Naren Palomino Pardo, a native from Cochabamba – Bolivia, is a dedicated pianist, collaborator, and educator currently pursuing a Artist Certificate in Piano Performance at the UMKC Conservatory where he serves as a rehearsal pianist for the Opera and as a collaborative pianist for multiple singers and instrumentalist, and orchestras. Over the years, Naren has performed various recitals across the United States, performing in cities such as Conway and Mayflower, Arkansas; Duluth, Minnesota; and Kansas City. He has also given numerous performances in various cities across Bolivia. Notable highlights include his participation as one of the Clara Wells Fellowship winners at the 64th Matthay Piano Festival in Duluth, Minnesota, in 2022. Additionally, he was featured as a guest artist at the Windgate Center Concert Hall at the University of Central Arkansas in Conway, Arkansas, in 2023.

With 14 years of teaching experience, Naren has made a lasting impact on students in both Bolivia and the United States. Prior to moving to the U.S., he spent seven years as a piano teacher at the “Man Césped” music academy, where he led a studio of over 40 students, ranging from beginners to early advanced levels. In addition to private lessons, he has taught group classes in keyboard skills, music theory, ear training, and was the conductor of the “Man Césped” music academy’s percussion ensemble, folk orchestra, and symphony orchestra. In the U.S., Naren has taught at the Community School of Music at UCA and currently teaches at the UMKC Conservatory Music Academy.

An active member of the MTNA chapter at UMKC and the Mu Phi Epsilon fraternity in which he serves as the president. Alongside the MTNA Chapter at UMKC, presented at the Collegiate Symposium 2024 at the University of Michigan and the 2024 MTNA National Conference in Atlanta, and will present at the 2026 MTNA National Conference in Chicago. Naren is also passionate about giving back to the community. He has performed at nursing homes, public libraries, hospitals and collaborated on recitals through “Classical Music Express” in Kansas City, and currently is the student in residence at the Senior Community Living “Claridge Court” where he offers monthly recitals and spend time with the residents. He is also a member of the Bolivian Pianist Association “Con Fuoco,”, which organizes workshops, masterclasses, and recitals at leading music schools in Bolivia.

Naren is particularly interested in South American music, focusing on a deep exploration of folk and indigenous music from Latin America. As a versatile freelance musician, Naren is engaged in classical music, collaborative piano, jazz, rock, and other popular genres. He holds a master’s in music in Piano Performance and a master’s in arts in Collaborative Piano at the UMKC Conservatory and bachelor’s in music from the University of Central Arkansas. His Piano professors include Betzabe Gutierrez, Juan Carlos Toro, Koichi Fujii, Dr. Neil Rutman, Sean Chen, Dr. Karen Savage, and Dr. Natalia Rivera.

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