Episode 36: Interview with Gary Schocker

Flute 360

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• 3:50 – Music for flute and piano (published and unpublished) by Gary.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 – Question 4
• 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 5: 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 6: Any last suggestions and/or comments?
• 33:33 – Answer
• 34:20 – Chaminade’s Concertino
• 35:45 – “[Music] really puts you in your own milieu!” – 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

Episode 36 – Sponsors:

• J&K Productions’ Website