Mauricio Rodrigues - Always Look For The Pleasure Of Playing The Instrument (Flutist From Brazil)

Mauricio Rodrigues

Mauricio Rodrigues is flutist, he began his musical studies at 12 years old at School Jorge Music Hall  Andrade in Porto Velho. 

In 2010 he became Cable musician from the Brazilian Army Band where he started to study flute cross.

In 2014 he became sergeant temporary musician, and acted as Flutist and Piccolist until the year of 2017 when it ended its period of military service.

Participated in Masterclass with the flutists: Claudio Abrantes (Brazil), Rubem Schuemk (Brazil), Antônio Carrilho (Portugal), Marcio Easter (Brazil), Rogério Wolf (Brazil), Tatiane Gerassimova (Russia). 

As a teacher, he taught classes at events musicals in the following cities: Colorado D'Oeste, Ariquemes, Cacoal, Monte Negro, Espigão D'Oeste, Alto Paraíso and Nova Mamoré.

He taught Transverse Flute Masterclass at the 8th edition of the music on the road project in the city of Porto Velho. 

As a performer he presented music concert Brazilian by Sesc Partituras in the years 2019 and 2020, Played in the Villa Lobos Orchestra of Porto Velho City at the Concerto for Piano and Orchestra accompanying North American Pianist Dr. Shelly.

He played with the Celeste Harmony Orchestra Conducted by American Maestro Camp Kirkland, presented Vivaldi's concerto 533 to two flutes, with the Vilhena Symphony Orchestra

1. Tell us more about your background and journey?

I started to study music when I was 12 years old, my first instrument was the drums, as I had great facility and need to play something melodic, I started to learn the guitar by myself, in every moment that passed I loved music more, I learned several instruments, such as bass, guitar, I learned to sing, and when I became a military musician in the army.

I learned flute, it was love at first sight. I started to study flute without a teacher, after a few years in the army as a musician, I became temporary musician sergeant in the air force where I could dedicate myself entirely to the flute, and there I had teachers who helped me a lot.

At that time I started to stand out and started teaching flute in several musical events, after I left the air force , I continued to study music and work with music, I entered the music university, where I am close to graduating.

2. What was the first tune you learned?

Well, on the flute it was a genuinely Brazilian musical genre called Choro, which was born in the 19th century from the fusion of African music with European music, the music is called Rosa de Pixinguinha, currently I play both popular music and classical music.

3. Describe your family members musical interests and abilities?

On my mother's side I am the only musician, on my father's side I have some brothers who are musicians, but not professionals.

4. Which famous musicians do you admire and why?

Brazilian musicians I admire the flutist Altamiro Carrilho, Pixinguinha, Antônio Carrasqueira, Rogério Walf, Rubem Schuemk, Sergio Morais and others. 

Flutists outside Brazil I admire Emmanuel Pahud, Jean Pierre Rampal, James Galway, Christopher Lee and others.

All of them contributed to the musical formation of several Brazilian musicians.

5. Don't you think that the scope is reduced due to ready made tunes in market?

I don't think, I believe that music is increasingly evolving, and currently I've seen a lot of musical works using it. So I believe there is still room for music of any style.

6. What course would you prefer for the interested ones in flute playing?

I always recommend for anyone interested in learning the flute, first find a good teacher, or a good school and study with patience and discipline, always looking for the pleasure of playing the instrument, the flute is a beautiful instrument.

7. Which is your favorite book and why?

My favorite book to study flute is Taffanel and Gaubert, this method is one of the most complete, I also really like Moyse and also Professor Celso Waltzenlogel's Flute Method.

Interviewed by - Sugandha Dhanawade