It was so refreshing to hear young singers singing great repertoire in such a healthy, musical way.  There was no straining or shouting, just beautiful, often exquisite tone, consistently producing elegant lines.  John Yankee certainly knows what he’s doing with these singers... 

-- Nicolas Reveles, San Diego Opera

His ability to guide musicians young and old, his relentlessly high standards, his skill as a composer, singer and instrumentalist, and,

yes, his sense of humor, all add up to an Artistic Director that this

little band of singers is proud to call their own.  

-- Debbie Wells, Executive Director, San Diego Choral Union

John is talented and creative and well trained, but so are a lot of people. What makes him unique is his infectious energy and enthusiasm. When he directs, you are caught up in the experience, and perform beyond what you thought you could expect from yourself. 

-- Mark Dorian, Organist and Composer, La Jolla

John is beyond gifted as a teacher.  Under his care the human voice

becomes angelic.  It's really just hard work and the right training, but

the results are magic.    

-- Abby Kogler, Parent, San Diego

Stunning...  Children respond to John with a focus, concentration, and

attention to details that goes well beyond their age. I wish I'd had a

teacher like him when I was growing up.  

-- Peter Mueller, Composer, San Diego

What a rare combination of skills and talents you find in John, along

with a remarkable ability to connect with people, old and young alike,

right where they are. 

 -- Holly Hudak, Executive Director, Chicago 

John taught our daughter Kat that Ave Maria is not just a song people like, but a song with a story and history!  His attention to detail is refreshing.  He has astutely identified her gifts and challenges, and has helped her learn to nurture and sing in her best voice.  

-- Tara Kheradyar, Parent, San Diego

It is obvious that John plans the repertoire and rehearsals with each singer in mind. My daughter grew in confidence as a person as well as a musician. The concerts were beautiful, but the rehearsals are where the transformations happened.  

--Paula Remmel, Parent, San Diego

John finds the beauty in each piece and kindles enthusiasm in each musician. 

-- Katina Mitchell, Voice Major, Rice University

Those fortunate to work under his direction are left with a lasting impression.  John was the first person to show me that music isn’t just an option; it’s essential.  

-- Alicia Gomez, Singer, San Francisco

Many can teach, but only a special few can reach.... John Yankee is one

of those teachers.  

-- Susana Anaya, Parent, San Diego

He brought vocal and instrumental music performance of the highest level to us, and the audiences rejoiced.  

-- Ann Brady, past TCS President, Telluride

You seem to me a kindred spirit.  -- Alice Parker

His perspective on the changes and growth that we go through in our day to day lives is a human one.

-- Maddie Rogers, Walden & Peabody 

He is cast from the a mold of teachers that is rapidly disappearing: the

passionate musician who conveys a sense of immediacy to his students.

-- Andrew Molloy, Singer and Journalist, Telluride

He gave me structural ideas for a violin suite, to the point that I was

almost filling in the blanks. Now when I play, the harmonic ideas are simply there, and he is part of why.  Moreover, his humor and music have helped keep me sane.

-- Josh "Stowie" Burdick, Composer, Philadelphia

I learned to abandon my self-consciousness.  Chorus was the first

time I ever tried something so difficult and so alien to me, and that

year I learned how much bigger life can be if one ventures forth from

her zone of safety....

-- Lara Schwartz, Attorney, Washington D. C.

The kids still sing his songs continuously.

-- Grace duPont Engbring, President,Telluride Montessori School

To have both performers and audience members eating out of your hand simultaneously is a rare feat.

-- Kelvin Kent, Montrose Journal

John’s lesson plans appeal and inspire immediately.  The kids took off with them right away, coming back with meaningful descriptions of music and its role in their lives.

-- Denise Ondishko, Composer and Teacher, Rochester N. Y.

When I came to Pitt the 90 year old Men's Glee Club had dwindled to one member.  I signed up, and in no time John had taken a rather motley crew of guys and formed them into an ensemble that sounded pretty darned good, imparting nuggets of wisdom to us in a way that made a lasting impression-- lessons and pointers that made us all better singers for life.

-- Michael Daehnick, from U of Pittsburgh

Under Yankee, the TCS has met its key objective, enriching and expanding everyone's musical experience...

-- Susan Viebrock, Telluride Daily Planet

John Yankee is among the best teachers and mentors I have ever had.

Having him in my life has literally been the difference between whether

or not I have music still.  John was a key figure in my formative

years and I wouldn't even be close to where I am today without him.

-- Josie Kovash, Musician, Moab  

To be molded by someone with such craft, talent, and brilliance is unbelievably fortunate. He works with professionalism, but also with charisma, and he thrives on magnificent music, exceptional-sounding singing and high-quality performance.

-- Hamilton Sims, Musician, Boston 

John helped me develop and refine my singing voice in very practical and useful ways.  I have a greatly increased confidence in front of audiences.  

-- Don Cowan, Telluride

 

How can he hear that all simultaneously?    

-- Chris Paine, Choral Singer, Telluride

He was the best basketball player in town.  We’ll miss him for that too.

-- David Homer, Town Doc and Bassist, Telluride