Five Distinguished Educators

Becoming a distinguished educator acknowledges an individual's teaching practice over time. The scheme aims to promote educational quality by recognising academic staff for documented achievements. Additionally, it seeks to encourage increased teaching efforts and reward valuable teaching expertise and development work.

After the application deadline in December 2024, the new titles have been awarded to:

• John Vinge (Associate Professor in Music Education and Head of the Department of Music Education and Music Therapy)
• Kristin Kjølberg (Associate Professor in Music Education)
• Signe Kalsnes (Docent in Music Education)
• Anne Katrine Bergby (Associate Professor in Aural Training)
• Gjertrud Pedersen (Associate Professor in Music History)

This is the first time educators at the Norwegian Academy of Music have been recognised as distinguished educators. All five have been employed at NMH for years, and several were fellows before their permanent roles.

"I am proud to present the first distinctions in NMH's history. All five educators are highly competent, collaborative, and innovative teachers. They truly deserve this recognition," says Rector Astrid Kvalbein.

Ownership and Development

Associate Professor Kristin Kjølberg looks forward to the opportunities this brings.

"For me, this means I can contribute even more to academic development at NMH. I am excited to collaborate with other colleagues passionate about teaching, and I aim to bring creativity and structure to help develop NMH's teaching in line with the needs of students and the music industry," she says.

"This could involve varied learning approaches and teaching methods, so that students gain greater ownership of their musical development."