Karl Vardanyan is a classically trained guitarist with a rich background in music education, arranging, production, and sound design. His talent emerged early when, at just 15, he won the solo instrumental performance category at the international music competition-festival “Russian Spring 2015” in Budapest, Hungary. In 2022, Karl's composition skills earned him first place in the classical guitar category at the ‘New Music on the Bluff’ competition at Loyola Marymount University.
Currently a senior at USC, Karl studies performance under the guidance of renowned guitarists William Kanengiser, Scott Tennant, and Adam Del Monte, while also honing his arranging and composition skills with Brian Head. He has participated in masterclasses with esteemed guitarists such as Pepe Romero, Paul O’Dette, A.J. Minette, David Russell, and Richard Savino.
In 2023, Karl expanded his artistic horizons by learning the Armenian tar and founding the ethno-classical ensemble ‘Haykar.’ As the founder and arranger, he blends traditional Armenian instruments like the duduk, tar, qamancha, and daf with classical guitar, creating a unique fusion of cultural and musical traditions.