James Oram
Composer, Musician & Teacher
Composing
As a composer James has had his work and performances played on BBC Radio 3. He has won 'Best Original Score' in the international Symbolic Arts Films Festival for his composition ‘Swan Song’. James has worked for a broad range of clients, from museums to animation houses. He is highly versatile being able to write electronic, orchestral and more delicate piano works.
James has also worked extensively with children’s music, composing educational songs for BBC Bitesize. He composed the music for ‘Ukulele Quest,’ a beginner’s ukulele book he co-authored, published by Faber Music. James has also provided music for the planetarium at ‘We the Curious’ and for ‘Sing Up’ that delivers music programmes nationwide to schools.
He is currently available for commissions, so do get in contact for more information.
Showreel
Artist Videos
"...James was quickly and deftly able to translate my vague ‘thematic witterings’ (as a non musician!) into a ‘just what I was listening for’ sound scape..."
- Chris Grimes - Facilitator, Coach, Actor, Podcaster -
About
James graduated from Royal Holloway University of London with a First Class Honours in Music and Maths, studying piano with James Kirby. He then attended the Rachmaninov Institute in Russia for piano master classes with Vadim Galushka.
James is a multi-instrumentalist, being able to play guitar and drums in addition to piano. He is knowledgeable on a wide range of audio production and recording techniques. James has a love of writing music that provokes emotion and tells a story. He enjoys working collaboratively with musicians, film producers and production houses.
As an artist James has released his own solo piano music that can be found on all the main streaming platforms. His piano works are inspired by themes from the natural world.
He is a member of the Musicians Union.
© David Thompson
Teaching
Piano, Guitar & Ukulele Lessons
Piano, Guitar & Ukulele Lessons
James mainly offers online lessons, available via the main video platforms: Zoom, Skype, Facetime etc. Some in-person lesson slots are also available.
James teaches a range of styles from Classical to Pop to Jazz music. He offers the option of working towards ABRSM Grades 1-8.
His lessons are tailored to the student’s individual interests, to help encourage a love of music.
Do get in touch for current availability.
James is fully DBS checked and a member of the Musicians Union.
Ukulele Quest is a book designed to teach children ukulele. It uniquely teaches chords, different genres of music, how to read sheet music and is written to fulfil the primary music education curriculum.
It can be picked up by a student or classroom teacher with no previous experience of the ukulele and understood through exclusively designed pictures and audio recordings.
It has recently been published by Faber Music and is available here:
http://www.fabermusicstore.com/Ukulele-Quest-0571541011.aspx
for more information visit www.ukulelequest.com
"I truly admire how music theory has been embedded. This book is perfect for ukulele clubs and small groups, or even a whole class."
- Music Teacher Magazine, January 2020 -
Contact Me
Please do get in contact for commissions, lessons or other creative projects