I believe music is a tool for creating empathy, and everyone has the right to use that tool as freely as they like. We're not here to make drummers: we're here to make musicians. Our goal is to get you to comfort and excitement within music, and we do that through technique; through active listening; and by focusing on genres, styles, and artists you love. I believe by this focus, we can elevate your confidence, expressiveness, and skill.

"I can credit James for single-handedly expanding my comfort zone, musical knowledge, and sense of fun" - Simon (2023)

James is an award-winning jazz musician who has been teaching for over a decade. Many of his students have gone on to Higher Education in music, and have won numerous awards themselves.

James has been teaching and working all over the world, and is recently returned to the UK and accepting students.

He has performed at the Grammy Awards, for Barry Gibb, and is a champion of new and young jazz musicians. In 2018, he won the Cultural Champion Award (York) for his support of female-led and LGBTQ+ jazz musicians. He has participated in the Serious Learning and Engagement Participation award programme, and won awards for his tutoring and performances.

He started playing music because his sister played trumpet in the school band, and he was left to the percussion section to save his parents a return trip to collect him at school! Since then, he has toured as a drummer and orchestral percussionist, and worked as a tutor, educator, and performer, with, among others:
Barbican London
Southbank Centre
University of York
University of Huddersfield
Lagos University
University of Guelph
British Library
and The Caymanian Arts Festival

In 2022, James completed a PhD in music philosophy and performance with the Academy of Creative and Performing Arts, Leiden University.

James happily accepts all level of performer, and can teach in his home studio, online, or at the student's preferred location.

"Like a cross between Billy Cobham and Trilock Gurtu," The Times, 2016.