Jim James

Dr. Jim James is a pianist of unique breadth and depth, with a wide range of experience in solo, chamber, and collaborative playing. He holds a Bachelor of Music degree in Piano Performance and a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Lawrence University in Appleton ,Wisconsin as well as a Master of Music degree from the University of Missouri-Kansas City and his Doctorate in Piano Performance at the University ofTexas- Austin. He also spent a semester studying at the École Normale de Musique in Paris , France . In 2002 Jim took first prize in the Badger Piano Competition of the Wisconisin Music Teachers Association, and received the Margaret Daniels and Jane Shephard Keyboard Awards at Lawrence University . During his time at UMKC he was a part of the New Music ensemble Musica Nova and later played John Adams’ Grand Pianola Music as soloist with the UT Wind Ensemble in a performance featured on NPR’s Performance Today. His principal piano instructors are Joan Smalley, Michael Kim, Catherine Kautsky , Robert Weirich , and Gregory Allen. He has played in masterclasses for Richard Goode and Ruth Laredo. Since finishing his degrees, Dr. James teaches a large studio of private students and continues performing solo and collaborative music in the Austin area, including frequent performances with the Austin Chamber Music Society.