James was born obsessed with the guitar.  At age six he found an old guitar at a neighbor?s garage sale and began teaching himself to play it.  He spent his whole childhood exploring the instrument, and at age sixteen he studied Jazz improvisation with Matthew Lambourne.  When he was 19 he fell in love with the Classical Guitar repertoire and he began his Classical Guitar studies with Dan Garcia.  Soon after James found himself studying at the SUNY Purchase Music Conservatory with Frederic Hand and Jo?o Luiz where he received his Master?s of Music.

James encourages his students to push their creativity in new and interesting directions. James is trained in Suzuki Guitar books 1-3. He strives to give his students a well-rounded music education that will allow them to reach their full potential, with an emphasis on strong listening skills and technique.

James works as a performer, composer and improviser in New York City and the surrounding Metropolitan area.  He has performed in exhibits at the Neuberger Museum and Studio A Gallery. James is an active member of the New York City based classical guitar duo, Gotham Guitar Duo.  He has also performed with the MFA Choreographers at SUNY Purchase Conservatory of Dance, and at various events throughout the Metropolitan area.