5. Jack Pepper: balancing a portfolio career, why university wasn't for him, and the importance of knowing your worth

Jack Pepper is a composer, broadcaster and writer. He is one of the UK’s youngest commissioned composers and in 2019, aged 19, he became the UK’s youngest-ever national radio presenter when he joined Scala Radio. Jack writes classical orchestral works, music and lyrics for musical theatre and pop songs, and composed for the likes of the Royal Opera House, the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic, and the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra whilst still a teenager. Last year, Jack devised and led a new UK music education campaign with Music For Youth, 'A Thank You Note' #ThankYourMusicTeacher, which culminated in two concerts at the Royal Albert Hall, and saw 3000 young people come together to perform music written by Jack in tribute to his piano tutor. As a writer, he has written for many national and industry publications, and is a contributor to Gramophone Magazine. His debut book (published by Templar/Bonnier books), 'Raising The Roof: The Colourful Characters Of Classical Music', with illustrations by Michele Bruttomesso, will be available from June 6th 2024. In this episode, Jack talks about how he balances a portfolio career, his one week at Oxford University, and how to avoid burnout. He also offers brilliant advice for young people either starting out or feeling stuck in their careers, perhaps because of a lack of contacts or lack of resources.This episode was recorded in September 2023.-------------------Pre-order Jack's book HERE-------------------Jack's links:WebsiteInstagramX (formerly Twitter)Facebook-------------------Follow The Classical Circuit on InstagramDid you enjoy this episode? If so, ratings and follows help a lot with visibility, if you have a spare moment... *bats eyelashes*No offence taken if not.--------------------This podcast is also available to listen to via The Violin Channel--------------------Music: François Couperin - Le Tic-Toc-Choc ou Les MaillotinsPerformed by Daniel Lebhardt--------------------The Classical Circuit is made by Ella Lee (producer by trade, pianist at heart). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.