James Dekleva began his piano studies at the age of five. He holds a degree in piano performance from the University of Western Australia, where he studied under Jana Kovar and graduated with top marks. During his time at university, James took part in masterclasses with internationally renowned artists including Bart van Oort, Bernadette Harvey, Connie Shih, and Jayson Gillham.

James’s performance career has included notable highlights such as the 2014 Beethoven Marathon in Perth and a wide range of solo and chamber music concerts across Australia since 2015. He has also held continuo and orchestral pianist roles in operatic productions in both Australia and China.

In 2019, he received the Management Choice Award at the Steinway Australia National Piano Competition. He was a quarter-finalist in the 16th International Beethoven Piano Competition Vienna in 2021, performed in the 2023 Australian Showcase at the Sydney International Piano Competition, and was a finalist in the 6th Piano Island International Piano Competition in Singapore in 2024. That same year, James made his professional concerto debut performing Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 3 with the Fremantle Chamber Orchestra.

In addition to his performance work, James also has a keen interest in composition. His compositions include a piano trio, art songs, and a range of solo piano works.