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Janina Knechtges

Education

  • Bachelor of Music, Piano Performance | Northwestern University
  • Master of Music, Piano Performance and Pedagogy | Northwestern University

Background

What year did you start working at WCM?

2008-2022 and 2025-Present

Why did you choose to work at WCM?

I chose to work at WCM because I enjoy working at a community music school and collaborating with dedicated students and esteemed faculty.

Describe a musical experience or teacher that had a positive impact on you.

My high school band teacher had a positive impact on me. Being new to the high school (having moved from the city to the suburbs), I discovered that there was no orchestra program and only a band program. I was a pianist and violinist, but my band teacher had the confidence in me to try different instruments and genres so that I would be able to participate in ensembles. I had the opportunity to play Percussion in Marching Band; Bass in Symphonic Band and Musical Pit Band; and Piano in Jazz Band. This diverse musical experience influenced me to pursue a career in music.