Dr. Edward Kocher has served as dean and professor at Duquesne University’s Mary Pappert School of Music since 2000. He serves on the Commission for Accreditation for the National Association of Schools of Music, as a member of the Arts Education Collaborative Steering Committee and as immediate past President of the Board of Directors of the Pittsburgh Chamber Music Society. A graduate of Leadership Pittsburgh XX, Dr. Kocher has made scholarly presentations for the National Association of Schools of Music, American Educational Research Association, and the Management Workshop for Music Executives in Higher Education.

An accomplished trombonist, Kocher’s performance credits include tours and recordings with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, on stage performances at the Lyric Opera of Chicago, and a 2007 GRAMMY winning recording with Nancy Wilson on the MCG Jazz label. Prior to his appointment at Duquesne University, he served for two decades at DePaul University in Chicago, IL. His current research focuses on using technology to teach improvisation. Dean Kocher earned degrees at Northwestern University, the University of Iowa, and the University of Illinois at Chicago.