Erin Yanacek Interview
Q: Where did you go to college, and what degree(s) did you earn?
A: I attended Western Michigan University for my undergraduate studies. I received a Bachelor’s in Music and a Bachelor’s in Philosophy. I attended Carnegie Mellon Univeristy for my Master’s in Music, with a concentration in Trumpet Performance.
Q: Is this your first time teaching a course at Chatham?
A: Yes, this is my very first time teaching at Chatham, and I have loved it!
Q: What courses are you teaching at Chatham?
A: I am teaching Fundamentals of Music this semester.
Q: Do you hope to teach at Chatham again?
A: Most definitely! I have loved teaching here. The students are great – exceptionally creative thinkers. The campus is beautiful. This is by far my favorite campus to teach at. I am currently working with Dr. Michael Boyd to create a Pep Band course at Chatham. I am very excited about that and I look forward to this becoming a reality!
Q: Do you teach at any other institutions?
A: I teach at CCAC (Community College of Allegheny County), Mercyhurst University, Bethany College, and I am teaching a course this fall semester at Frostburg State University in Maryland.
Q: Do you participate in any bands, orchestras, choirs, etc?
A: I am the Executive Director of the Chamber Orchestra of Pittsburgh, as well as a member of both River City Brass and the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra.
Q: Have you ever taught music lessons? If so, what instrument(s) or were they vocal lessons?
A: At Bethany College, I taught all of the applied music courses, including voice, piano, string instruments, and all of the brass instruments.
Q: Any final comments?
A: Just to restate that I have loved teaching here. The students are great and very creative. And the campus is beautiful!
For more information about Ms. Yanacek, please visit her Twitter, Facebook, or WebPage – erinyanacek.com.
Interview by Hannah Gregor
Music Program Student Assistant