Meet Johann Vargas, a valued Dunkley School of Music piano teacher.  He was born in Caracas, Venezuela, where his parents nurtured his passion for music from a young age.  This early exposure ignited his lifelong dedication to the arts and inspired him to pursue a formal education in music.

Johann completed his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Piano Performance at Boise State University.  Training under the esteemed Dr. Del Parkinson–he received invaluable support throughout his education–including sponsorship from Randy Hansen Chevrolet and multiple scholarships.  During his undergraduate studies, he quickly rose to the top and secured first place in the prestigious Concerto-Aria Competition.  His captivating rendition of Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto No. 1 in B minor showcased his exceptional talent.  Triumphantly, Johann reclaimed this honor during his graduate studies by performing Liszt’s powerful Totentanz.  This recognition further solidified his reputation as a formidable pianist.

Johann’s musical versatility continued to grow as he served as the pianist for Ballet Idaho and the Eugene Ballet.  His career then took a dynamic turn when he became the pianist and music director for the Hughes Brothers Celebrity Theater in Branson, Missouri.  In this vibrant environment, he showcased his performance prowess in hundreds of live shows.  Additionally, he sharpened his composition and arrangement skills, creating unique musical experiences for diverse audiences.

Over the years, Johann has performed as a guest soloist with esteemed ensembles such as the Magic Valley Symphony and the Meridian Symphony.  He has also been featured in the Stars of Steinway concert series, highlighting his standing in the classical music community.

For the past 30+ years, Mr. Vargas has devoted himself to teaching piano and running a full-time studio at Dunkley Music.  His commitment to education reflects his passion for sharing his knowledge and love of music with the next generation of musicians.  Our community is truly fortunate to have an artist whose remarkable talent captivates us and inspires countless individuals to create music for years to come.