The Hawaiʻi Music Teachers Association is proud to announce pianist Dr. Thomas Yee as the 2025 HMTA Teacher of the Year for his outstanding contributions to Hawaiʻi’s music and piano community as an educator and HMTA Vice President/President-Elect (2024-2026), and HMTA President (2026-2028). An extraordinarily dedicated and inspiring educator, Dr. Yee has guided students for over two decades with creativity, care, and excellence. His contributions to Hawai‘i’s music community, leadership in HMTA, and lasting impact as a mentor and role model to his students are exceptional and admirable.

We want to thank our judges Eduardus Halim (Pianist, New York University), Jonathan Koh (Cellist, UC Berkeley), and Igor Veligan (Violinist/Violist, University of the Pacific) for their time and expertise.

BIOGRAPHY

Thomas Yee from Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, has won First Prizes in over 20 national and international competitions. Most recently, Dr. Yee earned an unprecedented distinction from his alma mater, Memorial University of Newfoundland: he was presented with the Horizon Award for Lifetime Achievement under the age of 35 for extraordinary professional, volunteer, and academic achievement. Highlights of his career include winning top prizes at the Josef Hofmann International Piano Competition where he was also awarded a special prize for the best performance of the imposed piece, Ludmilla Kneskova International Piano Competition where he also won a special prize for best etude, Le Tremplin International (International Stepping Stone) where he also won a special prize for best contemporary work, Canadian Federation of Music Teachers Association Schubert Recital Competition, Concours de Musique du Canada, Young Artists Concert Tour Series Competition, and the Eastman-Hamamatsu Piano Competition among others.

Dr. Yee earned his Bachelor of Music degree from Memorial University of Newfoundland where he studied with Maureen Volk and received the University Medal for Academic Excellence. He received his Master of Music degree from the University of Colorado at Boulder where he studied with Angela Cheng and Alvin Chow. He earned his Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Piano Performance and Literature from the Eastman School of Music where he studied with and was teaching assistant of Nelita True. He has also studied at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London and Peabody Conservatory of Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore.

Dr. Yee is Professor of Music and Associate Music Department Chair. He has also served on the faculty at the State University of New York at Buffalo. As a chamber musician he is a member of a faculty trio, Trio Xia with flutist Dr. Frederick Lau, and cellist Dr. I-Bei Lin. Trio Xia has completed two concert tours of Taiwan and one in Japan. He is also a member of Trio Benetri, with violinist Lynn Kuo and cellist Rafael Hoekman.

As a respected teacher, his students have won top prizes in state and regional competitions, including five winners of the Honolulu Symphony Concerto Competition and two winners of From The Top’s Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Young Artist Award.

Dr. Yee has performed as guest soloist with orchestras throughout Canada and the United States and has performed extensively as soloist, chamber musician, and collaborative artist. He was Guest Artist and Juror at the Besparmak International Piano Competition and Festival in Cyprus. Notable past engagements included a performance of George Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue with the Honolulu Symphony and the Tchaikovsky Concerto with the UH Symphony Orchestra. Recent engagements include a performance of Liszt’s Totentanz with the UH Band, Grieg Concerto with the Hawai’i Youth Symphony, Tchaikovsky Concerto with the Newfoundland Symphony Orchestra, a concert tour of China and an upcoming tour of Taiwan. Dr. Yee has received generous financial assistance from the Liberace Foundation, Canada Council, Newfoundland and Labrador Arts Council, University of Hawai’i Research Council, and the College of Arts and Humanities.

Through Plan Canada, Dr. Yee is proud to be the foster parent of a boy from Haiti named Dukervens. An avid runner, Dr. Yee is thrilled to have completed the 2009 Honolulu marathon in 1890th place, a 62 minute improvement over the past two years, and is extremely motivated to go faster!

Q and A with Dr. Thomas Yee:

What was your reaction when you first found out you were Teacher of the Year? First of all, I am deeply honored to have been selected as the 2025 HMTA Teacher of the Year.
To be honest, my initial reaction was one of embarrassment, as I’m currently serving as Vice-President and am set to become the next President of HMTA for a two-year term. But shortly afterward, I cried—with the full understanding that Hawai‘i has a long history of outstanding and successful teaching. To be included in any conversation among legendary Hawaiian pedagogues is truly an honor!

What is unique or special about being a music teacher? What I find uniquely special about being a piano teacher is the weekly, one-hour, one-on-one interaction I have with each student over the course of many years. I get to watch students grow—physically, intellectually, musically, and personally.

I have the privilege of nurturing and witnessing how young people develop into not only mature musicians but also respectful and responsible human beings in their respective fields—whether or not they pursue music professionally.

Many of your students have had successful musical careers and experiences, notably within the realm of competitions. How do you develop and nurture a love of music and motivation to succeed in your students? As I begin my 24th year as a Professor of Music at UHM, my work has focused on helping young adults earn professional degrees for lifelong careers in music. In my limited free time, I also teach younger students.

Yes, I’ve been fortunate to have many students succeed in competitions at the local, national, and international levels. But I hope these successes are rooted in expressive and communicative music-making.

Nurturing and developing students can be akin to gardening. The early stage is especially critical. With great care, roots begin to emerge and spread. With patience and attention to detail, a flower will bloom! I just provide the sunshine and water (hopefully no fertilizer needed 😊).

If you were not a music teacher, what would you have been instead? Had I not become a musician, I would have either pursued a career as a stand-up comedian or become a multiple-time Wimbledon Tennis Champion (surely five titles by now, at least—most likely more).

