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 of Texas-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. In addition to maintaining a private studio, Dr. James regularly performs in the Austin area, most recently with the Austin Symphony , a local opera production of ​La Clemenza di Tito, a​ nd Austin Chamber Music Center. ​ ​This past year, he launched a local concert series entitled ​Elements​ that included the work of local musicians, visual artists, and dancers in a set of programs themed around the elements.