Pianist & Composer, Robert Van Horne
1. When was your first experience with music that you can remember?
At age 5, my Uncle Leo taught me my first song on the piano using my right hand index finger. It was “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star.” I loved playing that piece.
2. Who has influenced, motivated, and inspired you in your music?
My mother was my biggest influence. She gave me encouragement and started me on piano lessons at age 7 with a very good teacher. My paternal Grandfather also played the piano by ear and influenced me by playing the piano whenever we would visit. Later, I took piano lessons from a nun at my Elementary school. However, the most influential piano teacher was Dr. Earl Echternach during my four High School years. He is the reason I pursued music and later graduated from “The Philadelphia Musical Academy.” Also, another teacher who inspired me after college was the jazz pianist George Shearing. Having him as a teacher was an incredible experience with improvisation.
3. What role has music played in your life?
Music has always had a very significant role in my life. I performed on cruise ships in Asia and the Caribbean. I also performed at Hotels in Singapore and appeared on television and radio.
4. When did you first realize that you wanted to focus on music?
I suppose during my four years in High School at my piano lessons with Dr. Echternach. He gave me encouragement and guidance in Classical music. He is the main reason I continued with my musical career.
5. When did you write your first composition?
I was a Junior in High School in 1965. It was called “Waltz Nocturne.” It was my first piano solo.
6. Tell me about your compositional process?
Usually someone, something, or an experience inspires me. I always need a piano to compose. I let my fingers and ears try different combinations of sounds and chords. Using my knowledge of music and listening to the works of other composers, helps me create my compositions. For me, writing and rewriting is important. I then let time elapse, making any changes that seem appropriate and musical.
7. Have you changed the way you teach and compose music during covid19?
I no longer teach piano since 2017, well before Covid 19. However, composing and arranging is something I enjoy doing.
8. How has covid19 changed your life?
Unfortunately, I no longer perform live concerts at retirement communities because of Covid 19.
9. How did you feel when you published your first compositions?
Publishing my first compositions with Warner Brothers Publishing was a wonderful feeling. I started my record company WPI Records in 1994 publishing ten piano compositions entitled “China Love.” A few years later, WB sub-published the sheet music into a book.
10. Why do you write music, or do what you do in the field of music?
Writing music is a creative way for me to express myself. It’s hard work, but I love devoting the time and energy to it.
11. Do you have a favorite genre or type of musical group to work with or write for?
My favorite genre is the American standard songs from the 20’s to the 40’s. Gershwin, Porter, Kern and Rogers. I also like Mancini and Webber more recent songwriters.
Listening to Classical pieces is still an important part of my life.
15. Do you use technology in your compositions, teaching, business? If so, then how?
To make sheet music, I use Sibelius Notation Program. It’s intuitive so I can spend more time notating and arranging than trying to learn the program.
16. Do you have any advice for composers today?
Listen to the songs and music you enjoy and try to imitate the style. Analyze the music you like and learn how it is constructed. Most of all write a simple melody every day and make sure it is notated so you don’t forget it. You may be able to use that idea someday.
17. How do you want to be remembered?
As a pianist, composer who touched people’s hearts with my music.
