KU News Release

KU piano student reaches finals in national music competition

James Cockman III

LAWRENCE — University of Kansas doctoral student James Cockman III will compete in the national finals of the Music Teachers National Association competition March 30 in Atlanta.

Cockman, of Pleasant Hill, Mo., studies piano performance with Jack Winerock, professor of piano. He earned the opportunity to compete in the finals after winning the west-central division of the association’s Young Artist Piano Competition. He will perform the works of Liszt, Mussorgsky, Copland and Stravinsky for the national competition.

This is the third time Cockman has placed first in the divisional competition. He also won in 2005 and 2007.

“It is an honor to be among the finalists for this prestigious competition,” said Cockman.

Cockman’s accomplishments in 2008 included performing at Carnegie Hall, winning the grand prize at the Naftzger Young Artist Competition, receiving fourth place at the Lee Biennial Piano Competition and earning top awards from Sigma Alpha Iota and the Kansas City Musical Club.

The three-tiered Music Teachers National Association competitions begin at the state level. Winners from each state competition advance to the division competition. Division winners then proceed to the national competition finals. The winner of the national competition receives a new $75,000 Steinway piano and a recital performance at the national convention.

Cockman is the son of Dan and Sheila Cockman of Pleasant Hill, Mo. He has a master’s degree from Central Missouri State University and a bachelor’s degree from William Jewell College, Liberty Mo.

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