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James is a writer, multi-instrumentalist, producer, sound designer, synth-enthusiast, and avid coffee drinker. From Bebop to Hip-Hop, James has a diverse passion for music that blends tradition and technology.
Having studied music initially as a pianist, he developed a passion for composition and harmony. That passion led him to sound design and the world of digital/analog synths. After starting his career as a working musician, James took a step back from performing to focus on other areas within the music industry. Over the past 20 years, James has gained vast experience as a performer, educator, composer, and content creator.
James has worked on various educational projects to highlight the many benefits of music. Through collaborations with organizations like Youth Music UK and brands like JBL, he has worked as the lead on campaigns to encourage young people to get involved in music. James has also composed music for campaigns promoting mental health awareness.
As such a synthesizer and tech enthusiast, testing, reviewing, and demoing new hardware/software is something James spends a lot of time on. Working as a writer, James covers some of the largest music industry tradeshows (especially synth-based ones like Superbooth), creating content showcasing the latest releases from manufacturers and developers.
Creating content has become an integral part of James's career and an area where he has worked with some of the music industry's leading brands. James has created demo and tutorial content for brands like Akai Professional, iZotope, and Plugin Boutique, gaining hundreds of thousands of views.
James is a music maker first, and anything he writes comes from an honest perspective of someone who loves music.
The piano brings together every element of music like nothing else. Pianists often deal with melody, harmony, rhythm, and percussion simultaneously, making the piano an incredibly expressive and dynamic instrument.
Much of the most beautiful and challenging classical music ever written was written for the piano, and I’ve picked out my favorites.
To be a professional musician takes time and effort, no matter what you play. Although, as a beginner, some instruments are easier than others. I have picked out the easiest instruments to learn for both kids and adults. So, check out the list, make your choice, and start your musical journey today!
The Yamaha P-145 is the successor to one of the best-selling keyboard pianos of all time, the industry standard P-45. With the P-45 discontinued, Yamaha’s new kid on the block has much to live up to.
As a beginner learning to play the piano, it’s important that you choose the method and lessons that suit you best. Selecting the source of your online piano lessons isn’t just a creative decision; it’s often a financial one, too.
The Yamaha Piaggero NP-15 is the successor to the NP-12, an instrument I previously listed as my favorite keyboard for beginners. Given the popularity of the previous model, I have high expectations for the NP-15. In this review, I’ll find out if the NP-15 lives up to expectations and surpasses its popular predecessor.
It’s the weight of acoustic piano keys that allows players to perform with incredible expression and dynamics because they learn to control velocity with immaculate detail and sensitivity. By that logic, if a keyboard or digital piano doesn’t have an authentic piano feel, you’ll never get the best out of its sound.