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The
debut CD A Christmas Prayer marked a milestone in the
long and winding
musical career of James Kellerman.
Like many musicians, Kellerman first ventured into playing
on the family
piano. From the age of 5, he began making up tunes and
remained largely
self-taught, despite a year of piano lessons. In his suburban
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school, he played the saxophone exploring jazz and classical
music. This was
followed by the flute, and the decision to devote his life
to music.
Accepting a full scholarship in 1984 to the University of Arizona
Music
School, he immersed himself in playing saxophone and flute.
While still in
college, he performed three shows with the jazz legend Dizzy
Gillespie, and
gave a successful recital of his own.
This early enthusiasm was followed by ten years away from
music, but slowly
Kellerman returned and in 1997 recommitted himself to music,
becoming a full
time performer and teacher. He's made two national tours
with Troupe
American Theater Company, as well as performing with the
Guthrie Theater and
Theatre de la Jeune Lune. Besides being in demand as a performer,
he is an
enthusiastic and inspiring teacher.
Kellerman's eclectic musical career led him to establish
James Kellerman
Music, a record label and distribution company. This expanded
his roles to
that of ensemble director, composer, arranger and record
producer. His
considerable talents and devotion to producing A Christmas
Prayer were
rewarded when this debut album was awarded the 2002 Minnesota
Music Award
for Best Classical Ensemble Recording. This album is available
through gift
and music stores, and from this website (click
here).
Kellerman lives in Minneapolis with his son Joshua, with
whom he shares a
passion for baseball. He is also an avid outdoorsman who
enjoys spending
time walking in the woods.
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