James Dekleva began his piano studies at the age of five. He is a distinguished graduate in piano
performance from the University of Western Australia, where he studied under Jana Kovar and
achieved top marks. During his studies, James had the opportunity to participate in masterclasses with
internationally renowned artists such as Bart van Oort, Bernadette Harvey, Connie Shih and Jayson
Gillham .

James’s performing career includes notable highlights such as participating in the 2014 Beethoven
Marathon in Perth and presenting solo and chamber music concerts across Australia from 2015 onward.
He has also held continuo and orchestral pianist positions in operatic productions in both Australia and
China.

In 2019, James was honored with the Management Choice Award at the Steinway Australia National
Piano Competition. He was later recognized as a quarter-finalist in the 16th International Beethoven
Piano Competition Vienna in 2021. In 2023, he was chosen to perform in the Australian Showcase
series at the Sydney International Piano Competition, and in 2024, he was a finalist in the 6th Piano
Island International Piano Competition in Singapore. That same year, James made his professional
concerto debut with Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 3 with the Fremantle Chamber Orchestra.
In addition to his performing career, James also has a keen interest in composing. His works include a
piano trio, several songs for voice and piano, and various solo piano compositions.