James is a PhD candidate in instrumental composition exploring temporal layering in musical structures under the supervision of Professor Dorothy Ker, supported by a University of Sheffield Arts and Humanities Research Scholarship. Prior to this, he studied for an undergraduate degree in Music and a postgraduate degree in Composition at the University of Sheffield, graduating with first class and distinction classifications. During this time, he studied under Dorothy Ker; George Nicholson; Lawrence Dunn; and Amir Konjani, and was the recipient of the Julian Payne First Year Prize and Julian Payne Postgraduate Scholarship. 

 

James has composed for numerous world-leading ensembles (including the Arditti Quartet; Hermes Experiment; Orlando Consort; Ensemble 360; and Ligeti Quartet amongst others). In 2023, he was awarded joint-first prize in the Stella Jockel Young Composer Competition for his setting of Katharine Towers’ Sheffield Nocturne, which was performed by Sheffield Philharmonic Chorus in Sheffield City Hall at the finale concert of the Classical Sheffield Weekend. James is a London Symphony Orchestra Soundhub Associate (November 2023-Present). His recent compositional work includes a commission for clarinet and saxophone duo DOOT for premiere at the 2025 ICA Low Clarinet Festival in Arizona.

 

Alongside composing, James’ activities as a musician include conducting the University of Sheffield’s New Music Ensemble (having held the position of Associate Director since November 2021); teaching composition to undergraduate students; and performing as a guitarist in an experimental math rock band.

 

For enquiries and commissions, contact James by email: jamesthomascomposer@gmail.com