Paul Barnes wins Nebraska music teacher of year award

Paul Barnes, associate professor and co-chair of piano at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, received the Nebraska Music Teachers Association Teacher of the Year Award at the association's state conference in Hastings in September. The award was given to Barnes to recognize his great success with his students in piano competitions, as well as his own active performing career.

"The award was a total surprise," Barnes said. "But it is a great honor to have your teaching success honored."

The award has been in existence since 1990. The recipient of the award is nominated by the association's executive board. Barnes is only the second person from UNL to win the award. Professor emeritus Audun Ravnan won it award in 2002.

"I've been teaching in Nebraska for 12 years now, and it has been a source of great professional joy and energy for me," Barnes said. "Certainly for me, my teaching absolutely energizes my performing, and my performing energizes my teaching. I'm absolutely built for college teaching."

That feeling is born out by the success of his students, who have received more than 40 awards and recognitions since 2000.

The Nebraska Music Teachers Association is an organization of more than 300 musicians providing cultural leadership through a wide variety of activities for teachers, students and professional musicians.

Contact: Kathe Andersen, Publications Coordinator, Fine & Performing Arts, (402) 472-9355