William Gillock Works

William Gillock (1917 - 1993) was an American composer and teacher. He composed numerous solo pieces for students of all levels, as well as ensemble music for students and teachers to play together. He summed up his principles of composition by saying that "melody and rhythmic vitality are essential to compositions that students want to learn." He gave up private teaching to devote himself completely to composing, conducting workshops, and adjudicating. His music has become popular in Japan, Germany, and elsewhere. William Gillock received the Award of Merit for Service to American Music from the National Federation of Music Clubs, the largest nonprofit organization in America to promote and support American music, performers and music education.

William Gillock's twenty-four short piano-pieces, in all keys, called Lyric Preludes in Romantic Style was composed to introduce students to the music of the Romantic period, from Chopin and Schumann to Brahms and Debussy.



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