The Hawai’i Music Teacher Association (HMTA) has selected pianist and UH Professor, Dr. Thomas Yee, as Teacher of the Year for his “outstanding contributions to Hawai’i’s music and piano community as an educator and HMTA Vice President/President-Elect (2024-2026), and HMTA President (2026-2028)” (hmta.org). This award reflects Dr. Yee’s musicianship, leadership, and mentorship as a teacher here on O‘ahu.
“It is a tremendous honor to be named as 2025 Teacher of the Year by the Hawaii Music Teachers Association!” states Dr. Yee. “To be recognized by my peers, colleagues, students and even their parents for my contribution to the musical community is incredibly humbling and I am deeply grateful!”
Dr. Yee is familiar to the island’s classical music audience through his numerous performances with the Hawai‘i Symphony Orchestra and chamber ensembles. A Canadian native, Dr. Yee earned degrees from the University of Newfoundland and Eastman School of Music. In his spare time, Dr. Yee enjoys running and is always working toward a faster marathon time.
According to the HMTA website (hmta.org), “The Hawaiʻi Music Teachers Association (HMTA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting music teachers and music students across the state of Hawaiʻi. HMTA is Hawaiʻi’s local chapter of the Music Teachers National Association (MTNA).” The organization provides local teachers with membership benefits including grants, access to conferences, exclusive publications, and more. Students of HMTA teachers are eligible to perform in local competitions, recitals, and workshops.