Current choir director at the Aliaza Academy Charter School. Former choir director of the Children’s School of Arts in Bratsk, Russia. Musical director at the Colby School in Park City, and choir director at the Shepherd of the Mountain Lutheran Church. Yelena Bates joins the Gifted Music School with over 20 years of teaching experience. She maintains an active piano and voice studio.

Ms. Bates is a highly experienced music educator in piano and choir. She has taught and/or coached thousands of students in the U.S. and Russia. Her past piano students have been recognized at many local competitions, and also featured with the Utah Symphony on their annual Salute to Youth Concerts. Currently, she is a system singing instructor at the American Preparatory Academy and a piano faculty at the Gifted Music School Preparatory Division.