Josephine Harper

HARPER, Josephine Cook, age 80, passed away on February 22, 2010 in Nashville, TN. An accomplished musician, she was both a concert pianist and music educator. Born to Harvey and Alma Cook of Nashville, she attended Ward Belmont College where she earned an artist diploma in music with honors. She received a full scholarship to the University of Cincinnati Conservatory of Music, where she earned both her Bachelor of Music and Master of Music degrees. She completed postgraduate studies at the University of Louisville, Memphis State, Jacksonville University FL and the Royal Academy of Music, London. Her teachers have included Amelie Throne, Dr. Karol Liszniewski, Gina Bachauer and Huruko Kataoka, originator of the Suzuki method. In Nashville, she was a founding faculty member of the Belmont College music department and official accompanist for the Nashville Ballet Society. While traveling with her husband's military career, she was Director of Music at Durham Academy NC and a member of the music faculty at the Institute of Arts and Sciences NH. After returning to Nashville, she taught Suzuki pedagogy at Oak Hill school for 6 years. She was also active in many professional music associations. The Nashville Area Music Teachers Association Young Artist Achievement Awards Competition was organized and federated through her efforts. Many of her students have achieved awards in both state and national piano competitions. She is preceded in death by her parents, brother, Baxter Cook, and daughter Pamela Jewel Harper. She is survived by her husband of 57 years, Colonel Jewel Benton Harper and daughter, Karen Jo Harper of Nashville. Visitation will be held from 1 to 3 pm Sunday February 28 at Harpeth Hills Funeral Home with service to follow. HARPETH HILLS FUNERAL HOME, 9090 HWY 100, 646-9292