With so many talented composers in our catalogs, we want to take time to highlight the creativity, process, and passion of those with new music releasing. Each month of 2025 we will feature a composer who has a new piece coming out soon or who has recently published with us in an installment of "Beyond the Score." Today, we are talking with Thomas Keesecker.

What inspired you to begin studying music? 

My mother played piano. I remember a huge book of polkas she used to play from on a Hohner electric piano that my parents brought to the States from Germany. I started piano lessons when I was 6 or 7. I rode my bike to take lessons from a woman who had a studio in her basement.

When I was in high school, a music theory teacher encouraged me to write out my piano improvisations. That really was the beginning of my composing efforts.

What motivates you musically today?  

I’m always writing. Often, my reaction to an event spurs me to say something.

Sometimes, I’d like to put it all aside, but I’m always drawn back to playing and working something out at my piano. I guess you could call it my “comfort zone.”

What do you draw on for inspiration as you begin a new composition? 

For my church music it could be a text or a tune. Playing with a tune, clothing it in a new way, is satisfying. Discovering a text and finding a melody to compliment it is also a joy.

What is your favorite piece of music and why? 

I always cry at the end of Appalachian Spring!

What draws you to write music for the church, and how do you approach text and music for ensembles that are mostly music-loving amateurs? 

I’ve always thought that the role of the church music director is to make their choir or ensemble sound as good as possible. That means selecting appropriate music for their abilities. Over my career I’ve been able to work with all sizes of choirs. That experience has been invaluable.

What is one experience that you have had that wouldn’t have been available if you hadn’t been in the music world? 

I really enjoy giving concerts of my piano music. I share my music, we sing some hymns, I read poetry and tell stories. Afterwards we talk and eat cookies.

What is a favorite hobby or interest outside of music? 

My wife and I enjoy walking and biking in nature. We like sitting on a quiet bench listening to birds and the wind rustling through the trees and grass. We also are very much smitten with our four-year-old granddaughter. We raised three sons so having a sweet little girl to brighten our lives has been a treat.

We are grateful for Thomas' work and the impact it has on the ministry we serve. To learn more about Thomas and his work, check out his releases through Augsburg Fortress here, and his facebook.