Viola fellow Malik Muhammad is headed off to University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign studying Music Composition. Before taking this big step, Malik reflects on his experiences with CMPI.
His musical story began in second grade when he started learning the violin through A Touch of Classical Plus. While the instrument was not one he chose himself, it provided the foundation for years of musical growth. It was two years ago that he decided to make the switch from violin to viola. He explains that the viola felt more natural to him. The viola’s rich and warm sound resonated with him.
Alongside his development as a violist, he discovered a passion for composing. His works have focused primarily on string ensembles, including pieces for string groups as well as compositions featuring strings with flute and harp. As his senior year came closer, he made the decision to pursue music composition.
During his musical journey, Malik has performed with various ensembles including Merit Philharmonic, the Hyde Park Youth Symphony Orchestra, and Sounds of Harmony, experiences that have broadened his musical perspective and strengthened his ensemble musicianship. Additionally, Malik has participated in masterclasses with Antoine Tamestit for viola and Peter Boyer for composition.
Throughout his time with CMPI, mentorship has played a defining role in his success. He credits his mentor, Wilfred Farquharson, with helping him grow tremendously as a musician and person. He says Wilfred filled in the gaps for viola while being an outstanding role model. As a composer, he also looks to acclaimed composer Jessie Montgomery for inspiration, admiring her musical creativity and guidance. Through CMPI, he was invited to participate in Civic Orchestra of Chicago’s composition program, where he debuted his first composition, “Softly Blue (Suddenly) Grey.” Malik was then accepted to the Chicago Symphony Orchestra’s Young Composers Initiative (YCI), where he has been studying under Jessie Montgomery since 2022.
One of his favorite memories from CMPI has been attending Chicago Symphony Orchestra concerts. Experiencing performances by world-class musicians provided inspiration that left a lifelong impact on him.
Malik was very successful during his time with CMPI! Malik received the 2025 Jack Cook Kent Young Artist Award recognizing his compositions. This award provided him with a private composition lesson, a laptop, and opportunities to attend several music festivals.
When Malik isn’t practicing or composing, he enjoys collecting and caring for tropical plants. He credits himself as an avid plant lover.
This fall, he will attend the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, where he plans to study music composition with Stephen Taylor and Reynold Tharp. Malik looks back on his time with CMPI as one he is honored and grateful for.
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