At 16, he was studying composition at the University of WA when he was invited by Larry Sitsky to study composition and piano at the ANU School of Music.

He later travelled to France for a year to study with Jean-Paul Sevilla, after which he returned to Canberra to complete his ANU Honours degree in Piano and French. That turns out to be a serendipitous combination, as Cook will return to France in October on the Michael Kieran Harvey Scholarship, of which he was co-winner last year.

Cook’s musical interests are eclectic. In 2010 he formed a band, The Monotremes, which is influenced by composers as far apart as Ravel, Bartók, Frank Zappa, Thelonious Monk, and Beck.

As well, Cook was one of five musicians accepted into The Song Company’s MODART. This year he will be participating in workshops in Sydney and Canberra culminating in a performance and recording of an original work.

As part of the ongoing “Musical Offering”, Cook will be performing preludes, fugues and ragtime under the title “From Bach to Joplin,” in the National Library foyer from  7pm-8.15 pm on Tuesday,  July 30. Free entry. All are welcome.