bio

Jim began his training in piano at age five. He continued his music education playing drums at age eleven through his high school years. In college, at Bucknell University, he resumed his piano training and began experimenting with jazz. After graduating from Bucknell with a degree in Music Education, Jim began his professional career performing with jazz and disco bands, keeping him on the road for two years.

Jim moved to New York City to pursue his career and further his education in music, where he had the good fortune to study piano with jazz legends Barry Harris and Mike Lango, receive classical training under John Kamitsuka, and explore composition with Andrew William Thomas and William Duckworth. An NEA Grant recipient for jazz, Jim has been performing professionally for over 26 years, a career which has included cabaret, a national tour of Eli Greenwich’s “Leader of the Pack,” and leading his own jazz trio. In March of 2003 and April of 2007, he had the honor of being featured in the “Artist’s Series” at Bucknell University where he presented his trio with his own compositions. In addition, he has the privilege of being invited out to Bucknell to teach theory, lecture/perform, and give private lessons each semester.

Jim received his Master’s in Music Education from the University of New Mexico where he currently teaches. Jim is also part of the faculty of the New Mexico School of Music and recently opened up his own private studio.