Susan Matych-Hager, professor emeritus, Siena Heights University, retired in May, 2007, after 34 years of service. Prior to Siena Heights University, Susan was a teaching assistant at Indiana University, taught vocal music at Fruitport High School, Fruitport Middle School and at St. Mary’s Elementary School, Adrian. She holds degrees from Siena Heights College (now University) and Indiana University where she studied vocal music pedagogy with Dr. Ralph Appelman.
At Siena Heights University, Susan chaired the music department. She directed the Men’s Ensemble, Cecilian Choristers (women), Madrigal Singers and was the founding director of a county-wide youth choir. She also co-founded the SHU Youth Symphony Orchestra. Under her direction, the SHU Madrigal Singers produced twenty-five consecutive years of Madrigal Dinner Concerts, including performances at the Detroit Masonic Temple and Monroe St. Mary’s. Her ensembles have performed several times in Carnegie Hall. Her teaching schedule included applied voice, choral methods and materials, conducting, early music history, and music education. She served as chapter advisor for MENC. While at Siena, she received the Eileen K. Rice Award for Excellence in Teaching.
Susan continues her membership in ACDA, having served on the Executive Board and as the editor of Bella Voce for ten years from 1997-2007. Susan developed the first ACDA-MI webpage, as both web designer and webmaster for several years. She is also a member of the National Association of Teachers of Singing.
Upon retirement, she continues to teach voice privately and is available as a clinician. In 2004, Susan began making glass beads and designing jewelry. In 2007, she moved to full-time glass bead-making and jewelry design. The past four years, her work has been included in the annual prestigious traveling, juried exhibit of contemporary, innovative glass beads sponsored by the International Society of Glass Bead makers. A member of the I.S.G.B., she currently sells her beads and jewelry online and in several Michigan and Ohio bead stores and galleries.
