James Brown

Guitar

Classical / Jazz / Electric

James Brown has been inspiring students of all ages for almost 40 years and is currently on Faculty at the Oscar Peterson School of Music in Toronto where he teaches guitar, jazz improvisation and composition. Other teaching positions have been at the Glenn Gould School and Metal Works Institute.

His classical training and expert skills as a guitarist, jazz improviser and composer have made him a versatile, creative and sought after teacher. Whether it be “just for fun” or in preparation for a professional career, classes with James are creative and goal-oriented. Throughout his teaching career, James has fostered outstanding student success. Past and current students have earned excellent examination results, including Silver Medals (RCM). Others have formed critically acclaimed rock groups, opened recording studios, have entered post secondary music programs, and one student even performed for the Prime Minister of Canada.

James holds an MA in composition from York University and his guitar compositions are a part of RCM examinations “guitar syllabus”, some of which are published in the Guitar Repertoire books. He has performed with many leading artists and ensembles including The Toronto Symphony Orchestra, Sound Streams Canada and Can Stage. His recent full scale composition  “The Mosley Street Suite” was premiered  at Koerner Hall in August 2021 and his fourth studio album “Song Within the Story”, (featuring Clark Johnston, Anthony Michelli and Mike Murley) was released on NGP records in March of 2022. Other recordings have featured Don Thompson, Quinsin Nachoff,  Jim Vivian,  Andrew Downing and Ernie Tollar.  James’ composition article “The Grundgestalt Concept” was published in the July 2023 issue of Downbeat Magazine.  His recordings of original music have received critical acclaim.

“I love this record”
 Brad Stone, Soul and Jazz UK

 "This is one of the best jazz guitar albums this writer, who fervently listens to greats like Frisell, Bernstein, and Metheny, has heard in recent memory. It can easily stand with the best from those giants."
Jim Hynes,  Making a Scene

"This is a stunning album, thanks for putting on my radar!"
Lauren Hancock, Producer, CBC, Saturday Night Jazz