James Barnett

Instrument: Piano

James has been playing the piano for 30 years and has an enormous passion for performing and teaching the instrument. In 2012, James completed a performance degree at the Royal Northern College of Music learning with Jeremy Young. During his studies at the RNCM he discovered a love of teaching and completed the CTABRSM certificate in instrumental teaching alongside his degree being mentored by leading pedagogue Helen Krizos.

Since arriving in Sheffield in 2012, James has established himself as freelance pianist and teacher. His approach to teaching is highly versatile and he can offer lessons in classical, jazz and pop piano styles. James plans lessons with the needs and aspirations of each pupil in mind to provide them with the skills to play music they love. Besides teaching, James performs as regularly as possible, accompanying several choirs and playing in a number of Sheffield restaurants. He also accompanies instrumentalists for ABRSM examinations. A recent project was as an accompanist for the Hand in Hand LGBT Choir Festival held in Manchester in 2017.

Since 2013, James has worked with the Voices of the Jessop Wing work-placed based choir of midwives. He accompanies them for rehearsals and performances and has recently started directing some of their rehearsals.