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How did a jazz pianist from Columbus, Ohio end up working with huge musical artists like Taylor Swift, NSYNC, and Jennifer Hudson? 

That’s the tale David Cook told when he visited SFCM for a lecture and Q&A with students in September. "Playing in front of 50-60,000 people, you need to get it right, because if you don’t, they will hear it," Cook joked of his time performing with some of the globe's biggest musical artists.

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David Cook speaks to students in the Bowes Center.

Born into a musical family, Cook studied jazz piano at university before eventually graduating and then starting work as a local musician. "I was playing a random gig and the band for NSYNC randomly came in and their music director at the time needed to find musicians," Cook said. Within a year, he was touring with them. Years later the same music director recommended him to Taylor Swift for his playing ability and his positive attitude: "The vibe and the way you work together as a unit becomes equally if not more important than how the music sounds," Cook added. 

But his path did not stop there. Cook honed his skills, developed his musical portfolio, and began work as a music director, which involves more of a top-down view of a performance. 

"What’s the setlist? Where are the peaks and valleys? How do you make the best show? It’s all similar to a jazz set,” Cook said of how his music education plays a part in how he helps artists craft their shows. Over the years, in addition to his extensive work playing and music directing for Taylor Swift, his resume grew to include work with musical artists across all genres, including Jennifer Hudson, Thomas Rhett, Maren Morris, Ben Platt, Kesha, Halsey, Billy Porter, Shayne Steele, and Benson Boone, to name a few. 

Students listen in the Cha Chi Ming recital hall.

Diversifying and developing a skill set as performer, producer, and music director— and anything else that pops up—is something young musicians can take note of. "It is essential for our students to know there is more than one way to make a career for yourself in music," said Assistant Dean and Professional Development Chair Kristen Klehr, who helped organize the lecture. "We are committed to providing these direct learning opportunities and exploring these diverse skill sets within professional development here at SFCM."

Cook's advice for young musicians is to first decide what it is they really want to do. "I knew I wanted to make all my living by playing the piano," he said. "Identify exactly what it is you want to do, whether it's being a performing artist, touring in a band, composing. Whatever it is, go for that with all your energy."

David Cook.

"You already made it this far," he continued. "This is an amazing facility. I can’t believe the resources you have at SFCM right at your fingertips. You’re already at the top one percent— just keep going. No one is going to come up to you and say 'Hey, by the way, you're good enough!' You have to say that for yourself and figure the rest out as you go along.” 

Cook also encouraged young musicians to not feel constrained by labels from the music industry or the world beyond it, and be open to trying new things. “I hate the term 'pop music,'" Cook joked. "It sounds cheap. That’s not what it is. Let’s call it 'backbeat music' or something." 

At the end of the day according to Cook, though his path may have varied, his goal has always been the same, “I just keep playing piano. My day doesn’t feel complete unless I’ve spent some time on the piano.”

Learn more about the Professional Development and Engagement Center at SFCM.