Bio

James Scott (They/them) is a performer, collaborator, teacher, and composer involved in many facets of the music world. Currently, James is an active performer in the Northern Colorado region and beyond. James is also a founding member of The Matchsticks Bassoon Quartet. They can be found playing music with everyone from the local band music scene to regularly performing with such groups as the Longmont Symphony Orchestra.

As a bassoonist/contrabassoonist*, they advocate for more inclusion of chamber music and new music as viable respected forms of music. One of their biggest goals as a performer is to help bring to the forefront the music of traditionally underrepresented groups and give their talents the recognition they deserve. Especially those who are non-binary or neurodivergent, as they can best speak to those experiences. 

James has been composing for most of their musical journey, composing some of their earliest works in 2013. Early on, their music was inspired by Japanese video game music and traditional Hawaiian songs as their musical journey began as a military transplant living on the island of Oahu. Today you can still find these influences present in their music in their use of modes and musical forms. 

In their free time, James enjoys spending time with their two tortishell cats Vanessa & Monkey, and baking for their partner Telly.

James holds a Master's degree in performance from Colorado State University and a Bachelor of Music Performance degree from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Their primary instructors include Ann Kosanavic-Brown, Dr. Remy Taghavi, and Dr. Cayla Bellamy.

*As of January 2025  I own my own Contrabassoon & am open for any and all opportunities!