Episode 33: An Interview with Nicole Chamberlain

Flute 360 | Episode 33: “An Interview with Nicole Chamberlain” (32:14)

In today’s episode, Heidi talks with Nicole Chamberlain who is a flutist and a composer who resides in Atlanta, Georgia (U.S.). She received her Bachelor’s in Music Composition from the University of Georgia. To read Nicole’s full biography, please click here.

Episode 33 – Main Points:

1:03 – Nicole’s Background 1:48 – Nicole has written for larger ensembles, too! 2:54 – Question: Why did you choose the flute? 3:31 – “The clarinet was available to me at the time.” – Nicole 6:10 – “I sing, and I use a keyboard for pitch references and harmonies.” – Nicole 6:49 – Question: What inspired you to start composing? 7:07 – “I thought movie composing was the way to go.” – Nicole 9:17 – Composing for animation was an experience. 9:49 – Question: What’s your compositional process like? 10:29 – Nicole answers the question. 11:27 – “I start improvising.” – Nicole 12:00 – Commissioned works. 13:10 – A piece for tuba and fixed media (electronics) by Nicole. 14:04 – Seeing the process/piece unfold from start to finish is exhilarating. 14:33 – “That is the payoff for me – hearing my piece played live.” – Nicole 14:49 – A story about John Mackey. 15:39 – Heidi’s composition friend. 16:23 – Nicole playing with Dr. Mary Matthews. 17:18 – Question: Do you have a composition that is your all-time favorite? 17:32 – Nicole answers the question. 17:45 – Three-Nine Line for flute and piano (flute sonata) 18:31 – Orchestral work: Ogeechee by Nicole 19:17 – Elizabeth Gilbert’s book: Big Magic 20:03 – Question: For the budding new composer what advice would you give them? 20:20 – “Write everyday even when it doesn’t sound good.” – Nicole 21:14 – “Write for yourself.” – Nicole 21:40 – Advice from Joan Tower. 22:00 – “Organize your website via instrument.” – Nicole 22:43 – “Wail!” for Flute and Trombone 23:16 – “It’s hard to use your imagination if you use a MIDI file.” – Nicole 23:40 – Heidi’s creative student. 25:52 – “It’s a whole process and being patient with yourself.” – Nicole 25:58 – “I have a hard time calling myself a composer, because it seems a bit too much.” – Nicole 26:08 – Picks!

Picks:

Nicole

Aaron Copland’s Autobiography in 2 volumes: 1900-1942 and Since 1943 Website:Mymusicstaff.com

Heidi

Essential Oils:

Lemongrass Clary Sage

Episode 33 – Resources Mentioned:

Nicole Chamberlain’s Website Nicole Chamberlain’s YouTube Channel Nicole Chamberlain’s Album Nicole Chamberlain’s Album via iTunes Heidi Kay Begay’s Website J&K Productions’ Website