This Pianist is Totally Okay With Being Called “The A-Word”
There has been much debate over the appropriateness of using “the a-word” to describe collaborating piano-players in the world of classical music, with most pianists rejecting the term. But one prairie ivory-tickler is making quite clear that she is not most pianists.
“Yes, I’m completely fine with my collaborators calling me an asshole,” said Winnipeg-based pianist and coach Ingrid Again. “Many of my colleagues want to be referred to exclusively as a “collaborative pianist”, but like, sometimes I’m a jerk, I know that. I’m not in any kind of denial about it.”
However, Again seems to be in the minority with her nonchalance on the matter.
“As a collaborator and a pianist, I find it incredibly offensive to be called anything but a collaborative pianist,” insisted Chad Beerens, a collaborative pianist. “And I’m certainly not an asshole – I’m an amazing human being. Without a doubt, I am the epitome of patience and compassion. Just ask the five demon sopranos on their periods that I coached today.”
Again, who hasn’t spoken to or worked with Beerens since their first ever conversation back in 2014, remained unruffled when described as an asshole during her most recent rehearsal.
“It genuinely doesn’t bother me,” she assured. “Bring me a legible score, show up at least remotely prepared, and as long as you don’t call me ana*******nist, you can call me whatever the hell you want.”