Listen Deeper
Discover what's beneath the surface of your music with Oregon's best clarinetist (Oregon ArtsWatch)
Music education should be transformative
I prepare students not just to play beautifully, but to hear the theory at work in their music, engage meaningfully with their communities, and sustain a lifelong relationship with music. That means balancing fundamentals and artistry with performer well-being and fulfillment—teaching students not just how to count, but what counts most.
“The way James taught made things stick—I still approach pieces differently because of it.”
— Kaden Prichard, Clarinet Student, Interlochen Arts Academy
30 years of experience
In the past 30 years, I have not only performed but programmed hundreds of chamber music concerts—presenting a diverse range of repertoire, from classical favorites and pop arrangements to rarely-performed works and world premieres. This experience provides a unique perspective on ensemble dynamics, presenter goals, and how to listen critically from within the ensemble.
Ways to work together
Let's get started!
Take the first step. Reach out today to book a lesson or lecture.
Places I've taught
| School | Description | Dates |
|---|---|---|
| University of Oregon | Visiting Clarinet Instructor | 2017 – Present |
| Reed College | Chamber Music Coach | 2026 – Present |
| Portland Youth Symphony | Woodwind Coach | 2016 – Present |
| Private Studio | Albuquerque, Toronto, Portland | 2007 – Present |
| Oregon Bach Festival | Composers Symposium Faculty | 2016, 2018, 2025 |
| Metropolitan University of Denver | Masterclass | 2016, 2023 |
| University of Toronto | Visiting Clarinet Instructor | 2014 – 2016 |
| UNM, New Music Ensemble | Woodwind Coach | 2014 – 2016 |
| New Mexico Chamber Music Festival | Chamber Music Coach | 2014 – 2016 |
| Glenn Gould School | Woodwind Section Coach | 2013 – 2016 |
| University of Northern Colorado | Masterclass | 2012 |
| Hummingbird Music Camp | Woodwind Coach | 2007 |
| University of Texas at Austin | Masterclass | 2007 |
| The Julliard School of Music | Teaching Fellow, Instrumental Music | 2005 – 2006 |
| School | Description | Dates |
|---|---|---|
| University of Oregon | Visiting Clarinet Instructor | 2017 – Present |
| Reed College | Chamber Music Coach | 2026 – Present |
| Portland Youth Symphony | Woodwind Coach | 2016 – Present |
| Private Studio | Albuquerque, Toronto, Portland | 2007 – Present |
| Oregon Bach Festival | Composers Symposium Faculty | 2016, 2018, 2025 |
| Metropolitan University of Denver | Masterclass | 2016, 2023 |
| University of Toronto | Visiting Clarinet Instructor | 2014 – 2016 |
| UNM, New Music Ensemble | Woodwind Coach | 2014 – 2016 |
| New Mexico Chamber Music Festival | Chamber Music Coach | 2014 – 2016 |
| Glenn Gould School | Woodwind Section Coach | 2013 – 2016 |
| University of Northern Colorado | Masterclass | 2012 |
| Hummingbird Music Camp | Woodwind Coach | 2007 |
| University of Texas at Austin | Masterclass | 2007 |
| The Julliard School of Music | Teaching Fellow, Instrumental Music | 2005 – 2006 |
Testimonials
James Prichard
Parent of Interlochen Arts Academy student
James didn’t separate theory from playing—he wove it directly into the music.
James Prichard
Parent of Interlochen Arts Academy student
James didn’t separate theory from playing—he wove it directly into the music.
April Young
Clarinetist
Sometimes you play next to a pro and feel intimidated but there was none of that playing with James.
April Young
Clarinetist
Sometimes you play next to a pro and feel intimidated but there was none of that playing with James.
Keith Hamm
Principal Viola of the Edmonton Symphony
Staggering virtuosity and musicianship - but James’ first priority is community. Connecting artists and audiences and sharing something special.
