The Partially Examined Life Philosophy Podcast PEL Presents PvI#112: Musical Zoom w/ Jerome Kurtenbach
Feb 22, 2026
Jerome Kurtenbach, an LA composer/director/screenwriter known for musical improv and pandemic-era Zoom music videos. He talks about adapting musical improvisation to Zoom, creating ensemble virtual pieces, daily playful songwriting habits, supporting ensemble singers, and the philosophy of artistic surrender. Expect demonstrations, sketches, and practical tips for adding music and play to everyday life.
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Childhood Play Became a Career of Musical Accompaniment
- Jerome describes growing up improvising at piano from age eight and later joining jazz, sketch, and improv, which shaped his composing and live accompaniment style.
- He treats MD work as "silent movie" accompaniment, supporting scenes by highlighting actions or emotional beats rather than dominating them.
Wait And Enter Only When Music Helps The Scene
- Do listen and wait before playing; decide whether the scene needs musical support and when to enter so you highlight, not drown, the action.
- Jerome compares MD choices to film scoring: play to call audience attention to key spoken lines or actions.
Turn Zoom Limits Into Edited Music Videos
- Jerome reframed Zoom limits by producing pre-recorded music videos: actors record on Zoom, he directs and edits to a polished final piece.
- This hybrid turned pandemic constraints into a new Second City class and a reproducible workflow.