Known for his versatility as an artist, James is a highly regarded trumpet professional working in East Lansing, Michigan.
James performs in classical orchestras, wind ensembles, chamber groups, as a soloist, and in baroque orchestras using period instruments. While working as a private music instructor and freelance trumpet artist, James has performed regularly as a substitute musician with the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, worked with the Southport Symphony Orchestra, The Elmhurst Symphony Orchestra, and has been hired to perform baroque trumpet repertoire with groups such as Arts on Alexander.
He is currently a Graduate Teaching Assistant at Michigan State University pursuing his Doctor of Musical Arts Degree in Trumpet Performance, studying under the tutelage of Professor Justin Emerich.
While earning his Master of Music Degree in Trumpet Performance and Literature from the Eastman School of Music, he held the position of Teaching Assistant and Instructor of Baroque Trumpet Studies. While completing his MM, he was awarded the Eastman School of Music Performer’s Certificate. During his tenure at Eastman, James performed as the rotating principal trumpet and section player of the Eastman Wind Ensemble, Eastman Philharmonia, Eastman Baroque Trumpet Ensemble, and the Eastman Brass Guild.
James earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Performance from the John J. Cali School of Music at Montclair State University. While studying at Montclair State University, James performed as the rotating principal trumpet and section player in the MSU Wind Symphony, MSU Orchestra, MSU Brass Ensemble, and MSU Trumpet Ensemble.
During their 2018-2019 season, he was a section player in the New York Youth Symphony. An avid chamber musician, James performed with groups such as the Valley Road Brass Quintet and the MSU Baroque Chamber Ensemble. In 2019, James was a member of the American Bach Soloists Academy where the orchestra performed solely on period instruments.
James’ former private instructors include Dr. Donald Batchelder, Peter Bond, John Thiessen, and James Thompson.
Education & Honors
Doctor of Musical Arts - Michigan State University (Expected 2024-2027)
Artist Diploma with Distinction - OAcademy Music Conservatory (2024)
Master of Music - Eastman School of Music (2020-2022)
Bachelor of Music - Montclair State University (2016-2020)
Performer’s Certificate - Eastman School of Music (2022)