Debbie Tanner
Debbie Tanner is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She has been married for 42 years and is the mother of four wonderful children and the grandmother of 12. It was after her children were grown that she found an interest in composing songs and piano pieces. To date, she has composed approximately 50 pieces.
Debbie Tanner was pretty much born with a gift of understanding music and the piano. By the young age of four, she was a pianist for her Church youth organization. She later received formal training as a music/piano major at San Jose State University.
In 2000, Debbie had an incredible idea for a music “tablet” that would take the place of having cumbersome sheets of music. Her brother, Curt Walton, along with some partners, ran with her idea and started a company called Freehand Systems, Inc., creating the Music Pad Pro ®. What they had hoped to create was a product similar to Apple’s iPad Pro (new large screen), but unfortunately, they were about a decade early with the technology. The idea went over well, but the Music Pad Pro ® was a little large and heavy, and the operating system was not exactly what was needed. So, the company decided to stop producing the Music Pad and went into selling online sheet music. The company is now called Online Sheet Music ® and is one of the largest online digital sheet music companies in the world. Debbie served on the Board of Directors along with several well-known musicians and composers like Jung-ho Pak (San Diego / New Haven Symphony conductor) and Kurt Bestor, for several years.
In November 2007, Freehand Systems announced a licensing agreement with EMI Music Publishing, allowing it to gain digital distribution rights to songs published by EMI Music Publishing, the world’s largest Music Publisher.
Debbie’s music is for sale on her official website.
Debbie Tanner’s Official Website
*The following article appeared in the New York Times on 4 May 2003 – RESPONSIBLE PARTIES; Sheet Music Without The Sheets
Follow Debbie Tanner
Recent Posts
Eight-Time No. 1 Charting Billboard Pianist Paul Cardall is First Latter-day Saint to Receive the Dove Award
Paul Cardall, the eight-time No. 1 Billboard charting pianist, has become the first Latter-day Saint to be nominated for album of the year by the Gospel Music Association’s Dove Awards. Paul’s 2018 album release, “Christmas” (produced by Jim Daneker), has been...
Donny and Marie Osmond to be Honored by Las Vegas Walk of Stars
Donald Clark Osmond was born on 9 December 1957 in Ogden, Utah. His sister Olive Marie Osmond was born on 13 October 1959, also in Ogden, Utah. Donald (or Donny as he is professionally known) was the fifth child and Marie (as she is professionally known) is the eighth...
Several LDS Music Artists Join The Nashville Tribute Band for an Interfaith Celebration Concert
On 27 July 2019, more than 20,000 people gathered in Nampa, Idaho, at the Ford Idaho Center for an Interfaith Celebration, which was organized by The Nashville Tribute Band as part of their Redeemer Concert Tour. Instead of a ticket, attendees were asked to bring cans...
What is the Most Requested Song For the New Church Hymnal?
Over the past year, members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (often mistakenly referred to as “the Mormon Church”) have submitted their own hymns and music for the new Church hymnbook and children’s songbook. In addition, members have also had the...
Latter-day Saint Choir’s Light Shines Bright During Blackout in New York City
History sometimes has an unusual way of repeating itself as those in New York City can attest. On Wednesday, 13 July 1977, 42 years ago, New York City experienced a blackout that left 9 million customers without power. That event was somewhat repeated on the evening...
Join Kurt Bestor, Jenny Oaks Baker, and Family Four on an Eastern Carribean Cruise to Help Raise Money to Fight Cancer
How would you like an opportunity to go on a luxury Eastern Carribean cruise aboard the Royal Caribbean Harmony of the Seas? Well, now is your opportunity. On 12-19 January 2020, you can set sail with America’s Violinist, Jenny Oaks Baker, and world-renowned composer...