Edward M. Kuhn Jr., associate professor of music at Seton Hill University, has been named the 2014 Teacher of the Year by the Pennsylvania Music Teachers Association (PMTA).

The award was given at PMTA’s annual conference held in June at Gettysburg College. The Teacher of the Year Award is given to a PMTA member who is a true star in the studio or on the stage and is extraordinarily inspirational to his or her students.

“I was incredibly honored to receive the 2014 award for PMTA's Teacher of the Year, and it was exciting to have several Seton Hill students with me when my name was announced,” Kuhn said. “As I reflect upon receiving this recognition, I realize that my many years of participation in PMTA has significantly aided my growth in piano pedagogy and scholarship.”

Dr. Curt Scheib, Chair of Seton Hill’s Division of Visual and Performing Arts, said, “We are grateful to the Pennsylvania Music Teachers Association for acknowledging what we already know - that Associate Professor Edward M. Kuhn is inspirational to his students. His leadership is evident in many ways, including his guidance of our collegiate PMTA chapter, which was the first to be honored as the outstanding student chapter in Pennsylvania in 2012.”

“Ed Kuhn is a lively, energetic faculty member who truly inspires students,” said Mary C. Finger, Ed.D., Seton Hill President. “The University is delighted he has received this well-deserved honor.”

Kuhn joined Seton Hill’s faculty in 1998 and was recently promoted to associate professor. He earned his bachelor’s degree in music performance from Carlow College and a Master of Fine Arts degree in music performance from Carnegie Mellon University with a certificate in piano pedagogy. He is a Nationally Certified Teacher of Music (NCTM) by the Music Teachers National Association. Kuhn also serves as the advisor to the Seton Hill Student Chapter of PMTA.

Pennsylvania Music Teachers Association (PMTA) is a state affiliate of the Music Teachers National Association (MTNA). Founded in 1876 by Theodore Presser in Delaware, Ohio, MTNA currently serves 25,000 independent music teachers committed to the pursuit of excellence in music teaching. PMTA and its local chapters seek to promote the professional growth and development of its members and to further the art of music by providing programs that encourage and support teaching, performance, composition and scholarly research.