James studied at Chetham’s School of Music where he had been studying with Christopher Stokes, Organist and Master of the Choristers at Manchester Cathedral. At Chetham’s, James took part in many of the musical activities, such as singing in the Symphony Chorus under conductors such as Mark Elder and Yon Pascal Tortelier, playing the organ with the Symphony Orchestra in Elgar’s Cockaigne Overture and took part in recitals and master classes at schools and churches in the area. In 2005, James held the post of Junior Organ Scholar at Manchester Cathedral under the direction of Christopher Stokes where he accompanied both of the Cathedral choirs and helped in the training of the probationary choristers.

In September 2006 James moved south to become Organ Scholar of Canterbury Cathedral and Assistant Organist of The King’s School, Canterbury. There he played frequently for the Cathedral Choir and The King’s School choirs, as well as teaching the probationary choristers. He also played for the Cathedral Choir’s Tour to Malta and Gozo in March of this year.

James has given recitals in Canterbury Cathedral, Manchester Cathedral, Liverpool Anglican Cathedral, Tewkesbury Abbey and St Giles Cathedral, Edinburgh. Forthcoming recitals include Newcastle Cathedral. In September 2007, James began studying at Trinity College of Music, London where he studies the organ with William Whitehead. James also took up the post of Organ Scholar at the Old Royal Naval College Chapel, where he is under the direction of Sean Farrell.

James performed at St Dominic's Priory on 6th October 2007:

Geoffrey Allan Taylor - Eleanor's Lullaby

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and at St John the Evangelist Islington on 20th October 2007:

David Adkins - All Saints' Day Music (mvts 3&4)

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