Piano professor makes a difference

Martín Cuéllar is a winner of this month's You Make a Difference Award

Martín Cuéllar is in his seventh year as associate professor of piano at Emporia State University, and he makes a difference.

“Working with young men and women who are musically gifted as performers and communicators,” is what Cuéllar finds most rewarding about his job. “These are the young artists who have a passion for performance. They love the study of the piano and are highly motivated to excel in their pursuit of artistic goals. They are the next generation of teachers, performers, and collaborative artists, and I have the opportunity to participate in their development.”

Jeff Hodapp, Cuéllar’s nominator said, “Dr. Cuéllar is an artist of the highest caliber, has fostered strong relationships campus-wide, within the community, nationally, and internationally. Martín has been a great friend, who has always offered sage advice, support in all matters, a friendly smile, and camaraderie.”

Cuéllar is active in service, is part of the National Guild of Piano Teachers, and has received the Annual Award for Excellence in Scholarship and President’s Award for Research and Creativity.

He says he is honored to receive the You Make a Difference Award, but Cuéllar jokes that he may deserve a couple of other awards more than this one.

“Well, I have been known, unintentionally, to make a mess and also make trouble. There is no such thing as the ‘You Make a Mess Award’ or ‘You Make Trouble Award.’ I wonder how many of those I would have,” he said.

Last Updated July 2, 2007>