James Francis Cooke

James Francis Cooke
James Francis Cooke as the editor of The Etude
Born(1875-11-14)November 14, 1875
Bay City, Michigan
DiedMarch 3, 1960(1960-03-03) (aged 84)
Bala Cynwyd, Pennsylvania
Occupation
  • Author
  • journalist
  • editor
  • publisher
  • music teacher
  • pianist
  • composer
CitizenshipUnited States
EducationDoctor of Music
Alma materRoyal Conservatory in Wurzburg
SubjectMusic history, music theory, musician features, classical music
Notable works
  • The Etude
  • Great Pianists upon Piano-Playing
  • Great Singers on the Art of Singing
  • Mastering the Scales and Arpeggios
Notable awards
SpouseBetsey Ella Beckwith
Children
  • Carol L. Cooke (died in childhood before 1910)
  • Francis Sherman Cooke
Signature

James Francis Cooke (November 14, 1875, Bay City, Michigan – March 3, 1960, Bala Cynwyd, Pennsylvania) was an American music educator. He was a pianist, composer, playwright, journalist, author (including novels and of books on musical history and theory), a president of Theodore Presser music publishers from 1925 to 1936, and editor of The Etude music magazine from 1907 to 1950, or 1913 to 1956. He taught piano for more than twenty years in New York, led choral clubs and taught voice. He also gave music-topic lectures.

He was the president of the Philadelphia Music Teacher's Association for seven years. He was president of the Presser Foundation for 38 years. He was also a member of the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers, the Union League and the Sons of the American Revolution.