Dr. Edward Kocher, dean of the Duquesne University Mary Pappert School of Music, has been re-elected to serve a three year-term on the National Association of Schools of Music’s (NASM) Commission on Accreditation.
Dr. Edward Kocher
The national accrediting agency for music and music-related disciplines, NASM is an organization of schools, conservatories, colleges and universities with more than 640 members. It establishes standards for undergraduate and graduate degrees and other credentials, produces statistical research, provides professional development and engages in policy analysis.
An experienced evaluator, Kocher’s duties on the 16-member Commission on Accreditation are to determine the qualifications of institutions seeking membership in NASM. The commission also investigates the maintenance of standards and the observance of published commitments in member institutions.
Having served on the commission for three years, Kocher said the position gives him “the opportunity to represent Duquesne University in a national capacity and to participate in higher level decision-making that improves the quality of music education for students throughout the country.”
Kocher, an accomplished trombonist, earned degrees at Northwestern University, the University of Iowa and the University of Illinois at Chicago. He previously served for two decades at DePaul University in Chicago and his performance credits include tours and recordings with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Lyric Opera of Chicago, Contemporary Chamber Players and a 2007 Grammy recording with Nancy Wilson on the MCG Jazz label.
Kocher resides in Mt. Lebanon.
