Originally from Assiniboia Saskatchewan, James Coghlin has been studying Piano performance for nearly 10 years and is currently working on his PhD.

"Carol was a really big influence," Coghlin is a former student of local piano teacher Carol McWilliams. "When I went to Carol we made very specific goals and worked very hard for in particular the RCM exams, and she really helped me find a structure that perhaps I was lacking before"

James gave insight into his education on the piano and what it took to get him where he is today.

"I started in Minnesota I did a bachelors degree in piano performance, then I went to Montreal and did a masters; I took a couple of years to work and pay back a student loan and then I started a doctorate".

With his PhD nearing its completion, James added what he wants to pursue after.

"I hope to be doing a combination of everything because I've discovered much to my surprise actually that I like to teach the piano as well, I like to teach children. I didn't know that would necessarily be the case but its true and I hope to do that but I hope to continue performing as well."

Coghlin will be performing Friday evening at the Zion United Church in preparation for his doctoral recital. The show starts at 7:30.