GORHAM – Eric Peppe has been a fan of music, both as a listener and a player, all his life. His love for classical music led the 44-year-old to begin a college course in piano four years ago at the University of Southern Maine School of Music.
Since then, he completed a bachelor of music degree in 2010, and now he is in his second year of the school’s master of music program. On Friday, he will have a chance to participate in a “master class” event at the Merrill Auditorium. In the master class, Peppe and two other students will perform for and take lessons from Christopher O’Riley, accomplished pianist and host of the NPR program “From the Top.” The master class is available for public viewing, and will feature works by Beethoven, Liszt, Mendelssohn and Nikolai Medtner. At 8 that night, O’Riley and Matt Haimovitz join together for a performance called “Shuffle.Play.Listen.” Both events are presented by Portland Ovations.
Born in Gorham, Peppe grew up in Auburn and has lived in Westbrook for the past six years with his wife and two children. This week, Peppe talked about his love for classical music, the upcoming performance, and how he sees his education shaping his future.
Q: Was there a moment that inspired you to pursue classical music?
A: No, there wasn’t a moment. As a kid, I loved to play rock and pop. Piano was the instrument that was in my house, so that is what I played, and I developed an intense interest in the instrument itself and how people used it to make music, both presently and through history, pop music and art music. That is what led me to my present career as a piano tuner-technician. I study classical music for two reasons. First, when a person academically pursues any subject, whether it’s music, medicine, economics or journalism, the history of that subject requires careful attention and consideration. If a student doesn’t know what has succeeded and failed in the past and what has influenced others in the past and the present, then the student doesn’t proceed knowledgeably but blindly. Second, most classical music is not only great to listen to, but fun to play.
Q: You’ve had the chance to study with a number of leading pianists. How does this opportunity compare to those you’ve had in the past?
A: Well, I won’t know that until I get there. I have been fortunate to meet and play for many great pianists, and the experiences have all been different, some great and others not so great. Many of the other classes I have played in were when I was much younger, and my interest was on my own playing and the comments I received. Today, I am more interested to hear and discuss how others play.
Q: Surely you’ve played for audiences before. Will this be any more difficult or nerve-wracking?
A: I don’t anticipate that it will. The audience won’t intimidate me, and I’ll be most focused on listening to what Christopher O’Riley has to say about students’ performances.
Q: Who are some of your biggest classical music influences?
A: As for commercial performers/recording artists, I have always loved to listen to Earl Wild, Jorge Bolet, Glenn Gould and Rudolph Serkin, for different repertoire. Also Vladimir Horowitz, Alicia de Larrocha, Artur Rubinstein and Van Cliburn. For teachers, Jeffrey Kahane as well as Laura Kargul, my current teacher, who runs an exceptional music program at the USM School of Music.
Q: How will this master class event help you with your studies?
A: It is an opportunity to improve my playing and increase my knowledge base. I will play for Christopher O’Riley, a great pianist by any measure, and get his feedback on my technique and musical decisions.
Q: What are your plans for after you finish your degree?
A: After I complete USM’s master’s program, I will continue on for a doctorate in piano performance. Both the degrees and the skills I acquire will allow me to perform professionally as well as teach at the college level.
Pianist Eric Peppe, who lives in Westbrook, will appear in a
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