James Chapman

Styles: Jazz, Classical and Contemporary.

Skill Level: Beginner to Advanced.

Lessons for ages 8 years and up.

Hi, my name is James, and I provide Trumpet lessons, as well as theory for all ages, experiences and skill levels in Perth.

My Experience: As a performer and teacher, Perth-born James Chapman is well-versed in a wide variety of styles and genres. Predominantly a jazz trumpeter, he has graduated from the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA) with a Bachelor of Music in Jazz Performance (Trumpet). James has been an avid member of the Western Australian Youth Jazz Orchestra (WAYJO) since 2015, and was awarded the WAYJO/WAAPA Young Artist Scholarship in 2017 to receive ensemble tuition with Jamie Oehlers. He has performed with the likes of; Kate Cebrano, Troy Roberts, Matt Jodrell, Julian Arguelles, Dick Oatts, Linda May Han Oh, Sam Anning, Fabian Almazan, Katie Noonan and Tal Cohen to name a few.

Whilst already teaching close to a dozen private trumpet students, James, like his trumpet teacher Ricki Malet (since 2015), is pursuing a freelance career. He has performed the music of Kenny Wheeler: A Long Time Ago, with a brass group organised by Mace Francis at the Ellington Jazz Club, features on two of Daniel Susnjar’s Afro-Peruvian live recordings entitled “The Recipe” and “Peruano Canta” and has regularly played in recognised ensembles such as; The Perth Cabaret Collective, Straight Ahead Big Band, The Steve Hensby Band, The Amnesiacs, Funked Up Brass and Utopian Funk. James has also been a crucial member of the City of Perth Marching Corps since 2016, acting as Musical Director (MD) at times, and recently performed in the pre-match entertainment for the 2021 AFL Grand Final at Optus Stadium in front of over 60,000 people.

James studied at Christ Church Grammar School where he was Music Captain in 2017 and received his Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award, (presented at Government House) as a result of his commitment to musical and co-curricular activities. He performed regularly with the Jazz Combo, Jazz Big Band, Senior Choir, Symphony Orchestra and Concert Band. He played in the orchestra pit for WAAPA musical productions, “Sweet Charity”, “Strictly Ballroom”, “A Chorus Line” and “Cabaret” and was invited to play in the Classical Brass Ensemble, led by Brent Grapes.

Although primarily a trumpet player, James has also had a distinguished career as a Classical singer. He has been singing weekly services in the St George’s Cathedral Choir under Dr Joseph Nolan since he was 10 years old, singing as a treble until the end of 2017, and received the Grace Medal for exceptional sight-reading and musicianship (awarded by Fiona Campbell). After one year as a Baritone Choral Scholar, he has been a Bass Lay Clerk since 2019 and now sings with the Cathedral Choir, Consort and Plainsong group. St George’s Cathedral have partnered with the Western Australian Symphony Orchestra (WASO) for many sold out performances at the Perth Concert Hall including; Bach’s Christmas Oratorio and St Matthew Passion conducted by Dr Joseph Nolan, and Verdi’s Requiem and Poulenc’s Stabat Mater conducted by maestro Asher Fisch.

As a vocalist, James was a soloist in Mozart’s “The Magic Flute” at his Majesty’s Theatre in 2014 and was also the vocal soloist for the Lord of the Rings Trilogy with WASO, sold out at Perth’s Convention Centre between 2013 and 2015. He has also sung in St George’s College Chapel Choir at UWA since 2019, directed by Christophe Karas and vocal specialist Brianna Louwen.

I have had many years of experience teaching ptivate students of a variety of ages and skill levels. I also possess a current Working with Childrens Check (WWC) and a National Police Clearance (NPC).

Teaching Locations: I prefer to teach at my house in Mosman Park, however, I am willing to travel around Perth for lessons if necessary.

Availability/Duration/Pricing: I am very flexible with lesson days and times, especially in the holidays. Lesson duration is flexible between 30 mins and 1 hour, and pricing equates to $1 a minute, ie $30 for 30 minutes, $50 for 50 minutes etc. Please message me via mobile or email to discuss more details and to organise lessons.