Janine M. Johnson earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology (cum laude) with a double major in Music from State University of New York at Oswego. She earned her Master of Arts degree in Suzuki Piano Pedagogy from Ithaca College.

While attending Ithaca College, Janine studied for two years with the internationally acclaimed piano pedagogue, lecturer, and author, Carole L. Bigler. Carole had studied Suzuki pedagogy directly with Dr. Shinichi Suzuki, and she passed his wisdom, values, and teaching techniques to Janine. Janine also studied applied studio piano lessons with Dr. Jerry Exline and with Professor Phirose Mehta.

Upon completing her master’s degree, Janine founded the Janine M. Johnson Piano Studio in Watertown, NY, and has taught for 32 years. Janine’s students have earned the highest ratings at New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA) Festivals, have been selected as the Jefferson-Lewis Bi-County Senior Soloist, and have won awards in national and international piano competitions.

A number of her students have gone on to establish careers as concert pianists, music educators,
church musicians, opera singers, and composers. One of Janine’s students won the James & Katherine Andrews Young Artist
Competition and performed as the featured soloist with the Orchestra of Northern New York, another former student often accompanies and sings with Emanne Beasha (America’s Got Talent), and another former student performed as a backup singer for
Billie Eilish at the 2020 Grammy Awards.

In addition to Janine’s private piano teaching, she has taught music theory, music appreciation, and applied studio piano at Jefferson Community College for over twenty years. She has performed in professional concerts both as a solo pianist and as an accompanist. In 2002, Janine created and performed in “An Evening of Piano” and donated all of the concert’s admissions proceeds to Hospice of Jefferson County.

Janine is a member of the New York State School Music Association and a member of the Suzuki Association of America. She is married and has one daughter.