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:

• Lemongrass
• Clary Sage

Episode 33 – Resources Mentioned:

• Nicole Chamberlain’s Website
• Nicole Chamberlain’s YouTube Channel
• Nicole Chamberlain’s Album
• Heidi Kay Begay’s Website
• J&K Productions’ Website