks, gill-men, radio-active gorillas, and flocks of angry birds. Love the films, dude…I can't wait for this Halloween!

As far as arranging goes, most of the time it is out of necessity. Working at Saint Charles - an all-boys college prep school - I find that that the choral literature available for men's voices is scarce. I have arranged everything from traditional Christmas songs like "Silent Night" to folks tune like "When Johnny Comes Marching Home" to school specific tunes like the Saint Charles alma mater.

Composing and arranging music for me has always just been. I never set out to be a songwriter necessarily, it just happens. I do strive to keep my compositions and arrangements original and interesting. I hope to compose more in the future and look forward (cross your fingers) to being published in 2007.

Composer Photo Album

Composer Photo Album