Marc Peloquin, piano
D.M.A., Manhattan School of Music
M.M., Manhattan School of Music
B.M., Boston University |
|
Marc Peloquin began studying piano at age six
after listening to his sister practice for her own piano lessons.
“The sound of the instrument was always very appealing
to me. I remember listening to recordings when I was very young
and just being intrigued by the piano. I would go to all my
sisters lessons even before I started studying myself.”
As a teacher, Marc stresses the importance of building technique
along with interpretation skills. “You have to have technique
to play so I focus on that from the very beginning. Skills like
finger strength, note-to-note movement of scales and arpeggios,
and the use of the thumbs and wrists are essential to developing
as a player. Interpretation is equally vital. I focus on developing
a musical language for each piece with my students.”
Marc teaches students of all ages, including adults. He tailors
his teaching style to the individual and tries to find pieces
for his students that match their interests and abilities. “All
students have different physical and interpretive abilities.
I try to find music for specific students. I don’t think
there are works everyone ‘should’ play. There might
be pieces that can accomplish the same development that will
match a student’s personality better than others. Some
students are more showy players and some are more sensitive.
It’s important to match the repertoire to the student.”
Marc cites the influence of his teachers as quite important
on him as both a performer and instructor. His first teacher,
Cecile Belliveau, “was very strong and demanding. I really
identified with her and lessons were always a special event.
After studying with her, I began working with Darryl Rosenberg
who is a very independent person which I think rubbed off on
me, and helped me to find my individuality as a musician.”
Finally, Robert Goldsand, Nils Vigiland, and Marc Silverman,
who Marc worked with at Manhattan School of Music, helped him
develop as an artist and supported his interest in contemporary
music.
As a performer, Marc places a strong emphasis on programming,
often building recitals around a specific theme. Past concerts
at Bloomingdale have included a program based on themes from
Italian opera, musical exoticism, and modern American master
composers. “Programming is extremely important. For
me, as a non-composer, putting together a program is my way
of composing. I believe it’s important to play things
in your career that mean something to you. It’s important
to be devoted to composers that you feel strongly about.
It is always a goal for me to bring a piece to the point
where the audience is communicating directly with the composer.
That to me is a great performance.”
In addition to his solo performances, Marc performs often in
collaboration with Bloomingdale faculty member Roberto Hidalgo
as part of the piano duo “Split Second”. To learn
more about Marc visit www.marcpeloquin.com |
|
