Chris James

Winds, Brass & Percussion Department Chair; IN-PERSON & ONLINE LESSONS

Chris James* holds the Assistant Principal Flute/Piccolo position with the Vancouver Symphony. Previously a member of the Memphis, Ann Arbor, and Missouri Symphonies, he has also appeared with the Detroit, Toronto, Nashville, and Albany Symphonies, the National Arts Centre Orchestra, the National Ballet of Canada Orchestra, and the Buffalo Philharmonic. Also an active chamber musician and soloist, he was recognized for his achievements in the CBC’s “30 Hot Canadian Classical Musicians Under 30” in 2017.

In addition to his private teaching studio, Chris has been invited to guest-teach at the Universities of Memphis, Central Arkansas, and British Columbia. In demand as an adjudicator, he has served in this capacity for the Southeast Michigan Flute Association, the Mid-South and New Jersey Flute Societies, many local and provincial music festivals across Canada, as well as Rhodes College, and the University of Michigan.

As a private teacher, Chris is passionate about helping students of all ages build their expressive potential on the flute through a solid foundation of technical fundamentals. A former Suzuki student, he has always believed that “Every Child Can”, and takes pride in working with students to meet their goals at any level.

*VSO member