Shane Cook (he/him)

Get To Know Composer Shane Cook

1. What has been your favorite part of working on the Amplify Series thus far?
It’s hard to pick a favorite part! Meeting the incredible team at LYNX and the other artists involved this season has been a highlight - everyone has been so warm and a joy to work with. I was also immensely moved reading poetry submissions to the 2023 song cycle project, by how much heart and bravery all of the poets demonstrated by sharing their experiences. There are so many talented writers and it was an honor to get to see their work.

2. How did you discover your passion for composition and what do you love most about it?

I started writing my own little pieces on my keyboard when I was in middle school, and from there I started arranging and writing my own work for classmates in band with me. I guess what I love most about composition is that it is this open format for me to express absolutely whatever I’m feeling, and that the process of working through a piece often helps to to understand my own thoughts and emotions in a deeper way.

3. How would you describe the process of composing a piece of music?

My process changes from piece to piece! Most often, I will land on a musical idea that is interesting to me and that I think will be strong enough to develop a full piece out of. Then I try to push and pull the idea to figure out where it wants to go. Once I have the major ideas and landmarks of the piece mapped out, the work of solving how the rest fits together begins. It feels to me like trying to solve a puzzle - sometimes difficult or infuriating, but when it all finally fits together, it is worth all the trouble.