James has been teaching marching percussion for 13 years throughout Northeast and Southeast Pennsylvania. James earned his Associate's Degree in Music Education from Penn State University in State College, PA and his Bachelor's Degree in Marketing from Kutztown University in Kutztown, PA.  

While in college, James was in the marching band, concert band, wind ensemble and indoor drumline under the direction of Will Rapp. James has worked with many great percussion educators at the Yamaha Sounds of Summer Percussion Camps held at Pleasant Valley High School, East Stroudsburg University and Bloomsburg University in 2004, 2005 & 2008. Educators included Michael McIntosh, James Campbell and Dr.Giff Howarth.