James Welburn

James Welburn grew up in York and started playing the piano at the age of seven. He studied music at City University, London and specialised in sound recording and production, electroacoustic composition and music business. As part of his degree programme he studied piano performance with Laura Roberts at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama.
James is a self-taught guitarist and in 2009 he achieved a top 25 worldwide finish in Guitar Idol, securing number one in his blues heat. He has performed in bands and for solo artists across the United Kingdom.
Since graduating James has worked for ABRSM, where, as Regional Development Executive he works closely with music hub leaders, schools and teachers to discuss how best to serve the music education community. His previous roles with ABRSM have taken him on educational visits to Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam.
James composes for solo piano and chamber ensembles and in 2019 has just published Musical Escapades, a collection of fun pieces for the intermediate pianist, with Editions Musica Ferrum.
James and his wife Austra live in North London, where they enjoy playing tennis, hanging out with friends and serving in their local church.