James Watson is one of Britain’s most versatile musicians. Born into an all-musical Leicestershire family he went on to study trumpet at the Royal Academy of Music where he is now professor of trumpet and Artistic Director and Head of Brass. In August 2005 he was appointed Professor of Music of the University of London.
He has held principal trumpet posts with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Orchestra of the Royal Opera House and London Sinfonietta. International Chamber music work has included the Nash Ensemble and leading the world famous Philip Jones Brass Ensemble.
He is particularly active in film, television and pop session-work, credits include the Star Wars Trilogy, Superman 1,2,3 & 4, Lord of the Rings, Gladiator, The Mummy Returns and Harry Potter II to name but a few. He can be heard weekly on BBC television playing the trumpet solo theme tune for Groundforce. He has recorded with pop legends Elton John,
Paul McCartney,Tori Amos and Peter Gabriel.
Conducting positions have included Artistic Director of the world famous Black Dyke Mills Band, whom he steered to new artistic heights between 1992 and 2000.
He particularly committed to working with young musicians and was Artistic Director of the National Youth Brass Band of Wales for six years and is Vice President of the National Youth Wind Orchestra of Great Britain. The Royal Academy of Music honoured him with a fellowship in 1989 and he was awarded an honorary fellowship from the London College of Music in 1997.
James is the Artistic Director of the newly-formed National Symphonic Brass Ensemble of Wales. He performs recitals and gives masterclasses on a worldwide platform and plays trumpets manufactured by C.G.Conn.
His latest solo trumpet recording, consisting of Masterworks for trumpet and piano will be released on the Deux Elles label in early 2005.
He now divides his time equally between playing, teaching and conducting.
| 
