Flutist, composer and musical innovator Robert Dick has often been called a visionary for transforming the sound of the flute and merging the world of classical music with new jazz.
Dick taught a guest lecture and performed Wednesday at the School of Music Recital Hall in the College of Music and Dramatic Arts, demonstrating for students his unique take on contemporary classical music.
Katherine Kemler, woodwind coordinator and professor in the School of Music, arranged for Dick’s extended University visit.
Though he has visited before, Kemler said Dick reached out to her saying he wanted to work with composers and flutists.
Dick’s musical charm and praises stem from his musicality and original sound.
At 8 years old, Dick began playing the flute and was disillusioned to learn the instrument could only play one note at a time. This led him to a life of musical exploration that most call visionary.
“I have followed a lifelong music vision, but I am not a believer in saying I am a visionary,” Dick said.
Dick reminisced on his time as a student when he tried to imitate an admired musician but instead learned a valuable lesson.
When he was a studying at the City University of New York, Dick was convinced Julius Baker’s rendition of Bach’s E-flat major sonata was “the cat’s meow,” and no musician could do it better, so he set out to recreate the recording.
He copied the recording of the sonata perfectly, even slowing the tape and rewinding it to make sure every vibrato and note was a perfect imitation.
When he finally played it for his teacher, Dick was told he sounded better when he played like himself.
Dick said he tries to teach this valuable lesson to his students as well.
Performance arts master’s student Rebekah Gaona attended Dick’s guest lecture and said because he composed the music they were playing, he was able to specifically dictate what he wanted.
Kemler said the pieces were engaging and used extended techniques.
“Not only is he a great performer of contemporary music, but also the composer of the piece,” Kemler said.
Gaona said Dick encouraged her to listen to more jazz music and bring out her individual sound.
“He wanted me to improvise on the spot,” Gaona said.
Though Dick is known for experimenting and going against the norm, he maintains that he never disregarded traditional teachings and lessons.
“What they didn’t understand is that I was never throwing anything away,” Dick said. “You can’t really enter and create the future unless you understand the past.”
As for criticism, Dick said he has tried to dismiss the naysayers and continue to perform to his liking.
Dick joked about his critics, saying they can only go in two directions.
“People can say what they want. The people who criticized me, many of them came around and the others dropped dead,” Dick said.
“You can’t really enter and create the future unless you understand the past.”
Robert Dick poses with his flute in the School of Music Tuesday, April 23, 2013. He will be performing as a guest during a recital April 24 from 7:30-10:00 PM.
