A Lifetime of Music 

James's musical journey began with piano lessons at age six, but upon hearing Jimi Hendrix for the first time as a sixth-grader, the guitar became his all-consuming passion. James began his performance career in both the jazz and classical idioms in high school, earning the sole chair in the Vermont All-State Jazz Band, and the honor of opening for jazz legends Ahmad Jamal and Eddie Palmieri on the Flynn Main Stage. After falling in love with the music of Chopin and Debussy, and discovering the Spanish masterworks of Tárrega and Albéniz, James chose to accept a scholarship to study classical guitar at the prestigious Hartt School in West Hartford, Connecticut, where he studied under acclaimed guitar pedagogue Richard C. Provost. While at Hartt, James performed extensively as a soloist and chamber musician, and took lessons and masterclasses with guitar luminaries such as GRAMMY-winner Jason Vieaux, Andrew York, Manuel Barrueco, Angel Romero and others.

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James later continued his studies at the University of Vermont, where, among other honors, he was twice invited to perform in the Higley House Recital for UVM's President and other Burlington notables. James has since remained active in the Burlington and Vermont arts scene, performing in recitals, musicals, weddings, and other events. He also formed one part of the psych-fusion quartet Gnomedad, honing his electric guitar chops as well as his composition and arrangement skills. James continues to perform, teach, compose, and arrange music in a wide variety of styles. Explore his YouTube and Soundcloud channels to hear examples of his work.