Welcome to MaryAnne Muglia, our newest voice in the Graphite kaleidoscope!
New pieces:
“Sing On” – a positive message about the power of music;
“You Are the Moon” – a fun but brooding contemplation;
“We Rise” – a powerful message of determination and hope.
“I write music because I have to. Creating is how I make sense of emotion and change, and how I stay connected to myself and others.”
MaryAnne Muglia (she/her; pronounced “moolia”) is a composer, vocalist, and educator based in Arizona. She arranges and writes contemporary choral music, vocal jazz, and indie-influenced original songs.
Her work has been performed by—and she has collaborated with—ensembles across the country, including Lyyra, Chanticleer, The King’s Return, Säje Voices, and more. She is the founder of Red Letter Daze, a professional vocal group with over 200,000 followers online and multiple Contemporary A Cappella Recording Award (CARA) recognitions. “Everyone in the group is not only an extraordinary singer, but also a creative force in her own right,” shares Muglia, “and I feel so grateful to make music alongside people who inspire me.”
Her viral videos—ranging from harmony breakdowns to arrangements of “The Parting Glass,” “The Sound of Silence,” and “Carol of the Bells”—have garnered millions of views across platforms. Enjoy her “Winter Wonderland” harmony breakdown here.
Kinetic energy and a constant restless urgency propel “We Rise” (SATB div. choir and piano) to an inevitable and thrilling climax. The piano increases the tension with pedal points and ostinatos while also supporting the voices. Like a phoenix reborn from the ashes, “We Rise” forcefully expresses the idea that the human heart, though weary, remains wild, untamed, and unstoppable. Available for SATB, SSAA, SSA, SAB, and 2-part Treble.
Two truths, one lie:
- Muglia’s favorite beverage is water.
- She loves bowling.
- She used to work at McDonalds.
Scroll down to find the answer!
Though her projects span a wide range of genres, Muglia’s music is rooted in emotional honesty, lush harmony, and a deep love for singing. Whether writing an indie song, arranging a pop tune, reimagining a jazz standard, or composing a choral work, she centers her craft on authenticity, singable lines, and rich textures.
“Sing On” (SATB choir and piano) is a delightful, easy-to-learn song with a positive message about the power of music. “Sing On” flows over a ceaseless rippling piano figuration, like a paper sailboat in a gentle stream. Muglia treats every voice with care, creating a tapestry of choral sound. Gentle pop-inspired rhythms and syncopations make “Sing On” relatable to younger singers and accessible to any audience.
A brooding, nighttime mood permeates “You Are the Moon” (SATB div. choir a cappella) with a skilled groove, blending popular and traditional choral styles. Muglia uses wordless chorus and invented “phoneme” syllables to create a cloudy, moonlit accompaniment to her melodies. Her own poetry is irrevocably fused with the composition, creating a powerful work of unified art.
Muglia’s distinctive voice as both a creator and arranger is championed by her genre-defying style: a blend of elements involving jazz, folk, and indie pop. She endeavors to explore more instrumental writing, especially orchestration and writing for big bands… when the right moment presents itself. “At this stage of my life as a mother of two young children, I don’t really have a consistent ‘routine’ for creating. I write whenever I have space, and whenever I can,” shares Muglia. “Sometimes it’s late at night, sometimes it’s during nap time, sometimes it’s in little in-between moments. While I hope that one day I might have a more structured creative schedule, there’s something humbling and freeing about accepting the time I do get and creating within it. It’s taught me to be present, flexible, and deeply grateful for every moment I’m able to make music.”
Two truths, one lie REVEAL: #2 is the lie. She despises bowling!
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