Y Student Writes, Performs

BYU student Michael R. Hicks is inspiring people with his spiritual renditions of the LDS hymns.

Coming from a musical family, Hicks has always been interested in music. Hi began learning the piano and percussion when he was 7-years old and soon found that he was a natural on the ivories.

Hicks began arranging hymns on his mission. All of those that heard his renditions responded positively and many asked Hicks to make tapes of his music for them. Hicks would take an old tape recorder to the local church on P-days and fill the requests. People continued to ask for copies and Hicks decided to best way to meet the demand was to release a CD.

Hicks likes to arrange hymns because it is the best way to express himself.

"I am grateful for the ability to have another means of communicating," Hicks said. "Through music I am given another means to say something and music can reach people in a way that words can't."

Hicks' future in music seems promising. He is in the process of publishing the sheet music to accompany his CD, "To Satisfy the Law." Hicks said he would like to produce another CD of original works.

"Right now I am just working on opening door and getting experience in the field," Hicks said.

Hicks is using his convictions and abilities to reach out to others using his music. While studying with the BYU study abroad program in Israel, Hicks had the opportunity to do a fireside for all those in the group. Hicks played his music in the upper auditorium that overlooks all of the old city. As he played his arrangements, the congregation joined in singing "I Know That My Redeemer Lives."

"It was a real choice experience for me," Hicks said.