EMCI: 2021
James is a vocal trainer, acting coach and musical director. In 2006 James co-founded Arts1 with Principal Rebecca Carrington which went on to become Englands first Estill Education Affiliate with over 500 students training in part-time and full time courses. James leads the full time Sixth form programme, developing talent that has included Sarah Ikumu (Simon Cowell's Golden Buzzer), Ivano Turco (Prince Sebastian - Andrew Lloyd Webbers Cinderella) and Matteo Johnson (1st Cover Frankie Valli - Jersey boys West- End). As a school our graduated students can be seen in Netflix's The Witcher (Paul Bullion - Lambert) and in Theatre productions including Moulin Rouge (West-End), Aladdin (West-End), School of Rock (West-End) and Joseph! (West-End). James professional credits include several years working on The Voice Kids and the X-Factor for ITV. His clients have included Samantha Barks, Ella Henderson and Little Mix.
James has been working as a voice trainer to actors, singers and coaches for over 20 years. His wide ranging coaching schedule includes working with the UK's leading training institutions and conservatoires, with winning artistes as featured on the X-Factor and BGT, leads in West End musicals and some of the UK's finest young talent. James has had the privilege to be mentored by an incredibly diverse team of international coaches including Mary McDonald-Klimek, Stephanie Marko, Anne-Marie Speed and Matthew Reeve. His educational work with technical training for young people and choirs has inspired many thousands of people across the UK to find their voice and achieve their vocal potential. As an educator, James has extensive experience in post-compulsory education, he has held prestigious positions at several of the UK's performance training conservatoire's as recognised by DramaUK and the CDET. He continues to innovate in practice and advance his own development through a dedicated approach to inspiring the world to sing.