PhD Composition graduate offering Composition and Music Theory lessons in Central London

Find out more about James

• When did you first develop a passion for music and your favourite instrument?

  I was 11 when I began playing the violin. I quickly realised that I loved music, and couldn't stop practising and playing in orchestras! I soon started learning to play the piano and composing my own music.

• Is there a particular type music or artist that you listen to on a loop without it driving you crazy?

  I enjoy listening to many different kinds of music! I have always loved classical music in particular, everything from Bach to Brahms to the most cutting-edge experimental music.

• Explain to us the most difficult or riveting course you could personally give to a student of music.

  I have taught composition at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama and the Royal College of Music, two of the world's leading music schools. Of course, the training in such schools is extremely rigorous, but it's also thrilling as the students are constantly challenged with new kinds of music and different ways of thinking about music.

• What do you think is the most complicated instrument to master and why?

  I think all instruments are equally difficult in the end. Although each instrument has its own technical challenges to surmount, everything ultimately comes down to your ability to communicate the music regardless of which instrument you are playing. That said, as a composer you have to know about ALL the instruments, even the ones you can't play, and you have to understand how to make them sound good together in an orchestra!

• What are your keys to success?

  Put a strong foundation in place and build upon it. Practise every day you can, listen to and learn about music of all kinds, and most importantly of all, enjoy yourself!

• Name three musicians you dream of meeting in your favourite bar in the early hours of the morning. Explain why.

  Josef Haydn, Carl Nielsen, and Charles Ives. As well as being wonderful composers, each of them had an absolutely charming personality and a famously vibrant sense of humour which shines through in their music, so I'm sure a jovial time would be had by all!

• Provide a valuable anecdote related to music or your days at music school.

  When I was in music school, my friend and I used to wake each other up early in the morning so we could practise before our classes - after some strong coffee, of course! I think we learned a lot from each other, and by helping each other both of us were able to really raise our games. If you have a friend or family member who you can learn alongside, having a 'music buddy' can really benefit both of you and make it more enjoyable too!

• What are the little touches that make you a Superprof in music?

  As a PhD graduate, I have a broad knowledge of music which I always make sure to bring into my teaching. In my lessons, you won't just learn to play an instrument or compose, along the way you'll learn music theory, music history, and general musicianship skills to help you to become a well-rounded, versatile musician.
  
  I don't discriminate by ability level, and I am equally happy to teach anyone who wishes to learn, be they a complete beginner or an advanced graduate student.