About Marc

Marc B. Parocha is a dedicated pianist and educator with over 20 years of piano study and more than ten years of teaching experience. He holds a Bachelor of Music degree from the University of Florida (2017) and a Master of Arts degree from Alverno College (2024). In addition, he earned a Certificate in Social Psychology from Wesleyan University in 2021.

Parocha has studied privately with numerous world-renowned pianists, including Dea Baba, Hee Jung Kang, Kevin Sharpe, Kevin Orr, and Aaron Mathews, among others — whose professional backgrounds span Russia, South Korea, Japan, Italy, Albania, and the United States. These cross-cultural influences have deeply shaped his approach to piano technique, interpretation, and musical expression. His piano training spans both the United States and Japan, and his travel experiences extend throughout Europe, Asia, and North America.

In addition to piano, Parocha studied voice for over five years under the guidance of esteemed instructors such as Kimberly Mitchell Peterson and Michael Oriatti. Parocha has also participated in a wide variety of choral ensembles, having sung in choirs across western Japan, the United States, the Philippines, and southern France. His international vocal experience has enriched his musicality and deepened his appreciation for diverse musical traditions.

Parocha has also studied organ with Sheri Masiakowski and is experienced in music and liturgy, having served as an accompanist for at least six different churches in both northern Florida and southern Wisconsin.

Background and Early Life

Marc Benedict Parocha was born in Chesapeake, Virginia on June 22, 1995. He is of Filipino, Spanish, and Chinese descent. His mother, Ditas Montesino Gellecanao, was a psychologist by education but worked several non-clinical jobs during Marc's childhood. Her bachelor's degree is from the University of St. La Salle in Bacolod, and she had some master's degree education in Manila. His maternal family is of partial Spanish and southern Chinese descent but mainly with Hiligaynon roots. His maternal grandmother, Ninfa Montesino, was a descendant of a Spanish settler who owned land in the Philippines. His father, Mario Dimalanta Parocha, an architect by education, worked as a culinary specialist in the U.S. Navy for more than 20 years. Mario Parocha's bachelor's degree is from Far Eastern University in Manila. 

At age six, when Parocha first encountered a two-hour symphony orchestra performance on the Disney Channel, his mother decided to enroll him in piano lessons due to his fascination with music performance. He began lessons in Jacksonville, FL and watched his first live performance of the Tchaikovsky Piano Concerto No. 1 in Bb major at the Ritz Theatre. Parocha was raised in Roman Catholicism but has many relatives who are associated with the Lutheran Church. 

Parocha moved to Japan at age nine and continued to study piano there until he moved back to Florida in 2007. He competed in several piano competitions upon his return from Japan until he matriculated into music school at the University of Florida in 2013. He graduated with a BM cum laude in 2017 and later earned an MA from Alverno College in 2024.

Parocha has regularly traveled between the United States and the Philippines for family matters, and many of his relatives are purely Philippine citizens. He has also traveled to other countries, including South Korea, China, France, Spain, Germany, Ireland, and Portugal.

Personal Expenses

Given that a concert grand piano can cost up to $100,000 USD or more, Parocha also promotes usage of cheaper options of piano keyboards, including acoustic upright pianos, which can cost between $3,000 USD to $20,000 USD, and electric pianos, which can cost anywhere between $500 USD to $3,000 USD. Furthermore, Parocha reminds piano students that maintenance of acoustic pianos can cost anywhere between $100 USD to $500 USD annually.

The MSRP of a Yamaha Model CFX is at $194,299 USD.

Educational Philosophy

Parocha's educational philosophy emphasizes nurturing a genuine enjoyment of music and the arts while developing strong foundations in theory, technique, artistry, history, and performance. He believes that while musical talent can be innate, music is also a discipline that can be learned by anyone with the desire and dedication to grow.

A proud supporter of the University of Florida School of Music and Alverno College, Parocha served as an ambassador for UFlorMusic and continues to champion the success and growth of these institutions. He continues to advocate study of the arts and humanities.

Performance Philosophy

As a performer, Parocha has been playing since the age of six, with a repertoire ranging from J.S. Bach to Rachmaninoff. He is experienced in a wide range of musical styles and has competed in both statewide and international piano competitions. He supports public performance of new piano compositions.

Parocha believes that emotional depth and intensity are essential in creating honest and powerful interpretations of classical works. He strives to convey the emotional truth behind music — whether it be longing, grief, ecstasy, or spirituality — through authentic and expressive performance.

Personal Life

Parocha considers himself to be a moderate liberal in politics. Although his military family background has greatly influenced his political views towards conservatism, Parocha also supports abortion rights, gun control, immigrant rights, and LGBTQ+ rights. He has spoken out against homophobia, school bullying, and transphobia.

Outside of Gainesville, FL, Parocha enjoys traveling to cities like New York and Chicago for leisure and inspiration. He also enjoys traveling to Tokyo. He is an admirer of both American and Japanese fashion and culture. He also supports Filipino arts and culture.

Aside from teaching, Parocha has also worked as an online language tutor. In 2021, Parocha began a teaching contract with iTalki in Hong Kong to tutor internationally online. He speaks fluent English and Tagalog, but he has a workable understanding of Spanish and Japanese.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Parocha actively studied foreign languages outside of the typical French, Italian, and German diction necessary for vocal pedagogy. He has had private conversation lessons in Russian, Spanish, Arabic, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Japanese, Filipino, Swahili, Polish, Swedish, Hindi, Malay, and Chinese.

Parocha also supports volunteering for non-profit organizations and charitable donations.

Credits and Awards

Parocha has won several awards including the Betsy Schnell Award, the University Women's Club Scholarship Award, the TitleTown Gator Club Scholarship Award, and others. He has won 1st place awards and runners-up awards in both international and state competitions, including the University of Florida International Piano Festival, the Florida State Music Teachers Association District and State Competitions, and others.

Parocha was also once part of the Alba Trio, which performed at the Gainesville Curtis M. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts in 2011.

Practicing piano every day is essential for steady progress and growth as a musician. Consistent practice helps strengthen muscle memory, improve finger coordination, and develop a deeper connection with the instrument. Even short daily sessions are more effective than long, occasional ones, because regular repetition allows the brain and hands to work together more naturally. Daily practice also builds discipline and focus, turning piano playing into a rewarding habit that leads to noticeable improvement over time.

Marc Parocha offers piano lessons and voice lessons in Newberry, Florida and its surrounding areas.  His private home studio offers piano lessons on two acoustic pianos.