James received a degree in music education from Indiana State University having studied voice with Ray Mech. Afterward, he studied classical guitar with rod Stuckey in St. Louis. After a short stint of teaching classroom music, K through 8, James began a private music teaching studio, which has been active for over three decades. He enjoys teaching all ages, preparing his students to perform for peers helping them grow in confidence and skill. Aside from teaching, James has constantly been engaged in performing and recording. A wide array of styles he enjoys – wether currently under the stage name of Sycamore slim playing original an old school blues, or performing American songbook standards for private engagements and retirement facilities, or classical guitar for weddings and concert situations. He has performed widely in a flute and guitar duo as well as classical guitar trio and, has played and sung in several pop bands over the the years. He is a prodigious songwriter- having released 4 CD’s of original music/blues and folk-pop. He also has composed classical music in the minimalist style.