Independent Pathways in Music with Chris Opperman

Author

Tyler Kline
October 12, 2024

On today's episode of music/Maker with Tyler Kline, Tyler is joined by Chris Opperman.

Dr. Chris Opperman wields a special array of expertise. He is a composer of wildly original music, a top orchestrator and arranger, a dedicated and visionary educator, and a trusted advisor for an incredible cross-section of the music industry.

Since starting his Purple Cow Records label in 1998, Dr. Opperman has released seven albums including 2023’s Still Waters, a solo piano album celebrating Winter, and 2010’s The Lionheart, an orchestral rock album. He has also released three EP’s including 2022’s Four Improvisations which feature studio-manipulated piano works, and two singles including “And If You Know” featuring Robert Martin.

Chris holds a Ph. D. In Music Composition and has taught undergraduate and graduate level courses on music theory and composition, popular and classical music history, music technology, and the music industry. 

Chris is a fascinating musician who basically has one foot in the commercial music industry, and one foot in the contemporary concert world. In this conversation, he discusses the influence of Frank Zappa on his music, and his life. He and Tyler also talk about the variety of music that Chris makes and why that’s important to his creative ethos… and how he’s been able to forge his unique path throughout his career.

Learn more about Chris and listen to his music on his website: https://www.chrisopperman.net/.

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