Alicia Rytlewski, a Milwaukee-based composer and piano teacher, has found her voice in the music world through her dedication to both her students and her compositions. With a bachelor’s degree in music from Ripon College, a liberal arts school in Wisconsin, Alicia’s journey in music is deeply rooted in her community and personal experiences. From teaching 16 piano students to crafting heartfelt compositions for friends and family, Alicia’s path has been as dynamic as her music.
Under the Hackberry Tree
Alicia’s interest in composing began during high school but didn’t solidify until much later. It wasn’t until 2014 or 2015 that she began to take composition seriously, working to hone her craft and make meaningful strides. A pivotal moment in her journey came in 2016 during a three-month artist residency at a farm. This residency provided her with the time and focus to immerse herself in composition, resulting in several instrumental and vocal pieces, including the Three Sisters Farm Suite.
Alicia Rytlewski
“The farm was really good for me,” Alicia recalls. “It helped me jumpstart my compositions in a really big way.” Although some of her pieces had been written before the residency, it was during this period that her passion for composing truly took root.
Alicia Rytlewski: Three Sisters Farms Suite – II. The Farmers
Alicia’s debut album, titled When We Were Bears, is a deeply personal collection of works. The title track, inspired by a friend with whom she felt a profound connection, serves as the thematic centerpiece of the album. Many of the pieces in the collection were composed for specific individuals, often close friends or family members. For example, Free Spirit was dedicated to her friend Mel, reflecting her vibrant personality, while other compositions were created for weddings. Alicia’s sister’s wedding march, influenced by the music of Pride and Prejudice, is a standout example of her ability to capture the essence of an event or person in her music.
“Writing for specific people gives me a direction of focus,” Alicia explains. “It’s a great source of motivation and inspiration.”
The idea of putting together an album emerged during a trip to New York City with her husband. “I felt like something was missing in my music,” Alicia shares. Her husband’s suggestion to compile her work into an album sparked a newfound determination. A self-described finisher, Alicia was eager to bring her compositions to completion and share them with a broader audience.
The album’s production was a learning experience. Starting in March 2024, Alicia completed four recording sessions, each lasting four hours. Challenges arose during the mixing and mastering process, including delays and the need to find a new mixer. “There’s always a big learning curve when you’re doing something new,” she reflects. Despite these hurdles, the album was completed and set for release in January.
In addition to the recordings, Alicia made her compositions available as sheet music. This decision stemmed from her own experience as a pianist, constantly searching for fresh material to play at events such as weddings and church services. By providing sheet music, she hoped to make her pieces accessible to other musicians. Some of her students have even started learning her compositions, adding a new layer of fulfillment to her teaching.
“It’s almost strange hearing someone else play my music,” Alicia says, “but it’s also very rewarding.”
The album will be released on January 24th. Alicia plans to celebrate its release with a performance in Milwaukee, potentially at the prestigious Pabst Theater. Coordinating a release party has been challenging, especially finding a venue with a quality piano, but the prospect of performing at such a renowned location is thrilling for Alicia.
With her debut album complete, Alicia is already planning her next project. She has a few new pieces ready and is considering either another full album or an EP. Having navigated the challenges of album production once, she feels more confident moving forward. “Now I know the process and the people I can work with,” she says. “I’m excited to do it again.”
From her beginnings as a piano teacher to becoming a composer and recording artist, Alicia Rytlewski’s journey is a testament to her passion and perseverance. Her ability to draw inspiration from personal connections and translate them into music has made her compositions deeply resonant. As she looks toward the future, Alicia is ready to continue sharing her voice with the world, one project at a time.
Alicia Rytlewski’s album, When We Were Bears, will be available on all streaming platforms starting January 24th, 2025. To find out more about Alicia, please visit her website.
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