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Chaz Fautch - About
Originally from the Twin Cities region of Minnesota, Chaz remains connected to his heritage of kindness, generosity, and contribution toward his community. He began playing piano at the age of 4 years old, often replying today to the question “When did you begin playing piano” with “I don’t remember a time in my life when I didn’t.” His first interaction with music and the piano was entirely by ear, capable of hearing music and recreating it on the piano. It wasn’t until age 12 that he began formal lessons to read sheet music. Just 3 years later, he was competing in the Minnesota Orchestra’s Young People’s Concerto Competition, performing Chopin’s Concerto No. 2.
Chaz began teaching when he was 15 and went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in piano performance and with a minor in psychology while also studying Latin and classics. After graduating with Distinction, a brief study at Juilliard in New York with Jacob Lateiner, and performances in Europe, he went on to accept a full ride for his master of music degree in piano performance.
Chaz has since expanded his influence and contributions into administration. His continued presence as a performer and teacher has been a prevalent and core component of his professional career, though his current dedication thrives in arts administration. After impactful work in several nonprofit organization roles, he returned to school for his MBA degree. He’s since worked in the San Francisco Bay Area with Opus 1 Music Studio where he was both Dean of Education, overseeing the quality of education and management of 40+ faculty, and master-level teacher. He managed and led faculty with roots from all over the globe, degrees spanning bachelors, masters, and doctoral, and world-class caliber performing. His influence has impacted the education of thousands of students. As of June 2023, Chaz is the Music School Director of Community School for Music and Arts in Mountain View, CA - Northern California’s largest nonprofit school for arts education.
In his spare time, Chaz is dedicated to also playing the cello, reading classic novels and nonfiction, enjoying Bay Area scenery and cheering on the local Giants and 49ers teams with his fellow Bay Area residents.
Biographies
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Pianist
Spanning all genres and eras of music, Chaz’s performing background includes solo, chamber music, and orchestral performances across the world. He received a full-ride for his Master of Music degree, has studied at The Juilliard School in New York, and made several recordings spanning Chopin, Rachmaninoff, Debussy, Bach, and more.
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Teacher
With over 25 years of teaching experience, Chaz has taught hundreds of students who’ve gone on to pursue professional careers in music, perform at Carnegie Hall, win several international competitions, and receive exceptional scores in examinations. Aside from their personal achievements, he’s most proud of their passion and love of music.
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Administrator
Chaz’s career in arts administration began with leadership roles and training in elementary school. He’s since been a community volunteer and leader, executive director, operations director, dean of education, and as of June 2023 is Music School Director at Northern California’s largest nonprofit school for arts education.
