We were lucky to catch up with Naren Palomino Pardo recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Naren thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

Versatility is an invaluable skill for today’s musicians. It encompasses the ability to seamlessly adapt to a wide range of genres and musical styles. This adaptability allows musicians to apply their knowledge and techniques across various performance settings, such as solo performances, duos, chamber music, ensembles, choirs, and orchestras.
But music versatility is just the tip of the iceberg in today’s musical landscape. The modern musician must also be adept at musical arrangement, composing, improvisation, teaching, and musical technology. These diverse skills are not just a luxury. They’re a necessity in the competitive musical environment we find ourselves in. By honing this skill, musicians can engage with diverse audiences and collaborate effectively with fellow artists, enriching their overall musical journey.

I started my piano studies at the age of ten at the National Music Academy “Man Cesped” in Cochabamba, my hometown. In addition to my piano lessons, I also engaged in solfeggio, music theory, and ear training and actively participated in various ensembles and choirs at the music academy. We were also in charge of organizing the logistics of events, and after my graduation, I had the opportunity to teach in the music academy for seven years. Upon moving to the United States for my Bachelor’s in Music, I quickly discovered that such in-depth musical education outside of school hours is far from common among my classmates.

Throughout my bachelor’s and master’s programs, I was fortunate to explore a wide range of musical styles and engage in activities I never imagined I could participate in (like opera productions or playing gospel in an African American Church). I understand how challenging it can be to step outside of our comfort zones, especially when facing the unknown. However, once I realized the importance of being versatile, I embraced every opportunity, even when it felt uncomfortable. Pushing through that initial discomfort can lead to incredible growth. By trying new things, I was able to develop my skills and become a more adaptable musician.

Naren, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I am currently a student at the UMKC Conservatory, completing my Master in Music in Piano Performance and Master in Arts in Collaborative Piano. I have performed various recitals across the United States, including in Arkansas, Minnesota, and Kansas City, as well as in numerous cities in my hometown of Bolivia. Recent highlights include my participation in the Recital by the 2022 Clara Wells Fellowship winners at the 64th Matthay Piano Festival in Duluth, Minnesota, and a Guest Artist Recital at the Windgate Center Concert Hall in 2023 Conway, Arkansas.

I have 14 years of piano teaching experience in Bolivia and the United States. Before moving to the U.S., I worked as a piano teacher at the “Man Césped” music academy for seven years. I had a studio with over 40 students ranging from beginners to early advanced students, both children and adults. I served as the piano chair of the music academy for two years, during which I organized jury exams and student recitals, overseeing everything from program development to event planning. In the U.S., I have taught private lessons at the Community School of Music at UCA and the Music Academy at the UMKC Conservatory. I have taught 15 students over six years, with one winning prizes in regional competitions. I have also taught group keyboard skills, music theory, ear training, and music appreciation, and I have conducted a percussion ensemble, folk orchestra, and symphonic orchestra in Bolivia.

I am an active member of the MTNA chapter at UMKC and the Mu Phi Epsilon fraternity. I have presented at the Collegiate Symposium 2024 at the University of Michigan and the 2024 MTNA National Conference in Atlanta. I have always supported my community by performing at events with Mu Phi in nursing homes and recitals in collaboration with “Classical Music Express” in Kansas City. Additionally, I am a member of the Bolivian pianist association “Con Fuoco,” which organizes workshops, masterclasses, private lessons, and recitals at Bolivia’s most prominent music schools. Con Fuoco plans to start an international piano festival in Cochabamba in 2025, connecting musicians and professors from the U.S., Argentina, and Bolivia. I always show gratitude for the places that helped me grow and make a significant effort to give back to the community. My main area of research is South American music, with my most extensive interest focusing on a deep understanding of folk and indigenous music from Latin America. I am also a freelance musician engaged in classical music, collaborative piano, jazz, rock, and other kinds of popular music.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

Despite the challenges of making a living from music, being a musician is a privilege, and with this privilege comes a great responsibility. I would not be where I am today without the unwavering support of my family, the guidance of my outstanding teachers, and the nurturing environment of my community. My main goal is to give back to the next generation of musicians and the community, especially the new generation of musicians in my country, Bolivia, who are an integral part of my journey.

Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

When I started my degree, my main goal was to improve my piano skills, and I dedicated many hours a day to achieve this. However, I didn’t attend festivals, competitions, or conferences until my senior year because I was too busy “practicing.” I wish I had known the importance of participating in different organizations to build networking and meet other students from various universities. I am currently a member of MTNA and the Mu Phi Epsilon fraternity, and being part of these organizations helped me grow my network and get job opportunities and future projects.

Contact Info:

• Website: [email protected]
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@narendranath194

Image Credits

Jonatan Alvarado