Biography

J
ames was born in Nuneaton, Warwickshire in 1967. He flourished in that counties peripatetic music system studying with Karen Drayton and Jim Norden. This phase of his education culminated in a performance of Bach’s notorious Brandenburg Concerto no. 2 at the age of 17.

He took a music degree at Trinity College of Music, London and studied trumpet with Norman Burgess and Iaan Wilson. he rapidly gained a reputation for his versatility and reliability. After music college with funds from the Fleming Trust (thanks to Philip Jones) he persued post graduate trumpet lessons in Texas, USA with James Austin.

Back in England over the next 14 years James pursued a teaching career that saw him working in both the state and private sectors in both primary and secondary phases of education. In December 2005 he left his position of “Director of Instrumental Music” at Harrogate Ladies’ College to become a fulltime freelance musician.

Today James works in a variety of musical fields and is passionate about brass education and increasing the profile of brass music.