Gary Schocker

One of the finest flutists of his generation, Gary Schocker is also a pianist and harpist, a prolific composer, and a compassionate teacher.

Born into a musical family in Easton PA, he began to play the piano before he was 3 years old. His father, Paul Schocker, was a multi-talented instrumentalist and composer as well. Schocker’s nursery shared a wall with his father’s studio, so music was heard around the clock. As a result, music has always felt as much a part of him as breathing.

The flute came into his life at age 10, and by the time he was 15, he had performed as a soloist with The Philadelphia Orchestra and the New York Philharmonic, the latter in a nationally televised Young Peoples’ Concert. He attended The Juilliard School and subsequently won many competitions. The most important of these was the Young Concert Artists International Auditions in 1985, which offered professional management and began his adult performing career.

Known for his insightful performances, as well as his beautiful sound and seemingly effortless technique, Gary has performed and taught on five continents. As a composer, Schocker has won many awards as well and has received commissions from instrumental societies, performing groups, and individuals. There are more than 300 works by Schocker currently in publication. His musicals, Far From The Madding Crowd and The Awakening, can be heard on Original Cast Recordings featuring several Tony-award-winning performers. Both shows were winners of The Global Search For New Musicals in the United Kingdom.

Through his decades-long study of mind/body modalities, such as the Alexander Technique and the Feldenkreis Method, he has studied his own physical technique and has developed an uncanny sense about others’ playing. His lessons are tailored to find player-specific solutions. He has helped many people overcome physical challenges and discover more musical joy. He teaches a monthly virtual masterclass that has players from around the globe and he also has students in person in New York City, and virtually in places as far off as Australia and Japan.