Laura Cocks is a highly acclaimed classical music artist known for her exceptional skills as a flutist and her passion for contemporary music. Born in 1987 in New York City, Cocks grew up in a family of musicians and was exposed to classical music from a very young age. Her mother was a pianist, and her father was a composer, so it was only natural that Cocks would develop an interest in music. Cocks began playing the flute at the age of nine and quickly showed a natural talent for the instrument. She studied with some of the best flute teachers in the country, including Robert Dick, Tara Helen O'Connor, and Paula Robison. Cocks attended the Juilliard School, where she earned her Bachelor of Music degree in flute performance. She then went on to earn her Master of Music degree from the Manhattan School of Music. Throughout her career, Cocks has been recognized for her exceptional talent and dedication to music. She has won numerous awards and competitions, including the National Flute Association's Young Artist Competition, the New York Flute Club Competition, and the Juilliard Concerto Competition. In 2012, she was awarded the prestigious Avery Fisher Career Grant, which is given to outstanding young musicians who show exceptional promise for a career in classical music. Cocks has performed with some of the most renowned orchestras and ensembles in the world, including the New York Philharmonic, the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, and the International Contemporary Ensemble. She has also performed at some of the most prestigious music festivals, including the Tanglewood Music Festival, the Mostly Mozart Festival, and the Lucerne Festival. One of the highlights of Cocks' career was her performance of the world premiere of John Zorn's "Flute Concerto" with the New York Philharmonic in 2016. The piece was written specifically for Cocks, and she received critical acclaim for her performance. The New York Times called her playing "dazzling" and praised her "virtuosic technique and expressive phrasing." Cocks is also known for her work as a contemporary music performer and advocate. She has premiered numerous works by contemporary composers and has collaborated with some of the most innovative and experimental musicians in the field. She is a member of the International Contemporary Ensemble, which is dedicated to performing and promoting contemporary music. In addition to her work as a performer, Cocks is also a dedicated teacher and mentor. She has taught at the Juilliard School, the Manhattan School of Music, and the University of California, San Diego. She is passionate about sharing her love of music with the next generation of musicians and helping them develop their skills and talents. Overall, Laura Cocks is a highly accomplished and respected classical music artist who has made a significant impact on the world of music. Her exceptional talent, dedication, and passion for music have earned her numerous awards and accolades, and she continues to inspire and influence musicians and audiences around the world.

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