Music In Progress

Music In Progress

By Michael CookeArtsMusicPerforming ArtsMusic Commentary
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Music In Progress episodes

  • Post-Concert Reflections

    Post-Concert Reflections

    After a thrilling premiere filled with last-minute drama (including an injured oboist!), I swapped the concert hall for a paint-splattered ladder. Now, post-symphony and post-vacation, I’m recharged, reflective, and ready to dive into new musical adventures once again.

    4 min
  • The Work After “The Work”

    The Work After “The Work”

    Finishing the symphony didn’t mean the work was done. From printing scores and preparing parts to writing for the American Beethoven Society and adjusting tempos after feedback, every step reminded me that composition thrives through collaboration, community, and constant refinement.

    6 min
  • Finishing Touches on the Finale

    Finishing Touches on the Finale

    I spent August refining the finale of my Fourth Symphony—revising problem spots, reworking the beginning and ending, and polishing details. With feedback from mentors and renewed confidence, the piece is nearly performance-ready, and even the American Beethoven Society will help promote it.

    6 min
  • The Calm Before the Coda

    The Calm Before the Coda

    After a refreshing break, I’m back at work on the Fourth Symphony’s finale—moving into slower variations, layered chorales, and rhythmic twists. With only 24 measures left, the first draft is nearly complete. The finale is just ahead!

    6 min
  • Second Fugue, First Signs of Burnout: The Halfway Report

    Second Fugue

    A dense fugue, a rhythmic twist, and a well-earned milestone—this week’s progress on my Fourth Symphony hits the halfway mark. With burnout looming, I’m pausing to recharge before tackling the final variations and driving toward a complete first draft.

    5 min
  • Marching Forward

    March variation, a tipsy waltz, and leading to an inverted fugue—this week’s work on my Fourth Symphony brought unexpected turns and forward motion. With inspiration from Beethoven and Hindemith, I’m hitting my stride again, right on schedule.

    5 min
  • Composing After Chaos: Symphony No. 4 Got Its Groove Back

    Composing After Chaos: Symphony No. 4 Got Its Groove Back

    Beethoven meets Hindemith in the latest progress on my Symphony No. 4. This post explores fugues, rhythm, and how detailed planning—and the right tools—helped me jump back into composing after a long break. Momentum is building again!

    7 min
  • How Things Get Off Track — and the Importance of Notes

    How Things Get Off Track — and the Importance of Notes

    After a month-long break caused by unexpected life events, I’m returning to my symphony project. Thanks to detailed notes and a clear plan, I’m able to jump back in smoothly—highlighting why keeping documentation is crucial for creative continuity.

    5 min
  • Best Laid Plans of Mice and Composers…

    Best Laid Plans of Mice and Composers…

    A last-minute scramble to replace two missing compositions on an SFCCO concert turned my schedule plans upside down. I revived "Triangles", a guided improvisation piece from a decade ago, refining instructions and parts to fit our current ensemble—reminding me how quickly plans can change.

    5 min

About Music In Progress

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Uncovering the depths of the creative processes of composing music. Gain valuable insights with practical tips and techniques. Whether you’re a fellow musician, an enthusiast, or just curious about…