First United Methodist Church

Justin Conkling - Pianist and Organist

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Justin was born and raised in Wasilla and Kenai, Alaska. He was trained early as a Classical Pianist, Chorister, and Soloist. At age 17 he made his first appearance in Europe, touring Italy’s great cathedrals under the baton of Ms. Renee Henderson. He relocated to Oklahoma with his parents and siblings in 1996 for the cause of his Parents’ ministry in the Church of God (Cleveland,TN). He graduated from Moore High School in 1997 and then began his Collegiate Music Studies at Southwestern Oklahoma State University in Weatherford, Oklahoma under the leadership of Charles (Skip) Klingman-Voice, Charles Chapman-Choral and the late Jim Breckenridge-Piano to name a few. Justin completed a Bachelor’s Degree in Sacred Music and another in Vocal Performance, and later finished his Master’s Degree in Vocal Performance from said University. Between his degree programs he studied abroad in Bordeaux, France; completed an internship as a young adult artist for Tulsa Operas production of Faust, was a featured soloist for a premier of a Mass with Canterbury Choral Society amongst other notable solo and collaborative performances. Justin has worked as music director for Weatherford’s Federated Church and Wesley Foundation, and Del City’s Ascension Lutheran Church. For the last year and a half Justin worked as a freelance accompanist and vocal coach at the University of Oklahoma and the surrounding area. Along with his service to Blanchard First United Methodist Justin is pursuing another passion by serving as the baker at The Healthy Hearth, the new Oklahoma Cancer Center restaurant

Justin comes from a Pentecostal heritage, is a confirmed Episcopalian, and strongly believes in the unity of the Church as a whole. He loves to work cross denominationally and strives to respect the doctrinal and traditional values of the congregations he works with and for. Justin has spent the last few years discerning monastic vocation through living in Christian communities and visiting monasteries in the Episcopal and Roman Catholic faiths. He has decided to remain in society and found Blanchard First United Methodist Church as his calling for ministry.