Classeek 15'
In this 15-minute chatty coffee-break podcast, hosts Jack Pepper, Michael Beek, and Charlotte Gardner talk with a selection of industry professionals, discussing career resources, advice, and tips for young artists.
Episodes
58 episodes
Hawijch Elders: Navigating the Transition from Student to Soloist
In this episode of Classeek 15', host Jack Pepper sits down with Dutch violinist and 2026–27 Classeek Ambassador Programme artist Hawijch Elders to discuss the transition from student to professional soloist. After studying at the Conservatory ...
Charlie Siem: Finding Your Own Path as a Classical Soloist
In this episode of Classeek 15', host Jack Pepper sits down with acclaimed violinist Charlie Siem to explore what it takes to build a career as a classical soloist in the 21st century. From performing Beethoven and Tchaikovsky to collaborating ...
Hilary Hahn: Building Confidence Through Curiosity
In this episode of Classeek 15', host Jack Pepper sits down with three-time Grammy Award-winning violinist Hilary Hahn to explore her approach to practice, creativity, confidence, and building an individual career as a musician. From making her...
Elmina Hasan: Surviving Opera Debuts Without Burning Out
In this episode of Classeek 15', Azerbaijani mezzo-soprano Elmina Hasan discusses preparing for major opera debuts, balancing mental and physical health, and building an international career from scratch. From learning role...
Marc André: Turning an Unconventional Instrument into a Global Career
In this episode of Classeek 15', French double bassist Marc André discusses finding the right agent, building a career around an unconventional instrument, and using social media strategically as a classical musician. From ...
Lydia Connolly: How Artists & Managers Build Careers Together
In this episode of Classeek 15', classical music consultant and former artist manager Lydia Connolly discusses what managers actually do, how young artists should approach agencies, and the habits that make artists stand out profession...
Kirill Troussov: Mastering the Balance Behind a Modern Music Career
In this episode of Classeek 15’, violinist Kirill Troussov explores what it really takes to build — and sustain — a multifaceted career in today’s classical music world.From the time-management habits that keep his playing, tea...
Jeneba Kanneh-Mason: Redefining Repertoire with Story & Authenticity
In this episode of Classeek 15’, pianist Jeneba Kanneh-Mason discusses how storytelling, literature, and diverse musical influences shape her artistic identity and approach to performance. From drawing emotional depth from ...
Benjamin Woodroffe: Turning Interviews into Powerful Conversations
In this edition of Classeek 15', our host Jack Pepper interviews Benjamin Woodroffe, Ambassador Programme Director at Classeek and host of Insights by Classeek, about preparing for media interviews in the classical music sector. The tw...
Stephen Lumsden: Navigating the Road to Your First Manager
In this episode of Classeek 15', our host Jack Pepper discusses insights into pursuing a career in classical music, featuring Stephen Lumsden, CEO of Intermusica. Stephen explores challenges and timelines for artists seekin...
Erica Worth: Reinventing Music Journalism in the Digital Age
In this episode of Classeek 15', our host Jack Pepper interviews Erica Worth, editor of Pianist Magazine, which caters to pianists and includes scores, interviews, and educational content. Erica discusses changes in music j...
Alexandra Knight: Navigating the Music Business with Honesty and Hustle
In this episode of Classeek 15', host Jack Pepper sits down with Alexandra Knight, founder of Knight Classical and a leading artist manager who became a director at ICA by the age of just 28. With a background that spans top agencies, ...
Geoffrey John Davies: Building a Classical Media Empire from the Living Room Floor
In this episode of Classeek 15', host Jack Pepper sits down with Geoffrey John Davies, the founder, CEO, and Editor-in-Chief of The Violin Channel, the world’s leading classical music news platform. What began as a spontaneous upload f...
Steven Isserlis: Juggling Creativity, Discipline, and Life on the Road
In this episode of Classeek 15', renowned cellist Steven Isserlis shares his experiences as a traveling soloist, balancing a demanding performance schedule with practice, writing, and creative projects. From navigati...
Pallavi Mahidhara: Advocating for Mental Health in Music
In this episode of Classeek 15', host Jack Pepper sits down with acclaimed pianist and mental health advocate Pallavi Mahidhara. Known for her groundbreaking podcast The Conscious Artist, Pallavi shares her journey of balancin...
Mischa Damev: Reimagining the Concert Experience
In this episode of Classeek 15', host Jack Pepper sits down with Mischa Damev, the visionary conductor and director of Switzerland’s September Musical Festival. Known for blending classical music with visual arts, comedy, and innovativ...
Jonathan Papp: Nurturing Opera’s Next Generation
In this episode of Classeek 15', host Jack Pepper sits down with Jonathan Papp, the artistic director and founder of the George Solti Accademia in Italy. Known for nurturing the next generation of opera singers and répétiteurs, Jonatha...
Gautier Capuçon: Embracing the Physical Demands of a Soloist
In this episode of Classeek 15', host Jack Pepper sits down with world-renowned cellist Gautier Capuçon to explore the physical and emotional challenges of life as a touring soloist. Gautier opens up about the delicate balance between ...
Alessio Bax: Balancing Solo, Chamber, and Orchestral Life
In this episode of Classeek 15’, host Jack Pepper sits down with internationally acclaimed pianist Alessio Bax to explore the art of balancing a multi-faceted career as a soloist, chamber musician, and orchestral performer.
Cristina Comandasu: Broadcasting and Careers in Classical Music
In this episode of Classeek 15, host Jack Pepper delves into the world of classical music broadcasting with Cristina Comandasu, a distinguished producer at Radio Romania and a jury member for the International Classical Music Awards (I...
Asaf Maoz: Redefining the Classical Music Career
In this episode of Classeek 15’, host Jack Pepper sits down with Asaf Maoz, renowned violinist and host of the Strings Attached podcast. From performing with the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra to collaborating with Daniel Barenboim in t...
David Skudlik: Building a Digital Presence for Classical Musicians
In this episode of Classeek 15’, host Jack Pepper dives into the digital landscape of classical music with David Skudlik, co-founder and CEO of digital agency Sforzato. Drawing from ov...
Sarah Woods: Navigating Mental Health and Careers in Classical Music
In this episode of Classeek 15’, host Jack Pepper sits down with Sarah Woods, CEO of Help Musicians UK, to explore the evolving landscape of support for musicians. Sarah discusses the charity’s multifaceted approach to aiding musici...
Martin Cullingford: Inside the Changing World of Music Journalism
In this episode of Classeek 15’, host Jack Pepper sits down with Martin Cullingford, Editor and Publisher of Gramophone, to explore the evolving landscape of music journalism. From the challenges of adapting to digital media to the...