Paul Lepro…BU Musician, But Not a CFA Student

Paul Lepro is a friend of a friend of mine. I met him this school year and from the moment I met him, he played a joke on me and pretended he was my friend’s other friend. It was funny for awhile, I guess. Anyway, eventually I found out through Paul and his friends that Paul was actually a very talented pianist. Somehow through word of mouth or something, I thought Paul went to the College of Fine Arts. So when I asked Paul if he would do an interview with me, I assumed this to be true. Paul however, does not go to CFA–he is a student at the College of Arts and Sciences. I was planning on re-sending him interview questions until I read his responses and couldn’t stop laughing. Those of you at BU who know Paul will understand why. Those of you at BU who do not know Paul will hopefully meet him and perhaps go to his live performance at BU that he mentions in the middle of this interview.

So you play piano. How well can you play piano?

I spend most of my time in front of a mirror, affirming my greatness. In reality, such time spent away from the piano may have affected my actual skill, but in my mind there are none better.

How long have you been taking lessons? How did you learn?

I’ve been taking lessons for about 15 years, and jazz lessons for about 5. Although my teachers provided me with basically every skill I have (and I have yet to surpass them in any sense, even my own individuality), I would prefer it if everyone thinks I am self-taught.

When did you decide you wanted to study music in college?

I never did? Although there is potential for a future change that I decide to study music? I study English and Philosophy.

How satisfied are you with your education in music at BU?

It’s roughly what I expected.

What is music class/piano class like at BU?

Having never been, I can only assume all the professors have studied my work and impose a reduced, misinterpreted version of my playing and musical philosophy. If so, the students are well on their way to greatness.

How do you implement what you learn in class into your everyday life?

I have only learned completely impractical things in my life: English, Philosophy, Music, Pokemon. I incorporate this principle into my life by following a strict regimen of confusion and inaction in response to everyday tasks.

You play shows at BU Central, right? When are your shows? When’s your next one?

Wednesday, April 28th at BU Central. You should totally go.

Can you tell me about the recent gig you had in New York City?

Robert Pinsky was reading his poetry at some form of benefit to encourage BU donors to donate to the creative writing program, and he asked my combo to perform with him while he read. Normally jazz music behind poetry is corny and overall degrading, but this was actually a cool experience. Pinsky reacted to the band, we reacted to him, he left time for solos and gave us the freedom to be more than subdued background music.

What was the coolest concert you’ve ever played?

The concert in New York was one of the best all-around experiences, but I once got to play at a show with my teacher, which not only marked my progression as good enough to at least perform with my teacher, but also allowed me to connect with some great musicians in a performance setting.

What’s your favorite music to play?

I usually play jazz, in all its forms. I used to play classical when I was younger, but I eventually wondered why I was wasting my time perfecting someone else’s musical voice; then I decided to waste the rest of my time trying to perfect my own uninteresting musical voice.

You compose as well, right? What kind of music do you compose?

I compose a little. It’s generally open to improv, so its best classification would be jazz, but I do attempt to avoid genre limitations. There is value in employing a genre to express your voice , but there’s nothing like creating something that you can say is truly your expression.

Which composers inspire you?

I guess my favorite would be Wayne Shorter (the guy who wrote a bunch of Miles’ tunes), but I try to draw from most modern composers I hear, so I draw from plenty of non-jazz artists.

What would you say to people at BU who have never seen a concert by any of the students at CFA?

I would advise them to continue with their trend and come watch my combo, which doesn’t have any CFA students in it.

What are your plans after college?

I assume we’ll get married. Career-wise, I’ll probably become a depressed teacher or an MBTA worker.