Draft:Raul Yanez

Raúl Yáñez is an American musician, composer, and educator known for his diverse musical skills and innovative compositions. Born in January 1973 in Silver City, New Mexico, Yáñez began his musical education early and attended Cobre High School. He currently serves as an instructor at the Arizona State University's School of Music, Dance and Theatre, where he teaches a variety of courses ranging from Music Production Fundamentals to Advanced Studio techniques and Popular Music Performance.

Early Life and Education
Yáñez was born in Silver City, New Mexico and attended Cobre High School. He began showing interest in music at a young age and pursued this passion through his formative years. He studied piano at Arizona State University with Chuck Marohnic

Career
In his twenties, Yáñez lived and performed in Macao, which broadened his musical influences and expertise. He joined the faculty of Arizona State University where he has developed and taught numerous courses in the School of Music, Dance, and Theatre. His courses include "Special Topics", "Popular Music Lab", "Studio Instruction", and "Music Production Fundamentals" among others. His teaching reflects his extensive knowledge in various musical styles and his commitment to nurturing new talent in diverse musical disciplines. .

In addition to his academic role, Yáñez has a rich performance career. Notably, Yáñez composed the first Concerto for Turntable, blending classical and hip-hop music in a groundbreaking format that premiered at Carnegie Hall. This piece was part of a larger performance called Artsehcro, which involved a collegiate symphony orchestra and highlighted the turntable as a legitimate solo classical instrument.

Yáñez has also toured with famous acts such as Sister Sledge, El Chicano, and Esteban, further showcasing his versatility as a musician.

Artistic Contributions
Raúl Yáñez's notable contribution to music includes the creation of "scratch notation," a method of writing sheet music for turntablists, which he developed while working on the "Concerto for Turntable." This innovative approach has allowed turntables to be integrated into classical music settings, pushing the boundaries of how traditional music is composed and perceived.

His "Concerto for Turntable" was a notable event at Carnegie Hall, described as a blend of hip-hop with classical elements, aiming to legitimize the turntable as a serious instrument. Despite technical challenges and mixed reviews, the performance was seen as a step towards integrating DJing into classical music venues.

Performance at Beeloe's Bar
In the early 2000s, Yáñez led the Chicano Power Revival Orchestra at Beeloe's bar in Tempe, Arizona, playing a fusion of ambient jungle music and traditional Afro-Cuban rhythms. These performances were known for their dynamic energy and blend of various musical styles, reflecting Yáñez's eclectic musical influences and command as a bandleader