Episode 43

Flute 360 | Episode 43: “Kathy Blocki, Inventor of the Pneumo Pro” (28:10)
flute, flutist, KinderFlute, Pneumo Pro, Kathy Blocki, Indiana, flute inventions, flute gadgets, Martin Blocki, Flute Zoo, Blocki Flute Methods

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!

Picks:

Kathy

Heidi

Episode 43 – Resources Mentioned:

Episode 43 – Sponsors:

Different Prototypes:

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“Early fan for Pneumo Pro.” – Kathy Blocki
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“First attempt at Pneumo Pro.” – Kathy Blocki
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“Original wood Pneumo Pro had 48 pieces including all the screws and washers. All the birch wood was precision cut using a computerized saw. The wood was treated with canola oil and then hung to dry. Each Pneumo Pro took about an hour to assemble.” – Kathy Blocki
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“A plastic version of the same design [image 3].” – Kathy Blocki
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“Second and more elegant design was made in a machine shop. It became super expensive to make, so we went to the current injection mold.” – Kathy Blocki
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“Latest model with food grade fans made of a special material that is self-lubricating, so they spin well.” – Kathy Blocki
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Episode 43
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