Kyle Landry

What does music mean to you personally?

To me, music is an expression of oneself, but also an outlet to help sooth emotional wounds. Whenever I am sad, I sit at my piano and let my hands take over.

Do you agree that music is all about fantasy?

I do agree that music can be fantasy, but not always.

If you were not a professional musician, what would you have been?

If not a musician, a real estate agent, for sure!

The classical music audience is getting old, are you worried about the future?

I am not. I do think there are a lot of us out there that appreciate quality music recorded on acoustic instruments!

What do you envision the role of music to be in the 21st century? Do you see that there is a transformation of this role?

It will continue to be the soundtrack to our car rides, and the shoulder that we can lean on when we are sad, and of course a reason to smile and collaborate with each other. However, I do think that the future of tonal music will live on in the 21st century through video games and film. It is especially important to recognize just how musical video games can be, and will continue to be!

Do you think that the musician today needs to be more creative? What is the role of creativity in the musical process for you?

It is subjective, I think. I would like to think that each and every musician has their own reality and experience with music, and the role of creativity in the process will simply shape that. Creativity is a primary function of my musical process, I’d say.

Do you think we as musicians can do something to attract the younger generation to music concerts? How would you do this?

There must be something we can do. I know that many orchestras will offer heavily discounted seating for people under a certain age. The amount of times I was able to go to the BSO in Boston, MA back when I lived in New England was almost entirely due to how affordable it was for me, being under 40!

Tell us about your creative process. What is your favorite piece (written by you) and how did you start working on it?

Most of my compositions are improvised, or partially improvised, but not entirely. I would say that improvisation is the most important aspect of myself as a musician. As far as my favorite piece that I’ve written, it’s really hard to say. It’s a toss up between my 100th improvisation for YouTube, The American Rhapsody, and maybe Storytale Sounscapes movement 2.

Can you give some advice for young people who want to discover classical music for themselves?

Listen to music with your full attention, especially classical music. Maybe even close your eyes and try to picture each individual instrument playing on stage. Most importantly, get yourself to a classical concert at one of the many orchestras around the world.

Do you think about the audience when composing?

Not usually.

What projects are coming up? Do you experiment in your projects?

Nothing in particular. I was planning on writing a new series of little piano pieces based on different types of flowers, but it hasn’t started yet.