Danny James

Danny James

Growing up in an artistic household, Danny James’ musical journey began at the early age of six. His musical aspirations were born out of a simple love for American Rhythm and Blues. Danny began performing professionally at age 17; auditioning and joining the renowned New England revue band Art Steele’s Blues Breakers at age 19. His achievement in music as an advanced Blues purisit prodigy allotted him status to meet many of his Blues heroes —
B.B. King, Otis Rush, John Mayall, Chuck Berry, James Cotton, Junior Wells, Buddy Guy, Ray Charlers, Bo Diddley . . . After a few years of recording and performing, Danny attended the Conservatory of Music in New England where he studied theory and composition, having completed the Berkeley Modern Method for guitar.
While completing his musical studies at the Conservatory, Danny began teaching and shortly thereafter held the title of Assistant Director. Additionally, also beginning an apprenticeship as a guitar luthier understudy mastering restoration and repair of vintage guitars and other stringed instruments. Danny relocated from Northampton to Florida in 2015, continuing on his path and purpose as a performing/recording musician and teacher. Danny instructs students of all ages/levels in guitar (acoustic/electric), bass guitar, mandolin, ukulele, banjo, dulcimer, steel guitar, harmonica, songwriting, theory, composition, studio recording and performance.

Danny's Studio

Private Lessons:  Violin, Viola, Cello, Bass, Ac. Guitar, El. Bass, Ukulele, Mandolin, Banjo, Mtn. Dulcimer, Theory, Composition

Styles:  Classical, Folk, Blues, Jazz, Pop, American, & Modern Music

Group Classes: Youth Quartet Plus, Adult Quartet Plus

Teaching Location/s: Kalamazoo & Northville

Schedule: Mon-Tue; Kalamazoo, Wed-Thu; Northville

Virtual Private Lesson Availability: Monday, 2:00-2:30 pm, Monday, 9:00-9:30 pm, Tuesday, 12:30-1:00 pm, Tuesday, 4:00-4:30 pm, Tuesday, 5:00-5:30 pm, Wednesday 4:00-4:30 pm, Wednesday 6:30-7:00 pm, Thursday 3:30-4:00 pm, Thursday 6:45-7:15 pm, Friday, 4:30-5:00 pm, Friday, 7:00-7:30 pm

Philosophy/Quote: Artistic expression is the oracle of the soul, and I endeavor to help assist my students to discover and foster that experience with their music, and in their lives.

Primary Teachers: Winifred Mayes; cello, Anthony Iannaccone; composition, Nina DeVeritch; cello, Ramon Zupko; composition

Education: Masters of Music, Performance & Composition; WMU, Bachelor of Music; Performance; EMU

Awards: String Area Music Scholarship; Western Michigan University, Music Alumni Friends Scholastic Award; Western Michigan University, Dillman Music Performance Scholarship Award; Eastern Michigan University, Campus Leader Scholarship

Organizations: Musician’s Committee Secretary; Battle Creek Symphony, Vice President; KAAF (Kalamazoo Amateur Athletic Federation), Cellist; Octocelli Cello Ensemble, Event Organizer; WPI Festival On the Land

Performance Links: Call Me To My Heart, Tipping Point Theatre, Ampelopsis I, Aurora & Antheia, Reflections On Water, Aurora & Antheia, Ode to Celli, Aurora & Antheia, Swamp Over 8th Street, Rhythm Cordia- 2018, Funky Blues- 2013, Travel Modalities- 2007