Biography
Christian Paarup is a San Francisco–based mental performance consultant, orchestral trombonist, and educator. With a career that spans international orchestral work, university teaching, and mental performance consulting, he helps musicians and performing artists not only overcome barriers but also optimize intentional approaches to performance—building confidence, clarity, and resilience under pressure.
Performance Forte: Bridging Music and Psychology
Inspired by his own experiences as a professional musician, Christian founded Performance Forte, a consulting practice dedicated to empowering performers. He holds a Master of Science in Sport & Performance Psychology from the University of Western States and is pursuing certification as a Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC) through the Association for Applied Sport Psychology. His academic background also includes a Bachelor of Music in Performance (magna cum laude) from Baylor University and a Master of Music in Classical Trombone Performance from the Manhattan School of Music.
Christian works regularly as a mental performance consultant with the dancers of the San Francisco Ballet and the students of the San Francisco Conservatory of Music (SFCM). This academic year, he is scheduled to present at the University of North Texas, University of Hawai’i, University of Nevada–Reno, University of Arizona, and Sacramento State University. His consulting approach is anchored in his Theory of Performance Excellence (TOPE), which integrates Self-Determination Theory and emphasizes the use of higher-quality motivational thoughts to fuel artistry and consistency.
Distinguished Performance Career
As a trombonist, Christian has appeared with the San Francisco Symphony, San Francisco Opera, San Francisco Ballet, Dallas Symphony, Houston Symphony, Utah Symphony, Fort Worth Symphony, Louisiana Philharmonic, and Hawai’i Symphony. During the 2021–22 season, he served as an acting member of the Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra in Helsinki, Finland.
He has recorded for Sony and at Skywalker Ranch for film soundtracks, and has collaborated with leading artists including Beck, The Who, Hugh Jackman, Weird Al Yankovic, Chris Botti, and Andrea Bocelli.
As a chamber musician, he co-founded Fort Worth Brass and frequently performs with Bay Area ensembles such as Nomad Session and Brass Over Bridges. He has also toured schools across San Francisco with Gusto Winds, a San Francisco Symphony Adventures in Music ensemble, bringing live music to thousands of students annually.
A Passionate Educator
Christian is on trombone faculty at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music Pre-College & Continuing Education Academy and at California State University, Fresno (Fresno State). He has also taught at Baylor University and Dallas College. Among his private high school students, he has guided many toward placements in All-State ensembles and scholarships at leading collegiate music programs.
He founded the Trombone Choir of North Texas and the SFCM Continuing Education Brass Ensemble, expanding opportunities for community musicians. His festival and guest appearances include the Mountain Light Music Festival and the University of Florida International Brass Festival.
Creative Work
Beyond performing and consulting, Christian arranges and publishes brass works through Paarup Music Editions. His publications have been featured at the International Trombone Festival and the American Trombone Workshop, with performances by ensembles worldwide. Recent projects include arranging folk music-inspired programs for the Kalamazoo Symphony and score editing for acclaimed composer, Trevor Weston.
Personal Life
Outside of his professional work, Christian enjoys life in the Bay Area with his wife, Tori, and their Yorkie, Frodo. Together they love traveling to Europe—especially Denmark, his father’s homeland—as well as England and Germany. They also enjoy exploring California’s natural beauty, historic towns, and cultural offerings.
