James graduated from Berklee College of Music with an undergraduate degree in Jazz Piano and earned his Master’s in Piano Performance from Texas State University. Since the age of 7, he has found deep joy in the creative music process and has been teaching private piano lessons to students of all ages since his high school years in Hawaii.

He teaches a wide range of styles, including jazz, rock, funk, Latin, pop, and classical, and brings a patient yet thorough approach to each lesson. James’s teaching philosophy is that of a facilitator—he encourages students to follow the musical paths that excite them most while providing the tools, guidance, and structure to help them grow in skill and understanding.

James is comfortable working with beginners through advanced players and finds fulfillment in supporting each student’s personal musical journey.