Christopher Narloch

Classes/Instrument taught:  Piano, Group Piano Class

Undergraduate:  B.M., Piano Performance and Pedagogy, Viterbo University

Postgraduate:  M.M., Piano Performance and Pedagogy, Bowling Green State University

Hometown: Wausau, WI

Preferred student age:  Any

Preferred student level: Any

How long have you been at Sherwood?  Since 2010 

What do you want to impart to your students through your teaching?
Music is for everyone!

Are there specific methods or techniques that you use in your teaching that may be important to share with prospective students?
Rather than constantly pouring out information for them to memorize, I tend to ask my students questions to encourage them to learn and think actively.  Lessons are then engaging and interactive.  I include sight-reading, ear-training, theory, technique, improvisation, and history in all lessons, regardless of age and level.

What do you enjoy most about teaching?
Sharing and experiencing the joy of music with other people.

Briefly describe your musical pursuits outside Sherwood.
I perform solo and collaborative recitals throughout the midwest region, and I occassionally play for weekend events.

What is your earliest musical experience or best musical memory?
Listening to my dad play piano at home.

Please describe one of your favorite teachers or mentors.
I know a lot of piano teachers now who have had a poor teacher in their past.  I feel really lucky to say that all the piano teachers I've had are all exceptionally fantastic.  They cared about me as a person (not just as a pianist), and they included wonderful teaching techniques, getting me to think for myself and perparing me mentally, physically, and emotionally.  

Who is your favorite composer or what is your favorite musical period?
I love all musical periods!  I would say some of my favorite composers are Scriabin, Prokofiev, Ligeti, Rzewski, and of course J. S. Bach and Beethoven.  My favorite pianist is Sviatoslav Richter.