Best Piano Lessons in Napa, California

Janapar Piano Studio, founded by Karine Vann in 2022, is a boutique piano studio that emphasizes cultivating practical musical skills and developing every child’s ‘inner ear.’ The studio’s name, ‘Janapar,’ meaning ‘path’ or ‘journey’ in Armenian, reflects its belief that piano lessons are a pathway into a world of music. Karine Vann’s approach is deeply rooted in her extensive musical background, including studies at prestigious institutions like the Levine School of Music, Boston University’s Tanglewood Institute, and IU’s Jacobs School of Music, combined with a Master’s in Musicology from the University of Oxford. She also holds a Master’s degree in piano pedagogy from George Mason University and has pursued studies in jazz and improvisation with Wade Beach. Karine’s pedagogical philosophy centers on personalized journeys for students, acting as a guide as they explore new ways of listening, thinking, moving, and feeling, moving beyond traditional, purely interpretive methods. She incorporates aural skills, historical and cultural context, and improvisation into her lessons. Currently serving approximately 20 pre-college students, the studio offers a progressive approach to piano instruction, and Karine’s experience extends beyond teaching, including leading a weekly music class for pre-K children at Nature’s Way Montessori and the 3rd and 4th grade choir at the Stone Bridge School, a local Waldorf charter school in Napa. She also performs locally with Khatchadour Khatchadourian as part of the ‘Barbar Band.’