William Edward Motzing

This is dedicated to one of the truly nicest and most talented people that I've ever met, in over 80 years!
Bill and I met in Amsterdam when he was sound engineer for BS&T....Being the resident American musician in Holland, Bill and some of the others, came to our house after the concert...Upon returning to New York, in the mid 70's he and I resumed our friendship......then, he was headed to Australia!

The one thing that I regret, is not having had a better opportunity of getting to know one another professionally! His musicality was very impressive!

Wonderful memories of Bill writing and conducting the orchestral arrangements for a project I did for the ABC not long after I arrived in Australia.

Kirk Lorange

I've sadly just read Bill's obituary, and in doing so found out about Bette's passing too. I came to know them both as we were all patients of Dr Betty Goldsmith and Dr Alfred Gigante, which gave us an intimacy that few people who don't really know the other well can gain. Bette and I shared complex TMD conditions, and so I felt great empathy for what she was living through. The two of them were amazing support for the other; their passion for music and meditation was inspiring. I'm so sad to hear, all these years later of their passing. May they both Rest In Peace.

A generous, kind and talented soul, Bill is still sadly missed. I was only wishing the other day that he and Betty were still present in my life brightening my days.

Bill had a profoundly positive influence on my life and he will be sorely missed. He was my first composition teacher and gave me a thorough technical foundation from which to create. When I moved to NYC in 81 I was fortunate to study with several heavy hitters such as Bob Brookmeyer, Ludmila Ulehla & Paul Caputo. They all remarked on how solid that foundation was. I could never achieved the things I have as a composer without his help.
He was a constant source of support, guidance & encouragement. I will be forever grateful for everything Bill did for me. His influence on the Australian music scene was enormous and will continue to be felt for decades to come. Vale Bill, thank you so much for everything you did for me. You were a giant in my life. I'm gonna truly miss your quiet support. My heart goes out to Carrie, Bill Jr and their families. A very sad loss indeed.

Bill and Bette were lifelong friends of ours who also formed part of their 'Australian family'. Remembering the wonderful music influence Bill had on Don, and the special friendship Teresa had with Bette. They were also godparents to our youngest child, Emily. Christmases were a special time for our blended families, and who can forget singing Christmas carols around the piano. We were so pleased to be able to assist Bill to get home to spend time with his son in New York before his passing. Forever in our hearts, and now reunited with Bette. RIP. With fond memories and all love to Carrie, Billy, Masrtha and their families. Don & Teresa Wright & Sarah and Emily.

Sorry to lose you Bill.

Dearest Bill you were a great part of my life of recording in Sydney since the early seventies.
As a producer I worked many times with you arranging orchestral sessions. "Howzat" for Sherbet was a highlight which became number 2 in the UK.
"Bad Habits" for Billy Field both top ten in the Singles and Album charts in Australia and many
more.
You asked me to record many film soundtracks, TV series and commercials.
Whatever it was your skills and professionalism were impeccable.
Most of all, the sessions were always fun. I remember your humour fondly. When a flute
player queried whether a B Flat was the correct note to play
your reply was " you will get used to it "
Our last session together was for Leo Sayer in 2008. You were so happy with the result
not realising that it was your talent and years of experience that made it so good. Your wife Betty was there also to witness a wonderful day of recording.
Thank you so much for every moment I was so fortunate to share with you.
My sincere condolences to Carrie, Bill and their families.

I have so many great memories of Bill from my first days at Sydney Con. I had the great fortune of working with him in several ensembles, jazz and classical, and we became great friends. Bill was undoubtedly one of the most genuine, kind and generous people I have ever met, and it came across in his music. He always promoted music, never his ego, something which seems to be increasingly rare.
Bill was not only one of the greatest musicians I have met, but also one of the greatest individuals. We had many long conversations about music, among other things, something I'll miss. He was a true gentleman in every sense of the word, and it is difficult to do justice to it in mere words, but I do know that I'll miss his presence greatly.

Bill. It was a true pleasure working with you over the years on the various recordings. Your contribution to Australian Music has been outstanding and I know all your many friends join me in this goodbye and thanks for the great music that will stay around forever.

Joe Halford,Sydney

Both Bill and Betty were a large part of my young musical life. i will remember them both with great fondness.

Condolences to you Carrie and Bill. Your dad has passed his wisdom and skill to many teachers and musicians who in turn are themselves passing on his teachings, good humour, and generosity. My family and I shared music and good times with you all here in Sydney and in the U.K.
We have good memories as, I am sure, do you. He will be greatly missed. Much love to you all
Dave,Joy, Jade and Moses MacRae

Good-bye, Bill. I loved having the opportunity to get to know you and to work with you and for you in a variety of settings. I , along with hundreds of others, appreciate so much all you musical and humanistic contributions.

I met Bill at the Australian Film and TV School where he inspired many young film makers. He insisted I take piano lessons with Betty, his gorgeous wife and they both became very close friends during their years in Sydney. Bill was one of the warmest, most generous, fun and creative people I have known. His passing leaves a large hole in this particular universe.

We are very proud to be known as Bill and Bette's Australian family. We first met them in 1972, and they have been a very important part of our family since that time. They are godparents to our youngest daughter, Emily. RIP Bill. We will always remember the great times we spent together - births, Christmases, birthdays, and all those very special times. We will never forget you. All our love to Carrie, Martha, Bill, & Liam at this very sad time. I am just so happy we were able to get you back to NYC to spend the last few months in New York. I am sure you and Bette will be making beautiful music in heaven. Don, Teresa, Sarah & Emily.xxxx

Bill was a wonderful teacher and friend who, as my Masters supervisor, helped me achieve results beyond what I had ever anticipated through his kindness, patience, knowledge and faith in me. RIP Bill.

My condolencias with all my heart to Motzing family.God bless You all. Love. Anna.

Bill Motzing was a magnificent, generous and gentle man whose influence on me personally and musically was profound. I was honoured to work with him onstage and in the recording studio many times over the years. His encouragement and belief in my music at a pivotal time, inviting me to attend the Jazz course at the NSW Con. continues to have a powerful impact on me to this day. Both he and Bette have left a legacy of immeasurable value.

Bill gave me great opportunities plus an education in Music that I'll be forever grateful. Thanks you Bill for being a kind, generous & totally cool guy. You will be missed. Noel Macdonald

Bill. You produced the first record I ever sang on, counted off my first single, and came full circle to transpose my life's work just a few short years ago. You had a special gift for arranging strings that no one even comes close to. God bless you, Bill. Strike up that heavenly band until we meet again. Love you.

William Motzing supervised my Masters degree in Composition at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music and remained a wonderful mentor for many years. May he rest in peace.

Our sincere condolences to Bill's children and families. It was an honour to know and work with your father. Our thoughts remain with him for a lifetime. He was a gentleman, such a giving man and an amazing talent.

Art & Sue Phillips
Sydney, Australia

I worked with Bill a few times when he was in Australia, he was a true gentleman
and an absolute legend of a Musician and person, I will never forget William Edward Motzing

Bill Motzing. The inimitable. I remember playing in big band at the Sydney Con very fondly. Your arrangements were always great, especially April In Paris. When I moved to New York, I lived across the road from your old school (MSM), and my new trombone teacher's first job was also in the Pittsburgh Symphony! I pray I never forget your wisdom and your humour.