About

Having grown up in York and started playing the piano at seven, James went on to study music at City University (London), specialising in composition, sound recording and production, and music business. As part of his degree programme he studied piano performance with Laura Roberts at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama.

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James composes primarily for solo piano and in 2019 released his debut album, Musical Escapades, with sheet music published by Editions Musica Ferrum. The publication was rated 'outstanding'  and praised for its 'highly enjoyable mix of musical styles' by leading piano blog Pianodao. Reflections in Waltz - James' second book of solo piano compositions - was published in 2020 by Musica Ferrum, while 2021 saw the release of two albums: Adventures & Accolades was published in September, and Star of Wonder followed in November. The latter - a collection of contemporary arrangements of Christmas carols - includes James' take on Ding Dong Merrily on High, which was also published in Pianist Magazine's Christmas 2021 edition.

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James plays a prominent role in the UK music education sector through his work with ABRSM, the global music education charity and exam board. As Deputy Head of Engagement, James manages ABRSM's global portfolio of strategic partnerships and development programmes for next generation musicians. This includes ABRSM's flagship composer mentoring programme for early career and emerging composers interested in writing music for educational settings. His work with ABRSM has taken him on educational visits to Hong Kong, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam, as well as across the UK.