Monash Memo - 27 June 2001

Back to this edition's story list

Music professor receives prestigious German honour

A lifelong interest in German culture and music has earned Monash pianist and adjunct professor Max Cooke a distinguished German government award.

He was awarded the Officer's Cross of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany by German president Johannes Rau, based on his reputation as a senior professor, recognised musician and artist, and expert in German language and culture.

The award was presented last week by German consul-general Mr Hans-Michael Schwandt.

Professor Cooke (pictured) said he was delighted and proud to receive the honour.

"When I became involved in music and language in Germany I felt I wanted to become part of the German culture. This award makes me feel as if I have achieved that goal," he said.

He has extensively promoted German culture, language and music in Australia, taking students on tours to Germany and living and working as a guest professor at the Musikhochschule in Freiburg. He has also taught in Bremen.

For many years he was also responsible for recommending students for postgraduate studies to the German government.

He heads the Monash-based Team of Pianists, which has performed in many recitals and has also produced six CDs and two videos.

He was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia in 1998 for his service to music and education, particularly to piano pedagogy and training of students.

He has also performed and spoken frequently on ABC radio and television, had his own radio program on 3AW for 10 years and conducts a regular weekly broadcast on 3MBS.

He has been president of the Victorian Music Teachers Association, national president of the Australian Society for Music Education and chairman of the Commission on the Education of the Professional Musician within the International Society for Music Education (ISME).