Michael R. Hicks
Since 1999 approximately a third of a million youth at the Especially for Youth (EFY) program, as well as tens of thousands in church congregations around the world have sung Michael R. Hick’s well–known composition of the “EFY Medley: As Sisters in Zion & We’ll Bring the World His Truth.” The song has been sung on such occasions as seminary graduations, missionary farewells, temple dedication celebrations, as well as, youth conferences throughout the world in Lithuania, Australia, Japan, China, Canada, the United Kingdom, and throughout South America to name but a few places. His music has uplifted audiences worldwide, has won awards, and his arrangements have been performed by many – from small church choirs to famous country music performers.
Michael is a native of Salt Lake City, Utah. He graduated from Brigham Young University (BYU) with a degree in Marketing Communication and a minor in music. He served a two-year full-time mission in the California Santa Rosa Mission. He worked as a counselor for the Especially for Youth program for five summers, and taught seminary classes for a semester at Mountain View High School in Oren, Utah. He has also spoken on many topics and has performed with various artists.
He released his first CD in 1997 entitled To Satisfy the Law which consisted of solo piano arrangements of hymns, and published the piano book for the CD the following year. In 1999, he produced a CD single and sheet music for his arrangement of “As Sisters in Zion & We’ll Bring the World His Truth.” In 2000, his arrangement of “I Know That My Redeemer Lives” was included on the 2000 EFY album Forward with Faith. His project, Creations, which is an album of original-based instrumental music celebrating the beauties of the earth, was nominated for three awards at the 2001 Pearl Awards. In 2002, in a collaborative effort between himself, Jon Schmidt, Paul Cardall, and David Tolk, he created a new-age piano collection called Piano Portraits which was nominated for two Pearl Awards. In 2009, he produced a follow up CD to Piano Portraits called Piano Portraits Lullaby, again with the collaboration of Jon Schmidt, Paul Cardall, and David Tolk.
Michael currently lives in Salt Lake City with his wife, daughter, and son.
Follow Michael R. Hicks
Recent Posts
Susan Evans McCloud Recounts the Story Behind the Hymn, “Lord, I Would Follow Thee”
Susan Evans McCloud, the lyricist of the beloved hymn, “Lord, I Would Follow Thee” (Hymns, no. 220), says that while she was writing the hymn one of the things that she learned is that the Lord’s timing is not our timing, and His ways are not our ways. He often has a...
The Bonner Family Released Soul-Stirring Music Video “Child of God” from “Jane and Emma” Movie
On Tuesday, 18 September 2018, 10 members of the multitalented Bonner family released a soul-stirring music video of the song “Child of God” from the upcoming movie, Jane and Emma. The movie premiers in select theaters on 12 October 2018. It is the story of two women...
Micah Harmon Shares Message of Serving Others and Fighting for What We Believe In
On Saturday, 15 September 2018, Micah Harmon of the world-renowned One Voice Children’s Choir released a music video on his YouTube channel which is a mashup of Rachel Platten’s “Fight Song” and two LDS missionary songs – “Called to Serve” and “I Hope They Call Me on...
Music in the Key of Life: JTM Opens Up About Being Abused as a Child in New Music Video
On 9 September 2018, JTM (formerly known as James The Mormon), released what is perhaps his most vulnerable music video to date. The video called “I Could Be Wrong,” is a depiction of his own abuse as a child. JTM says in the video description, “The first 17 years of...
Music in the Key of Life: “For the Love of a Blue-Eyed Boy”
This is the heartwarming, awe-inspiring backstory of the beautiful song "For the Love of a Blue-Eyed Boy" written by Mary Hiett. Mary is also the author of this article. This song is dedicated to this mother, and mothers and fathers everywhere who Foster Care and hope...
Music in the Key of Life – “Farewell September” (Noelle’s Theme)
This article was written by Mary Hiett. The song "Farewell September" is from her album Notes from the Heart. September always causes me to think of the very first song that I composed. The song that opened the front door of my heart, so I could go in and...