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:
Episode 33 – Resources Mentioned:
