William Gillock

William Gillock (July 1, 1917 - September 7, 1993) was an American composer.  He was born in La Russell, Missouri. He taught music and composed piano music.

Early life and education

Gillock studied music at Central Methodist College (called Central College at that time), in Fayette, Missouri.  His instructor was N. Louise Wright.

Later life

He moved to New Orleans as a young man.  He taught music there for many years. Doskey, Henry. 1994. "William Glock; Teacher and Friend," The American Music Teacher, 43(5): 22ff. https://www.proquest.com/docview/1294826798 Later, he stopped teaching and moved to Texas.  In Texas, "
he was the first and only judge for the first twenty-one years of the Junior Pianists’ Guild, which involved over fourteen hundred students."  

Music

Gillock wrote piano music for children.  Some of his compositions were solo pieces, and some were ensemble pieces. He taught music at many workshops.    Because his music was very melodic, he was called "the Schubert of children’s composers." http://aadgt.org/gillock-competition/

His music is often played at piano festivals.

 Honors 

Gillock was given the Award of Merit for Service to American Music by the National Federation of Music Clubs five times. 

 Later life and death 

He died in Dallas on September 7, 1993. 

Legacy

In March 2018, the AADGT held a piano competition in honor of Gillock.  

The ABRSM exam syllabus includes his works.  Rejino,  Richard.  2017.  "The Magic of William Gillock, Part 1," The American Music Teacher,  66(4): 12-16,  https://www.proquest.com/docview/1892974767

Further reading

 Dictionary of International Biography-Men of Achievement.
 International Who's Who of Musicians.
 Bona, N.J., 1995. An Analytical Guide to Teaching and Performing Selected 'Lyric Preludes' of William Gillock (Doctoral dissertation, University of Miami).
 Duarte, K.S., 2004. ''The Piano Music of William Gillock (Doctoral dissertation, University of Oklahoma).

Category:1917 births
Category:1993 deaths
Category:American composers