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. 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."
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.
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).