Talking with the Piano Prodigy Christopher Park

Music is beyond priorization, it is always there, always in my head or fingers – if I want it or not!

A couple years back I was enjoying a classical music concert, as part of a university class. Suddenly, the pianist appears and I was so mesmerized by his passionate performance, that I decided to contact him. Thankfully as a young musician he had social media, so I was able to reach him and express my admiration as well as my interest in an interview. The first of many others that will follow this year, so stay tuned!

Here's my conversation with Christopher Park, an internationally renowned, awarded pianist and musical professor from German-Korean descent.

• How and when did you discover your call for music?

I was very lucky! As a child, I had a wonderful teacher who was like a grandfather to me. He was the one who opened the door for me. He was a wonderful man who not only gave “traditional” piano lessons, but was also teaching in harmonics and of course our walks through the forest while talking about music, history, etc are unforgettable. This was the first time, I understood music as a language which opened a complete new parallel world to me.

• Did you choose the piano as your instrument randomly and got to like it in the process? Or was it something specific that drew you to it?

It was a coincidence and very unspectacular: my mother asked me whether I wanted to learn an instrument, for example piano or violin. I said piano – to be honest, because as a small child I was always fascinated by the little diapason of my neighbour’s piano.

• How did your parents react when they figured out that you were thinking to follow a musical career?

Always supportive!

• Many children (especially in countries with financial problems) are discouraged by their families to seek music professionally and they just keep it as a hobby. How would you describe being a full-time musician to them?

The risk is very high and the business is unfair. So I guess, only if one is in total love with music and additionally feeling the need to spread this joy with others by sharing the music in concerts, then you may take the risk and be able to stand above the business. And one has to be enjoying it to travel most of the time. Since for me personally it is an experience I couldn’t possibly have had before, I fear that one first has to live it, before being sure whether you are a person who need fix roots or whether you can be happy by travelling. The basic problem however in my view is the fact that music became a business.

• Which are some of your inspirations when you play?

Experiences, emotions, characters, nature.

• Some people need to express themselves artistically in order to fill in a certain emotional void, others choose to do it for fame etc. What do you gain by playing music? Do you think it’s more of a need or a choice for you?

Making music is one of my greatest joys in life. I like to compare it with being at a beautiful place somewhere on the world. But you are alone there… it might be even a bit sad. But the moment when you are able to share it with someone it becomes so much more beautiful, because you share the joy. This is why I want to give concerts. To share my fascination and joy about music. It becomes so much more.

• How high do you prioritize music compared to other aspects of your life?

It is beyond priorization, it is always there, always in my head or fingers – if I want it or not!

• What’s your ideal goal regarding music? When would you consider that you have accomplished everything you wanted?

Never, that is the curse and blessing. Once you could be “finished” would be without sense. Like vice versa an endless life.

• If you could meet one musician (dead or alive) who would you choose and what would you do with him in your given time?

Ludwig van Beethoven. First go to a pub or restaurant and then to the piano.

Check out Christopher's work on his account on Facebook: @Pianist.ChristopherPark​ and on Youtube: Christopher Park