Creating the Inspiration

Though he had a long-time dream of making a CD, that dream did not begin to be realized until during his mission in the California Santa Rosa Mission.

Brother Michael R. Hicks began his musical career when he was seven years old. Michael took an early interest in the piano. Coming from a very musical family, it was only natural that he would gain an early love for music and began to expand his talents. His grandfather, Lowell P. Hicks, was a professional musician who played with the Utah Symphony, taught music and performed all over the Salt Lake Valley, including regular on-air appearances for 1160 KSL. Michael’s father, Roger Hicks, found time around his dental practice to participate as a principle bassoonist for the Utah Ballet Orchestra and teach classes at BYU.

After a few years of the ivories, Michael expanded his musical interests to include other instrumental forms, among them, percussion. He also began to write and arrange his own music on the piano. "I feel extremely blessed that the Lord has provided me with the talent to create music," explains Michael. "I strive to utilize this gift for building the Lord’s kingdom and uplifting others through my compositions."

While serving in the Bay Area, then Elder Hicks took advantage of his P-days to continue what he had started shortly before his mission; writing music. He continued writing solo piano arrangements and medleys of different hymns and primary songs.

"The word of my music got out and ward members and fellow missionaries often asked if I would make a tape of my arrangements," recalls Michael. "I took a simple tape recorder to the church and sat it on the piano as I played."

He enjoyed the opportunity to utilize his talents and be able to share them with others in this fashion. After returning from his mission, he decided to follow his long-time dream.

"When I got home from my mission," he explains, "the requests kept coming, so I decided to shoot for my long-time dream – to do a CD."

In 1997, Michael fulfilled that dream by taking his sound to the studio. His first CD was a compilation of his arrangements and medleys entitled, To Satisfy the Law.

He continued writing and recording and eventually wrote a medley of As Sisters in Zion and We’ll Bring the World His Truth for the Especially For Youth program in 1999. More than 35,000 youth participating at EFY were taught the arrangement. The medley was such a success that it has been incorporated into a yearly tradition and is sung at part of the special weekly fireside.

With the success of that arrangement, Michael was asked to write another. Responding to that request, he created and original arrangement of I Know That My Redeemer Lives, which is featured on the EFY 2000, Forward With Faith.

Michael’s talents and dreams continue to flourish. His inspiration has spawned another album, complete with original work. The latest album, Creations, is a collection of original piano-based instrumental music that celebrates the beauties off the Earth and explores the concept of creation. Michael’s father, Roger, is also featured on this latest album.

"I’m really excited about this new album," explains Michael. "Every day of the creation is involved, but I didn’t title my songs, ‘Land,’ ‘Sea,’ or ‘Mountains.’ Each song is about a specific experience in inspiring places I’ve traveled."

For those who have had the pleasure of experiencing Michael’s music, it is easy to see how this young man has developed a wonderful gift and is using that gift in a way that the Lord would have it.