Peter Zizzo on the price of perfect pitch.

Is It Better to Have Talent or Grit?

Is It Better to Have Talent or Grit?

Risks and rewards of the creative life.
Sept. 1 2015 2:00 AM

Peter Zizzo and the Price of Perfect Pitch

The award-winning songwriter and producer talks about wanting the success to be real this time around.

Peter Zizzo.
Peter Zizzo.

Photo illustration by Lisa Larson-Walker. Photo courtesy Peter Zizzo.

Listen to this episode of the Moment with guest Peter Zizzo:

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This week on the Moment, Brian Koppelman talks to award-winning songwriter and producer Peter Zizzo. A renowned guitar player growing up, Peter discusses the effects of being viewed as a prodigy, the decisions he’s made as an artist, and the lessons he's learned along the way. Plus, Peter talks about writing songs for Celine Dion and Vanessa Carlton and how he felt being honored for work that was all his own.

Topics discussed on today’s show include:

“Whispers” by Corina
The Moment with David Levien, March 24
Dante’s Inferno by Dante Alighieri
Women and Children First by Van Halen
Spring Has Sprung on Peter Rabbit
“Hello” by Lionel Richie
“Suddenly” by Billy Ocean
Solitary Man
Rounders
“Ordinary Day” demo by Vanessa Carlton
“Only One Road” by Celine Dion

People discussed on today’s show include:

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Brian Koppelman is a filmmaker (Rounders, Solitary Man), essayist, and podcaster. His latest project is the upcoming Showtime series Billions.