Episode 43

Flute 360 | Episode 43: “Kathy Blocki, Inventor of the Pneumo Pro” (28:10)

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In today’s episode, Heidi talks with Kathy Blocki who is a flutist, teacher, and inventor of the Pneumo Pro! Heidi and Kathy talk about her process, obstacles along the way, the product and what solutions it resolves. Check-out today’s episode for more details!

Episode 43 – Main Points:

0:31 – William S. Haynes Co. Website
1:25 – Welcome!
1:41 – Kathy resides outside of Pittsburgh.
2:29 – Question: Please give us your musical background.
2:43 – Kathy’s Answer
3:00 – Bernard Goldberg, flutist
3:10 – Marcel Moyse, flutist
3:22 – Marcel Moyse’s “24 Little Melodic Studies”
4:05 – Samuel Baron, flutist
5:05 – James Pellerite, flutist
5:16 – “[James’] incredible strengths were rhythm and intonation.” – Kathy
5:44 – “I discovered that I fell in-love with teaching!” – Kathy
6:00 – Preliminary thoughts of the Pneumo Pro happened at a Thanksgiving dinner!
6:57 – The first prototype was wooden.
7:22 – Go see the different prototypes of the Pneumo Pro at Heidi’s website.
8:15 – “It has been quite the journey!” – Kathy Blocki
9:10 – Question: What solution were you solving?
9:40 – “The solution for that beautiful low note.” – Kathy
9:55 – “I was teaching [the students] to blow on their hand…and I saw that they wouldn’t blow on their hand for very long.” – Kathy
10:16 – Question: From conception to production how long did it take?
10:25 – Kathy’s Answer
11:16 – “I am a flute player not an injection molder!” – Kathy
12:52 – Question: How did you come up with the name?
13:06 – “My husband was studying Greek at the time.” – Kathy
13:28 – Go listen to Flute 360’s Episodes 40, 41, and 42.
13:54 – Question: What was the biggest obstacle and how did you overcome it?
14:22 – “It takes a lot of money and a lot of faith.” – Kathy
14:44 – “You planned and your husband was able to view the books and save. You have to plan.” – Heidi
15:00 – Step out in faith!
15:51 – Gather information all the time.
16:25 – Network and get advice.
17:00 – Question: Please give us an elevator pitch for the Pneumo Pro.
17:48 – Kathy’s Answer
18:00 – Sir James Galway, flutist
18:41 – J.S. Bach, Sonata in E minor, Mvt. 2
20:50 – Question: Any advice for the future inventor?
21:12 – Kathy’s Answer
22:35 – Question: Where can people find you online?
22:40 – Kathy’s YouTube Channel.
23:12 – Future Flute 360 Episode about KinderFlute– Stay Tuned!
23:38 – Picks!