Award-Winning Pianist Performs at UAM

Nick Johnson
Staff Writer

   The University of Arkansas Monticello Fine Arts Center Auditorium appeared as the place to be for those who have a musical appreciation for piano and classical music as award winning pianist James Cockman III dazzled the crowd with his musical expertise Sept. 10.

   Cockman started the evening off with an unscheduled tribute song to Annette Hall, the former chair of the UAM Division of Music, who died in August. Though a relatively small audience, he received a positive reaction from those in attendance. 

   “Wow! He’s an excellent  performer," Chris Richard said. "I believe his music is astounding.”

   Those organizing the event praised him as well.

   "He interprets music very well," coordinator Haley Grier said.

   Rob Fellows, President of the Monticello Music Club, added, "He has a grasp of various styles."

   Cockman attended the University of Kansas where he earned his Doctorate in Piano Performance and Pedagogy. He has performed at the Kansas City Wind Symphony and as a part of "Concerto for Piano and Wind Instruments" at Carnegie Hall in New York. 

   Cockman currently tours Arkansas and will perform in Bentonville, Arkadelphia and Texarkana. When not performing, Cockman enjoys creating his own music and playing at his church in Kansas City, where he now resides.

   For more information about Cockman, visit his Web site.

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   EDITOR'S NOTE: Edited to link the Web site.

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