Musician | Educator | Higher Ed Leader
James is an in-demand jazz trumpet player in Pittsburgh’s vibrant jazz scene, where he is a member of the Pittsburgh Jazz Orchestra and performs regularly with jazz legend Roger Humphries. His own trio features James Johnson, III on drums and Clifford Barnes on organ. He has recorded and performed with dozens of internationally acclaimed jazz artists.
James is a vocal supporter of not only jazz education, but of the power of the liberal arts to transform the lives of collegiate students. He has served as a leader in higher education since 2006, advocating for interdisciplinary approaches to teaching and learning.