As you can see, there was never really a Plan B 😊. Maybe I should start by buying a tennis racket first?

What does being named Teacher of the Year in Music mean to you personally and professionally? Being named the 2025 HMTA Teacher of the Year is a profound honor. This prestigious award recognizes a career legacy of teaching in Hawai‘i, nominated by peers and evaluated by an external panel of judges—wow! Thank you to those involved in the process, unbeknownst to me!

My musical career is maturing and as a music educator entering the later stages of my career, I’m incredibly grateful to be this year’s recipient. I hope to leave a legacy to those I have taught, performed with, or crossed musical paths with.

How do you stay inspired and passionate about teaching music every day? I’m fortunate to teach a wide range of students—from very young beginners to college students pursuing professional music careers, to adult learners continuing their studies for personal fulfillment. This variety keeps my teaching fresh and exciting.

Moreover, the piano literature (even method books) is vast—we’d need several lifetimes to explore it all. Just the other day, a young student, disappointed that her hour-long lesson had ended, looked up at me and said, “Our time is up, already?” My heart absolutely melted. Wouldn’t yours?

If you could say one thing to your students—past, present, or future—what would it be? The answer may surprise you:

“You don’t have to do so many competitions. They can limit your musical growth and repertoire.”

I’m fortunate that none of my former teachers forced me into competitions. I chose to enter them myself—and I became very good at winning. But alongside solo repertoire, I also immersed myself in a wide range of collaborative works: concertos with orchestra, chamber music, symphonic choral works, opera, and piano literature with strings, brass, and woodwinds. I expanded my repertoire dramatically, rather than fixating on a short program each year.

I’d encourage students to focus on developing strong musicianship skills. I attribute my ability to learn music quickly to solid sight-reading skills. If I don’t have to worry about playing the right notes, I can focus on the musical expression right from the start.

Piano study requires many hours of solitary practice. In many ways, the stereotypical pianist is an introvert. I’d tell my younger students:

Enjoy being a kid. There’s plenty of time to be a responsible adult. Time flies as you get older, and one day you’ll look back and wish you hadn’t taken yourself quite so seriously.

“What is truly inspiring about Dr. Yee’s teaching is his blend of artistic excellence, innovation, and deep humanity. During the COVID-19 pandemic, when many teachers struggled to adapt, Dr. Yee created thoughtful and engaging ways to keep his students connected to music. His virtual lessons maintained a strong sense of structure, creativity, and emotional support.

He is also deeply innovative in his teaching philosophy. He helps his students find connections between music and their other interests, which not only keeps them motivated but also helps them grow in confidence and identity.

Dr. Yee inspires his students to aim high, and then walks with them every step of the way. A remarkable number of his students have earned prestigious national and international awards, reflecting the strength and impact of his teaching. Many have gone on to attend top conservatories and universities, and some have become outstanding music educators themselves—continuing his legacy and inspiring the next generation of musicians. His impact multiplies with every student he teaches.

Dr. Yee is the heart of a thriving music community. His passion, humility, and integrity radiate through everything he does—whether it's performing, mentoring, volunteering, or simply encouraging a child who feels uncertain. He teaches not just notes and technique, but courage, resilience, and joy.“

— Studio Parent

“Dr. Yee’s teaching stands out because his lessons are creative, enjoyable, and rich in knowledge. He also connects music with my other interests, such as art and dance, helping me see how different forms of art can come together.

During the pandemic, his online lessons remained structured and motivating. That consistency helped a lot during a time when everything else felt uncertain.

What has had the biggest impact on me is how much he cares about each student—not just in terms of progress, but also our well-being. He regularly reminds us that health and balance are more important than any performance. That mindset has helped me stay grounded and focus on long-term growth, not just short-term achievements. Dr. Yee has helped me grow as a musician and as a person. His support has encouraged me to work through challenges, and believe in my potential.”

— Student

“ I continue to be inspired by Dr. Yee's passion and professionalism in all fields -- as a teacher/educator, a concert pianist, an accompanist to young students, an orchestral colleague with the symphony, and as a fellow board member with the Hawaii Music Teachers Association.

As a passionate educator, performer, and leader, he has inspired generations of students and colleagues through his exceptional musicianship and deep dedication to teaching. It is a true honor to work alongside someone whose integrity, excellence, and vision continue to shape the future of music in Hawaiʻi.”

— Colleague

“it is truly a rare gift to find a teacher like Dr. Yee. His combination of musical excellence, warmth, and genuine joy in teaching has made a lasting impact on our family and many others. We feel incredibly fortunate to have crossed paths with him. Dr. Yee volunteers with community programs such as the Hawaii Chamber Music Festival, mentoring students, coaching ensembles, and supporting outreach efforts. His dedication to nurturing young musicians and enriching the local arts scene reflects a deep commitment to both education and community.

Dr. Yee has made meaningful contributions to Hawaii’s music education through both instruction and service. In addition to guiding students to high achievement in competitions, he has actively supported the local music community by coaching chamber ensembles and participating in festivals and collaborative performances.

Dr. Yee is not only an outstanding teacher, but a truly good person. His students feel seen, supported, and inspired in ways that go far beyond music. Dr. Yee has a remarkable ability to guide students not only as musicians but as growing individuals. It’s hard to put into words how much he means to the families he teaches—including ours. Hawaii is lucky to have him!”

— Studio Parent