Biography
Growing up near Charleston, South Carolina, James began his lifelong interest in music in middle school, where he began singing in the school choir and playing violin in the school orchestra. While completing his high school studies at the South Carolina Governor’s School for the Arts and Humanities, James was recognized for his talent by being selected for leadership roles in several ensembles, and being selected for the school’s honorary Senior Showcase concert twice.
After high school, James attended Furman University in Greenville, SC and earned a Bachelor of Music in Violin Performance in 2015, under the tutelage of Dr. Thomas Joiner. During his time at Furman, James was a part of several scholarship ensembles, including the Hartness and Gladden string quartets, the Furman Symphony Orchestra. At the same time, James was taking composition lessons from Dr. Mark Kilstofte and Dr. Dan Koppelman. James was selected twice for the university’s Spring Honors Recital, a concert where a small pool of outstanding students are nominated to perform by music faculty: once for composition and once for violin performance.
During his sophomore year, he began taking jazz improvisation lessons on the violin and performing in various jazz ensembles. James continued his vocal education and performing at Furman as well, earning a scholarship to sing and play guitar in the school’s Chapel Worship Ensemble and performing with his fraternity Men’s Choir.
After graduating cum laude from Furman, James continued his education at the University of Houston under Dr. Kirsten Yon. There he performed with the Moores School Symphony Orchestra, Moores School Opera Orchestra, and various chamber ensembles. He earned his Master of Music degree in Violin Performance in 2017, and after living and working there for another seven years moved with his wife Hannah to Tennessee in April 2024.
A versatile musician, James performs regularly in ensembles of all kinds: orchestras, string quartets, bluegrass bands, and many more. He has also written many original compostions for the band.
James also maintains a private lesson studio of violin, viola, piano, and composition students of all ages and experience levels. Many of James’ students often go on to win auditions in regional and state-level school orchestras, as well as pursue higher education in or involving music.
After several years of singing professionally in church choirs, James is currently a baritone staff singer in the choir of St. George’s Episcopal Church in Bell Meade. The choir regularly performs at concerts and music festivals around the city in addition to church services.
James has recorded and played with several local musicians in Texas, Tennessee and beyond, as well as recording his own album debut with Bayou City Swing, Sunshine on Bastrop . He is always working towards the next musical challenge and has set his efforts towards establishing himself in the greater Nashville area’s music community.