Joining Millikin University in 1978, Dr. William Ronald YaDeau served as an associate professor of music and the coordinator of keyboard studies for over 30 years prior to his retirement in 2013. During this time, he also served as a member of the university’s Council of Student and Academic Standards. Likewise, he was a guest lecturer for the 70th anniversary of the Belarus Academy of Music in 2007. Notably, Dr. YaDeau and his wife presented recitals in Slovakia through the Cleveland- Bratislava Sister Cities Association in 1997, having been recognized as the first Americans to be sent by the group.
To prepare for his career, Dr. YaDeau received a Bachelor of Music in piano performance, with a minor in philosophy, from Baldwin Wallace College in 1968, followed by a Master of Music in piano performance and literature from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 1969. Subsequently, he worked as a piano instructor at Eastern Oregon University for four years before returning to higher education. In 1980, Dr. YaDeau received a Doctor of Musical Arts in piano performance and literature, with a minor in music theory, from the University of Illinois. He later completed advanced piano studies with Marian Filar and Howard Karp between 1990 and 2010.
Outside of his primary profession, Dr. YaDeau has contributed to several compact discs with his music, as well as authored “Music in the Divine Service,” “Thoughts on Medical Problems of the Performing Arts,” “The Role of the Studio Teacher in Comprehensive Arts Education” and “Critical Education of 24 Preludes by Petr Petrovich Podkovyrov.” To remain abreast of developments in his field, Dr. YaDeau has also maintained membership with such organizations as the Music Teachers National Association, for which he has served on local, regional and state levels since 1974. He is also a member of the Decatur Area Music Teachers Association, the Illinois State Music Teachers Association, the Oregon Music Teachers Association and the College Music Society.
Although he has experienced many career achievements, Dr. YaDeau is incredibly proud of his opportunity to have learned the music of Petr Podkovyrov, a famous Belarus composer. In the coming years, he intends to present more recitals and continue publishing work in his industry.