Look Out, Look In: an interview with pianist and composer Francesco Parrino
When Francesco Parrino uploaded his first piano cover at the age of twelve he had no hint that years later he would become one of the most successful cover pianists on YouTube. He chose a reliable career path and became a physiotherapist until one day he knew he needed to make music his life. Once he committed himself completely to his music, he built a sustainable career for himself by combining artistry, creativity, and a keen commitment to nurturing both the musical and business sides of his chosen profession.
Success followed. Sensing that his music skills weren’t as strong as he wished, he went back to school and eventually graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Music in Classical Piano from the Arrigo Boito Conservatory in Parma, Italy. This musical grounding, combined with his creatively lush improvisations, gave birth to his first album of original compositions. Look Out Look In offers all the effervescent pianism that has been Parrisno’s musical trademark and his compositions brim with enthusiasm and refreshing hopefulness. I’m honored to feature Francesco Parrino, his remarkable career, and this album on No Dead Guys.
I understand that you started playing the piano at the age of four. At what age did you begin formal lessons?
I was lucky to grow up in a family that introduced me to music very early. At first it was just playing at home. Then I joined group music classes, and my formal lessons began in primary school (around age five). It’s been a long journey, and it’s still ongoing!
When did you begin improvising on popular tunes, and what (or who) encouraged you to start posting your improvisations on YouTube?
I used to visit a dear friend who owned a digital keyboard, and of course I loved playing it. One day he recorded me on a simple camera and uploaded the video to YouTube. When I saw it, I was mesmerized. Everything more or less started from that moment. I must have been about twelve. I’d never imagined performing in front of a camera before then. Twenty years later, I’m grateful to be able to use digital tools and platforms to share music with people around the world.
Given that you are a trained classical pianist, which composers have most influenced you as an improviser and composer?
Studying classical piano helped me develop technique and discover many great composers. The familiar names (Mozart, Beethoven, and J. S. Bach) are always there, but I also resonate strongly with Debussy, Ravel, and Scriabin. Rachmaninoff has a special place in my heart: his Piano Concerto No. 2 is my favorite (I performed it for my bachelor’s final concert). Among contemporary composers, I admire Ennio Morricone, Hans Zimmer and Alexandre Desplat.
Congratulations on building such a successful YouTube presence — 683k followers on one channel! When did you realize this could be more than a hobby?
It’s a long story. Music has been central to my life since childhood, but when I turned eighteen I wasn’t sure I could support myself through music alone, so I studied physiotherapy. For a while I tried to balance YouTube with physiotherapy, but eventually I realized I couldn’t do both and decided to go all in on music. That choice remains the best decision I’ve ever made. I only wish I’d found the courage sooner.
My main YouTube channel has a significant number of followers, but I’m working every day towards reaching one million!
Do you have to pay royalties on your piano covers? If so, what process is involved?
Yes. Any copyrighted work needs to be properly licensed. YouTube handles most of the licensing directly on their platform, while other major websites manage the rights needed for sheet music distribution and music streaming. This ensures everything is cleared and the original creators are credited and paid what they’re owed.
You continued your piano education and graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Music in Classical Piano from the Arrigo Boito Conservatory. How has immersion in classical piano helped you as an improviser and composer?
At one point in my musical journey, I realized my skills weren’t where I wanted them to be, so I focused on improving my technique. Returning to formal piano study later in my career was crucial and it opened up new ways of practicing and approaching the instrument. The degree also helped me see how contemporary music grows out of classical roots. It feels good to break the rules once you truly understand them.
You’ve built a multi-faceted career — partnerships, recordings, sheet music sales, tutorials, and live performances. When did you realize you needed to be both artist and businessperson?
I’m grateful to be able to record in my own studio and share my music globally, but the most meaningful connections happen in person. I’m constantly seeking opportunities to meet people, gather feedback, and learn from my mistakes so I can improve my content. Live performance is essential to my work. I love being on stage and sharing stories through music. Every day I feel lucky to do what I do.
