Christopher Goodpasture, piano

In today’s music world, there is an ever-increasing emphasis on the importance of complete artistry: a musician who can not only exhibit skill and charisma, but who can also speak, program, collaborate, educate, and engage audiences in the pursuit of presenting classical music as a relatable, yet intricate practice. As a frequent performing artist, chamber musician, and arts advocate, this balance is an essential part of my artistic vision and an integral part of why I find it so rewarding to be a musician. I believe that communicating to audiences in a thought-provoking, insightful, and relevant manner is vital to the prosperity of our art.

In performance, I believe in forging connections across musical eras, interactive concert formats, up-close and palpable atmospheres, and enticing the listeners with sincere and charismatic delivery. It brings me great artistic satisfaction to curate programs that are not only bold, but challenge conventional expectation. This often entails the pairing of new and neglected pieces of music with standard masterpieces in an inquisitive and through-conceived narrative. The ultimate goal of my music making is to instill an emotional fulfillment in the listener by generating a space for curiosity and introspection.

Beyond the concert hall, music has the incredible capacity to change lives. Giving music and the arts a chance to live and breathe in all stratospheres of society is crucial to its survival. In order to facilitate this, and increase the accessibility of classical music, modern day musicians have the responsibility to not be just dedicated performers, but willing advocates for the consumption of music in communities of all backgrounds. The influence of music is not limited to the confines of a concert setting. In fact, the transformative power of music is the humility

with which we allow its complexity and beauty to guide our resolve to positively impact the world around us.

My experience as a performing artist has always brought me tremendous satisfaction, regardless of the audience. Certainly, playing in front of capacity audiences in noted venues has an appeal of its own, but I found that one of the more touching experiences I’ve had in recent memory was performing at day centers in Manhattan, through the auspices of Carnegie Hall and Ensemble Connect. I, along with three other fellows from the program, performed chamber music for adults with developmental disabilities, traumatic brain injuries and autism spectrum disorders at select venues throughout the city. It was a unique experience due in part to the circumstances, but also because I felt such a tangible connection and purpose for the communities we were performing for. Interacting with them following the performance made me realize how impactful the arts can be outside of the context of music schools and conservatories. I was exposed to a population of people who consumed music because they felt that it made a meaningful difference in their psychological well-being, which was incredibly special.

To be a practicing musician is, in and of itself, a big privilege. Music has taught me discipline, how to cope with challenge, adaptability, and has brought me an emotional and intellectual satisfaction that I am very grateful for. It has also given me the privilege of meeting wonderful people, whether audiences, colleagues, or teachers. But perhaps most importantly, music has brought me closer to an appreciation of humanity, and the transformative effect it has on people of all backgrounds and life circumstances. If I can perpetuate the enriching powers of music through my performing and, in the process, change even one life for the better, then I will consider myself successful.