Episode 36: Interview with Gary Schocker

Flute 360 | Episode 36: “An Interview with Gary Schocker” (42:32)

In today’s episode, Heidi talks with Gary Schocker who is a flutist, composer, teacher, pianist, and harpist. Topics include music education, compositional process, and musicality. Check out today’s episode to hear more!

Episode 36 – Main Points:

1:26 – Welcome! 1:28 – Question 1: Please share with us your background! 1:46 – Gary’s Background 2:00 – Gary’s first teacher was his father. 2:20 – Gary studied with Julius Baker. 2:30 – The Juilliard School of Music 3:35 – Schocker’s “Regrets and Resolutions” 3:50 – Music for flute and piano (published and unpublished) by Gary. 5:06 – “I am always improving my flute technique.” – Gary 5:51 – “It’s an exploration...I’ve learned a lot about my hands when playing the harp.” – Gary 6:57 – Emily Mitchell, harpist 8:05 – Composer: Chopin 8:32 – Composer: Luis Calvo & his piece “Malvaloca” 10:10 – Harp & Guitar Duet, “Hypnotized” by Gary Schocker (Video & Music) 10:58 – Question 2: What is your compositional process like? 11:16 – Answer 13:57 – Question 3: Is there a specific piece that is your favorite? 14:09 – Answer 14:42 – Gary’s “Three Dances for Two Flutes” 15:44 – Gary loves Telemann (Telemann’s Fantasies) 16:56 – What piece(s) do you like of yours that don’t 17:30 – Gary’s “Sonatas No. 8 and No. 9” 17:49 – Gary’s “Airborne” 18:09 – Gary’s “Musique Française” 18:21 – Gary’s “Flutes in the Garden” for three flutes 19:30 – “The nature of the flute is ultimately to float!” – Gary 21:00 – Question 4: Any advice for the budding new composer? 22:44 – Answer 24:49 – Alexander Technique 25:32 – Gary talks about his approach to teaching. 26:58 – Composer: David Diamond 30:09 – “Sensitivity is a big part of music.” – Gary 33:22 – Question 4 – Any last suggestions and/or comments? 33:33 – Answer 34:20 – Chaminade’s Concertino 35:45 – “[Music] really puts you in your ownmilieu!” – Gary 36:44 – Picks! 38:52 – Jake and Gabe Fridkis 41:20 – Conclusion

Episode 36 – Picks:

Gary

Old Haynes Flutes!

Heidi

To rekindle old relationships with a friend, colleague, or mentor & to create a space for new relationships to form!

Episode 36 – Resources Mentioned:

Gary Schocker’s Website Gary Schocker’s Twitter Theodore Presser – Gary Schocker Heidi Kay Begay’s Website 

Episode 36 – Sponsors:

J&K Productions’ Website