Congratulations on the release of Look Out, Look In, your first album of original compositions. When did you begin writing your own music, and why release an album now?
I began composing the pieces for Look Out Look In in 2023. A few times during the process I felt some pieces just weren’t sounding the way I wanted, and many were eventually discarded. All the pieces on the album were inspired by real people, real places, and recent events in my life. I’m very happy with the final result. Look Out Look In is an honest snapshot of where I am now.
As an improviser, your choices are guided by the original song. What has most influenced your original music?
As one wise composer said, there’s no such thing as entirely original music. My work is the result of everything I’ve heard in my life, mixed together in different ways. The final result is a new hybrid that reflects many past influences, and I hope listeners can still hear me in the music.
Were any tracks on the album improvised, or did you formally compose each one?
I formally composed each piece, but some came very naturally and with little effort, especially La Sagrada Familia, Little Kiss, and Mariposa.
My favorite track is “Little Kiss (reprise)”. What inspired this quieter version, and how does it relate to the original “Little Kiss”?
A fun fact: the slower version, now titled Little Kiss (reprise), actually came first, with the main theme appearing in the chorus. Later I wrote a brighter, more prominent Little Kiss and decided to put that version in the spotlight, using the original slower piece as a B-side. Both tracks share the same theme with rhythmic adjustments, and both were inspired by my new nephews and nieces. I always ask them for a little kiss, hence the title.
Where can listeners purchase sheet music for Look Out Look In and your arrangements?
My full sheet music catalogue, including over 300 piano scores of my arrangements and original pieces, is available exclusively on Musicnotes.com.
What current or future plans excite you most?
I can’t wait to bring my original music to stages around the world and to start composing new piano works. One of my biggest dreams is to write for a full orchestra, but it will take time and dedication. For now, it’s one step at a time.
What advice do you have for musicians aiming to build financially sustainable careers?
Digital tools and platforms offer huge opportunities to share and monetize music worldwide. It’s never too late to start learning an instrument or to improve. If you feel you have something special to share, go for it.
And if you’re not sure where to begin, go and practice!
Francesco Parrino is an Italian classically trained pianist and composer who creates musical arrangements by ear. He began playing the piano at the age of 4 and eventually graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Music in Classical Piano at the prestigious Arrigo Boito Music Conservatory in Italy. In June 2011, he opened his official YouTube channel,and in December 2018, he launched an additional Extras Channel. His YouTube community counts over 850,000 subscribers and more than 200 million views across two channels.
On his YouTube channels, he uploads a variety of piano adaptations from radio and movie soundtracks. He enjoys listening to all types of music and creating new arrangements in his own style. Francesco crafts his own scores, ensuring they faithfully represent the music showcased in his YouTube videos, and they are available exclusively on Musicnotes.com.
In September 2017, he released his first album “Piano Covers” on all major online platforms and has been expanding his catalogue ever since. In 2023, he released a piano solo studio recording of Rachmaninoff's Piano Concerto No. 2.
In 2025 he also released his 17th covers album, featuring his most recent work, such as Chiquitita, Bridge Over Troubled Water and Defying Gravity among others.
In February 2020, Francesco was invited to join the official roster of Steinway & Sons artists and was featured in the “Steinway Spirio” catalog with over 200 tracks. Francesco is also a sought-after guest artist, becoming a Guest Artist for Explora Journeys in 2023. In 2024 and 2025 Francesco participated in several piano festivals, including Candlelight concerts.
In 2025 Francesco was featured in the Italian debut of the Steinway & Sons x Disney Mickey Mouse Limited Edition piano, collaborating with renowned designer Elena Salmistraro. In the same year, he released a piano solo studio recording of George Gershwin's Rhapsody In Blue, rearranged with a pop twist.
In 2025 Francesco released his original album “Look Out Look In”, anticipated by the first single “Stronger”.