Oren Varess is a pianist, collaborator, and educator from Norway, Maine.
They offer solo performances for weddings and events, accompanying, and private lessons in piano and music theory.
About Me
I grew up on the coast of Maine, cultivating a love for classical piano from the age of four.
As an artist, I am passionate about detail. I find endless fascination and inspiration in the process of interpreting and sharing the music that I love.
I have been performing and collaborating throughout the state since the age of fourteen. I have won awards for my solo work in the Anne Gannet Scholarship Competition, the Lucia A. Wright Piano Competition, the Judith Elser Competition, and the Hanna Powell Memorial Piano Competition.
I hold a Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance and am currently finishing coursework for my Master of Music in Piano Performance from the Osher School of Music at the University of Southern Maine, where I study with Dr. Laura Kargul. While at USM, I have been the recipient of many awards and honors in performance. In 2016, I was the winner of the USM concerto competition and performed Ravel’s Concerto in G Major with the Southern Maine Symphony Orchestra. During my academic career, I have also participated in master classes by Inon Barnatan, Mark Gibson, and Andrius Žlabys.
I have over ten years of experience in education. I currently work as a private piano instructor at 317 Main Community Music Center in Yarmouth, where I teach students of all ages.
“The piano as a medium for expression is a whole world by itself. No other instrument can fill or replace its own say in the world of emotion, sentiment, poetry, imagery, and fancy.”
-Leopold Godowsky
Lessons
I offer private and group lessons in piano, music theory and composition coaching for all ages and levels. Whether you are an older student returning to music or a curious beginner, I aim to create a path that fulfills and inspires your personal goals in music. Although my passion is classical music, I teach in various genres, including popular and improvisational styles.
I have experience working with a diversity of students with different learning approaches and abilities, and my lessons are adapted for each individual student.
I teach in person in Yarmouth at 317 Main Community Music Center, and in Bridgton. I also offer online lessons via Zoom.
I am happy to offer sliding scale pricing and discuss scheduling according to your needs. Please contact me with a message about your interests and the subject line “Lessons”, and I will be happy to schedule with you!
Weddings and Events
I am available for hire for wedding ceremonies and other private events. I would love to collaborate with you to create a perfect program to fit the walk-down-the-aisle of your dreams, or your elegant cocktail affair or concert. If you aren’t sure exactly what music would best work for you, I can suggest pieces and sets to fit the aesthetic you are cultivating.
I have set flat rates for different types of events, and additional costs are based on preparation time, travel, and other factors which I will happily discuss.
Please contact me with the subject line “Wedding” or “Event” and we can begin to create something truly special!
Listen
Sample my performances in classical music, improvisation, and more.
