Chris was enveloped in music at an early age by his father, Edwin "Whitey" Pawola, co-founder of the renowned polka band, "Whitey Pawola and the Naturals"- a Chicagoland favorite.
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Whitey Pawola

Chris began playing the guitar and piano at the age of six. By the time he was 15, he had begun teaching students and developing his individualized approach to instruction. He did not have a drivers license and remembers his parents having to drive him to the music store to work

Chris has a genuine love for "the greatest generation" and brings joy, laughter, and happiness with each event. For 15 years, he has served the assisted living and memory care communities creating meaningful and engaging performances and sing-alongs. With every song that is sung, hymn that is prayed, and every note played, Chris has the unique ability to unlock the memories of all. Chris' energy is infectious. He is kind and focused. He makes each person he interacts with feel special.

 Chris brings the same dedication to music education. In the early years, he designed and developed a comprehensive K-8 music curriculum. For 17 years, he trained those students in general music skills as well as giving group lessons in both keyboard and guitar. In 40 years, Chris has trained thousands of students of all ages, abilities, and learning styles in the arts of: guitar, piano, bass, ukulele, percussion, and college-level theory.
Chris has collaborated with diverse groups on recording, engineering, and production services for over 150 CD and other media productions. Many of these projects included his own accompaniments in guitar, piano, and percussion.
He is genuine, creative, dedicated, faithful, a master performer, professional, and memorable. Chris is one of a kind. If you asked him, he would say that his passion is the creation of music and the creation of musicians. If you asked anyone who has experienced his spirit, they would add that his passion is woven in love.
Margaret Irvine-Pawola
 

Christian Pawola received his Bachelor of Music Education Degree from Northern Illinois University with an emphasis in jazz and classical guitar and piano pedagogy. He credits Deb Greiner, his first-time memory care director, mentor, and friend for his success in working with residents with Alzheimer's and other related dementias.
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