Biography

Singer, pianist, and composer Katerina Pipili was born into a Greek family of musicians and began her musical pursuits at the age of five, singing and playing the piano. Through solid academic training, she expanded her knowledge and skills, obtaining a diploma of excellence in classical piano, as well as diplomas in harmony and counterpoint. She also attended classical and jazz piano masterclasses in Greece with well-known musicians such as Paavali Jumppanen, Vladimir Viardo, Sami Amiri, and Dimitris Kalatzis.

At the age of 3, she embarked on her journey in classical dance, which continued for 15 years. During this time, she had the privilege of participating in numerous performances in both classical and modern dance genres, honing her skills and expressing herself on stage. At the age of 18, she pursued her studies in Fine Arts at the University of Ioannina in Greece. There, she had the chance to immerse herself in the field of contemporary art and explored mediums such as engraving, video, and sound installations. Her thesis work, titled “Piano Piece for David Tudor,” delved into the connection between sound and image, as she investigated the harmonious interplay between the two.

During her stay in New York, USA, she attended masterclasses in vocal jazz improvisation led by prominent names in the American jazz scene, such as Zac Bradford, Mario Cowings, and Christiane Karam.

Back in Greece, she enrolled in musicology at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, pursuing a master’s degree in the field of “Music Technology and Contemporary Practices.” This enabled her to expand her knowledge of new technologies and integrate them into both her compositions and performances through the use of electronics and software. In 2019, she continued her studies at the University of Paris 8, in the postgraduate department of Musicology, through the Erasmus program. There, she completed her dissertation entitled “Visualization of Vocal Improvisation” and obtained her master’s degree with a vocal specialization, focusing on jazz improvisation and new technologies.

She then decided to move to France, specifically Paris, where she currently performs at a number of venues. She has given many concerts in France, Greece, and elsewhere, both as a solo artist and in groups. For her personal projects, she collaborates with talented musicians, presenting her own compositions as well as a rich repertoire from the jazz music scene. Her immense love for music, combined with her training in classical and jazz music, passion for new technologies, and experience in concerts and performances, contributes to the creation of unique projects. Katerina presents original compositions strongly influenced by the great jazz tradition, while giving timeless pieces a fresh perspective through her unique interpretation. She seamlessly reconciles the “old” and the “new” with a particular emphasis on creativity and interaction through music.