Oren Lucerne Varess

Teaches: Piano

Teaching Philosophy: The process of learning music has the potential to help unlock the wellsprings of our individual creative powers and emotional depths. For me, being a teaching artist is about helping each of my students pursue that potential for themselves. Beginning with solid pianistic technique allows students to strengthen their mind-body connection and empowers their innate music-making spirit.

Greatest Musical Influences: My teacher Laura Kargul, Maria João Pires, Schubert, Chopin, Bach, Arvo Pärt, Kaija Saariaho, Sibylle Baier, Vashti Bunyan, Joan Baez, Björk, Kate Bush, Keith Jarrett, Brad Meldau

When I’m not making music I’m: Reading, knitting, writing, spending time by the ocean

Current Music Projects: Completing my degree in performance at the University of Southern Maine, various and sundry recitals and performances

Favorite place in Maine: Bates-Morse Mountain Conservation Area; Deer Isle; Wolfe’s Neck State Park

Oren Lucerne Varess is a classical pianist residing in Portland, ME. They fell in love with the piano at age five, and has pursued it ever since. While acquiring their undergraduate degree in performance at the University of Southern Maine, under the tutelage of Dr. Laura Kargul, Oren has been the recipient of many awards and scholarships, recognizing their skills in piano performance and academia. They have appeared in chamber performances as well as solo recitals, and have won awards in several music competitions, including the Anne Gannett Scholarship Competition, the Lucia A. Wright Piano Competition, and the Judith Elser Concerto Competition. A passionate advocate for arts education, they have been teaching lessons privately for several years.