We are proud to announce that we are hosting a special weekend with 2009 NFMC Young Artist of the Year, James Cockman, on April 23-25, 2010. Schedule of events include a world-class performance and master class for advanced students.

Pianist Dr. James Cockman III has been praised by KC Metropolis as “a truly world-class concert pianist” who has “performed with immense musicality and razor-sharp virtuosity.” Dr. Cockman’s recent concerto performances have included a wind ensemble premiere of Rachmaninov’s Concerto No. 2 with the Kansas City Wind Symphony, Stravinsky’s Concerto for Piano and Wind Instruments at Carnegie Hall, Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue, and Grieg’s Piano Concerto. Recent solo appearances have included performances in Kansas, Missouri, Florida and Georgia, as well as recitals at the North Dakota Music Teachers Association Convention, the University of Missouri at St. Louis, and the Sherman Clay Steinway Center in Santa Clara, CA.

Dr. Cockman earned his Doctorate in Piano Performance and Pedagogy from the University of Kansas, his Master’s degree in Piano Performance from Central Missouri State University, and his Bachelor’s degree from William Jewell College. Throughout his collegiate studies, Dr. Cockman has enjoyed success in many competitions including the Naftzger Young Artist Competition, various levels of the Music Teachers National Association Young Artist competitions, the King Award Competition, the GMA 32nd Annual Music in the Rockies Competition and the Lee Biennial Competition. Dr. Cockman also has served as a faculty-lecturer at the University of Kansas.

In addition to performing as a concert pianist, Dr. Cockman creates his own musical arrangements using hymns and American tunes and enjoys improvisation and jazz. Residing in the Kansas City metropolitan area, he also serves as a pianist and organist at his church.

Dr. Cockman is the most recent winner of the National Federation of Music Club’s 2009 Young Artist Competition in piano.