Dr. James Breckenridge Pianist James Breckenridge is recognized internationally for his concerts, workshops, lectures and master classes. His appearances have often been coupled with pedagogy workshops and/or student master classes. Critics and colleagues have given him rave reviews not only as a pianist but also as “...a skillful teacher with wonderful ears who readily offers solutions and with further possibilities for technical and musical discoveries.” (Rostov, Russia 1993).
He received the B. M. degree from Maryville College and M. M. degree from Northwestern University . He completed the D. M. A. degree at the American Conservatory of Music.
The 2000 recipient of the SWOSU Bernhardt Academic Excellence award for exceptional achievements in teaching, scholarship and service, Dr. Breckenridge has served on the music faculty at Southwestern Oklahoma State University for forty years. He is currently Full Professor of Piano, Coordinator of Keyboard Studies. He has been instrumental in curriculum development for keyboard degree programs as well as other music curricula including new, specialized course offerings on the graduate level. He is founder/director of the Oklahoma Beethoven Society. In 1996 and 2000 Breckenridge directed the Festival of the Oklahoma Beethoven Society which brought internationally renowned pianists from around the world for three days of concerts and various musical activities. Planning is currently underway for the third festival to be held in April of 2009 involving forty pianists as well as university students, faculty and community personnel.
In 2007, at a televised gala ceremony, Dr. Breckenridge was awarded the Oklahoma Medal for Excellence in University Teaching. This award is given annually to a college professor who exemplifies excellence in teaching, scholarship and service.