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

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

• Flute 360!

Heidi

• Movie: “Mozart’s Sister” (2010)
• Cypress Valley Canopy Tours (outside of Austin, TX)
• Card Games: Crazy Eight, Go Fish, and Whist!

Episode 43 – Resources Mentioned:

• Blocki Flute Method Website
• Kathy Blocki’s YouTube Channel
• KinderFlute
• William S. Haynes Co. Flutes’ Instagram
• William S. Haynes Co. Flutes’ Twitter
• William S. Haynes Co. Flutes' Facebook
• Carolyn Nussbaum Music Company - Pneumo Pro

Episode 43 – Sponsors:

• Gold Level: William S. Haynes Co. Website
• Silver Level: Contact Heidi for more details!
• Bronze Level: J&K Productions’ Website