Native to Bergen County, Joseph Varela began his studies at the Amati Conservatory of Tenafly with Svetlana Miasnikova at age five, and made his first public appearance at age twelve. He later continued his studies at the Manhattan School of Music Precollege division under Sheryl Canellakis, performing in various showcases, benefit concerts, and local competitions in both Manhattan and New Jersey. Notable distinctions include 1st prizes at both the Associated Music Teachers League NYYPP, and the Princeton Piano Festival Competition. Varela has performed in numerous masterclasses, most notably with Jerome Lowenthal, Walter Hautzig, Wu Han, Olegna Fuschi, Vadim Monastyrsky, and Alan Weiss.

 

Varela’s teaching philosophy focuses on developing and refining students’ artistic taste for music. Meticulous and ardent, his teaching seeks to provide a holistic understanding and appreciation for music, where the tangible and the abstract aspects of music are taught in tandem with each other. Apart from teaching both privately and at the Bergen Academy of Music and Art, Varela works as a collaborative pianist, frequently working with choral ensembles in school districts throughout Bergen and Essex county.

 

Aside from the piano, Varela had minor training as a violinist and vocalist as part of Bergenfield school’s music program. During his late teenage years, he served as concertmaster of Bergenfield High School’s symphonic and chamber orchestra, and frequented county and state-wide choir ensembles in New Jersey as a baritone.

 

Varela received a BM in piano performance from Montclair State University’s John J. Cali School of Music with Mark Pakman, and an MM in piano performance from the Manhattan School of Music with Dr. Joanne Polk.