04 - CHRISTINA PEPPER: Pianist, Arranger, YouTuber.

Oct 6

'Christina Pepper Piano' is her name in the ever-expanding digital world. Here is a conversation between two classically trained musicians who are coming to terms with the screens.

20 years ago, say, who would have thought that 'being a musician' meant video editing? When will 'The Art of the Thumbnail' become an elective in higher music education?

(You'll even hear the word 'algorithm' in this episode)

Based in the American State of Georgia, Christina makes a living as a pianist by combining the traditional role of the accompanist, with the modern entrepreneur. After a musician's existential crisis, she found a surprising niche market for herself through an unmet need out there for an accompanist in video format. She's so good at playing piano duets with herself, not everyone realizes it's the same person.

She is also an ambassador for Ko-fi, a platform where artists can receive donations. But do we need a separate platform for that? What can Ko-fi do that we can't do ourselves?

In this interview, we talk about being classically trained musicians who incorporate (a tiny fraction of) the digital tools in our work life. We still use scissors and glue though; you can go to Christina's Ko-fi page and find some hand-drawn images she's made.

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[04:03] 'Elite Syncopations' – Scott Joplin (1902)

[05:54] How musicians talk about software

[11:31] What else can a pianist do apart from being a concert pianist? (A lot!)

[15:17] Ko-fi and YouTube, playing classical karaoke and piano duets with oneself

[35:40] 'Let Beauty Awake' – Songs of Travel – Ralph Vaughan Williams (1904)

[36:28] Everyday life, thumbnails, Florida and Georgia

{49:30] Well put closing words to you all

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Christina's Homepage

Christina Pepper Classical on YouTube

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