Brent Watkins

Dr. Brent "Doc" Watkins (born June 11, 1981) is a professional pianist, bandleader and composer who currently resides in San Antonio, TX. He has performed and recorded in a wide variety of genres, including Jazz, Classical, Gospel and Blues. He currently serves as Director of Texas-based Jazz syndicate, South Texas Jazz, as well as Director of Music Ministries at Redeemer Presbyterian Church in San Antonio, TX. He has performed with Jim Cullum, Jr., Stan Mark, The Coasters, Barbara Lewis, and numerous Symphony Orchestras.

Watkins holds a Bachelor’s degree from Southern Oregon University and a Master’s and Doctor of Musical Arts degree from The University of Texas at Austin. Beginning his musical studies at the age of seven, he won top prizes in both the Pacific Piano Competition and the Russian-American Music Association Competition. In 2009, Watkins shifted his focus from Classical music to Jazz, and has since given over 1000 performances throughout the United States.

In 2010, he received a unique and prestigious commission from the Daughters of the Republic of Texas to compose new works in honor of the 50th Anniversary of the John Wayne film, “The Alamo.” Dr. Watkins premiered the works at the commemorative gala for the Anniversary and his compositions are now a permanent part of the Dimitri Tiomkin collection at the University of Southern California.

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Watkins was awarded the honor of Young Alumni of the Year by his Alma Mater, Southern Oregon University in October 2013

Discography

 * Brent Watkins, live in concert (2005)
 * The South Texas Jazz Quartet, live from the Bar at Bohanan's (2011)