About Johann
M.M. Piano Performance, B.M. Piano Performance
Johann Vargas is a professional pianist, composer, and educator in Meridian, Idaho, offering personalized instruction to students of all ages and levels.
His work with students reflects a broad musical life: solo performance, collaboration, composition, arranging, theater work, and long-term service in the musical community.
Johann Vargas offers personalized instruction to students of all ages and levels. His teaching brings together technique, musical expression, composition, music theory, and performance.
He teaches at Dunkley School of Music and through JV Music Studios and has more than 30 years of teaching experience.
Johann was born in Caracas, Venezuela. His musical background includes the influence of Latin American and Caribbean musical traditions, and his parents encouraged his early musical training.
His wife, Kris Arrington Vargas, is also a pianist, composer, and duo partner. They have nine children.
Johann earned both a B.M. Piano Performance and an M.M. Piano Performance from Boise State University, where he studied under Dr. Del Parkinson.
He twice earned first place in Boise State University's Concerto-Aria Competition, performing Tchaikovsky's Piano Concerto No. 1 in B-flat minor as an undergraduate and Liszt's Totentanz as a graduate student.
Continuing education includes Berklee College of Music, Curtis Institute of Music, Hillsdale College, and Harvard University. Johann is also a certified Apple Teacher.
Johann has appeared as a guest soloist with the Magic Valley Symphony and Meridian Symphony. He has collaborated with Ballet Idaho, Eugene Ballet, and the Stars of Steinway concert series.
He also served as pianist, stage band leader, and music director for the Hughes Brothers Celebrity Theater in Branson, Missouri, performing nearly 1,000 live shows and contributing original compositions and arrangements.
Johann received the Steinway & Sons National Top Teacher Award in 2016. His students regularly participate in National Federation of Music Clubs festivals and earn Superior ratings from Pre-Primary through Musically Advanced II.
Students have also been accepted into university piano performance and composition programs.
Johann serves as Vice President and Co-Chair of Festivals for Can-Ada Music Club, which is affiliated with the Idaho Federation of Music Clubs and the National Federation of Music Clubs.
He is also a member of Boise Tuesday Musicale.
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