Utahn's classical piano training led to musically varied life, profession

Another thing Hildebrandt has done is produce a CD of LDS Primary songs, "At Jesus' Knee," which reflects all her musical interests and influences. It includes arrangements "that adults will enjoy as much as children." It includes several of her original compositions. She sings some of the songs, but she also brought in local musicians Dave Tinney, Rebecca Lopez and members of the Salt Lake Children's Choir to help with the vocals. She plays the piano, but she brought in Jenny Oaks Baker, Sarah Skutel Holden, Emily Hope Price and Daron Bradford to play various other instruments.

She has also created a book of sheet music with her arrangements. (For more information, visit her Web site, amhmusic.com.)

The whole project has been "a song of my heart," Hildebrandt says. She chose Primary songs for a couple of reasons. First, she says, "they are the 'comfort food' of music — pure, simple and beautiful. Hearing these beloved melodies transports me back to the best parts of my childhood."

Plus, she is now a single mother of two boys, ages 4 and 5. "I started thinking about my life at those ages. I had the idea back then that I could be perfect if I just made a plan and executed it. I made a list of things I needed to learn and set about learning them. About all I remember is that I learned there were 60,000 species of mollusks," she says with a laugh.

But she loves the simplicity of that childhood process. "I could see that path so clearly. We lose that simplicity as we grow up. But it really is that simple. If we could just reclaim the faith and trust we had as a child, that would be so valuable. That's what Jesus means when he tells us to become like little children."

The CD includes songs that "come from that angle," Hildebrandt says, such as "I Am A Child of God," "I'm Trying to Be Like Jesus," and "I Feel My Savior's Love." Her original songs continue that theme, focusing on the relationship with Heavenly Father and the eternal nature of childhood lessons.

Most of the selections are "favorites of mine. But I also made a conscious effort to choose songs that have a universal appeal to all Christians."

Another satisfying part of the project for Hildebrandt was singing on the CD. "Growing up, I was always the accompanist. I never got to sing. I remember lying in bed one night, wondering if I had a good voice. I called my Mom in and asked her to listen to me sing. I sang a song, and she said, 'That's nice, now go to sleep.' I was a little disappointed in her reaction."

Now, she says, "I sing because I need to sing." Just as she makes music because she needs to make music; it is an integral part of who she is.

Her next project, she says, will feature her Irish harp.

She loves the fact that there is so much to explore and enjoy in music. "It's incredible the way it can tap into your emotions. Music makes you feel — it can make you feel sad, it can make you feel joyful. It's a very powerful tool."

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E-mail: carma@desnews.com