Keith Hamm
Principal Viola of the Edmonton Symphony
Staggering virtuosity and musicianship - but James’ first priority is community. Connecting artists and audiences and sharing something special.
Isabel Thompson
Clarinetist
I truly enjoyed his ability to make us all feel welcome while providing a true musical community
Isabel Thompson
Clarinetist
I truly enjoyed his ability to make us all feel welcome while providing a true musical community
Luke Gullickson
Pianist
James is a divinely gifted collaborator. In his playing, his leading, his curating, his composing, he is a master of getting folks together to make some music.
Luke Gullickson
Pianist
James is a divinely gifted collaborator. In his playing, his leading, his curating, his composing, he is a master of getting folks together to make some music.
Colleen Cook
Clarinetist, Canadian Opera Company
James is a great colleague and leader and amazing to play and work with. He understands what’s happening harmonically and hears everything that is happening around him. James’ approach to playing in a section encourages everyone and fosters an inclusive and collaborative environment.
Colleen Cook
Clarinetist, Canadian Opera Company
James is a great colleague and leader and amazing to play and work with. He understands what’s happening harmonically and hears everything that is happening around him. James’ approach to playing in a section encourages everyone and fosters an inclusive and collaborative environment.
Ron Blessinger
Former Executive Director 45th Parallel
James is a tremendous resource and collaboration…He seems to know every piece written for clarinet and related instrument. He's played them all!
Ron Blessinger
Former Executive Director 45th Parallel
James is a tremendous resource and collaboration…He seems to know every piece written for clarinet and related instrument. He's played them all!
James Prichard
Parent of Interlochen Arts Academy student
James didn’t separate theory from playing—he wove it directly into the music.
Colleen Cook
Clarinetist, Canadian Opera Company
James is a great colleague and leader and amazing to play and work with. He understands what’s happening harmonically and hears everything that is happening around him. James’ approach to playing in a section encourages everyone and fosters an inclusive and collaborative environment.
Luke Gullickson
Pianist
James is a divinely gifted collaborator. In his playing, his leading, his curating, his composing, he is a master of getting folks together to make some music.
Keith Hamm
Principal Viola of the Edmonton Symphony
Staggering virtuosity and musicianship - but James’ first priority is community. Connecting artists and audiences and sharing something special.
Isabel Thompson
Clarinetist
I truly enjoyed his ability to make us all feel welcome while providing a true musical community
April Young
Clarinetist
Sometimes you play next to a pro and feel intimidated but there was none of that playing with James.
Ron Blessinger
Former Executive Director 45th Parallel
James is a tremendous resource and collaboration…He seems to know every piece written for clarinet and related instrument. He's played them all!
James Prichard
Parent of Interlochen Arts Academy student
James didn’t separate theory from playing—he wove it directly into the music.
Isabel Thompson
Clarinetist
I truly enjoyed his ability to make us all feel welcome while providing a true musical community
Colleen Cook
Clarinetist, Canadian Opera Company
James is a great colleague and leader and amazing to play and work with. He understands what’s happening harmonically and hears everything that is happening around him. James’ approach to playing in a section encourages everyone and fosters an inclusive and collaborative environment.
April Young
Clarinetist
Sometimes you play next to a pro and feel intimidated but there was none of that playing with James.
Luke Gullickson
Pianist
James is a divinely gifted collaborator. In his playing, his leading, his curating, his composing, he is a master of getting folks together to make some music.
Ron Blessinger
Former Executive Director 45th Parallel
James is a tremendous resource and collaboration…He seems to know every piece written for clarinet and related instrument. He's played them all!
Keith Hamm
Principal Viola of the Edmonton Symphony
Staggering virtuosity and musicianship - but James’ first priority is community. Connecting artists and audiences and sharing something special.
Masterclass in Barcelona - Escola Superior de Música de Catalunya (ESMUC)
Learn to listen, perform, and compose with James
Reach out to me if you have any remaining questions!