James Mark

James was born and raised on the West Coast of Canada and has been studying music since the age of four. While in high school James performed with many renowned acts including Ashley MacIsaac, Spirit of the West and also recorded an album with The Irish Rovers. James did his undergraduate degree at York University in Toronto and Graduated in 2002 earning an honors BFA cum laude. He was also presented with an award for outstanding achievement in the Fine Arts. James completed his Masters degree in performance and composition at the California Institute of the Arts (CalArts) where he went on to become a faculty member teaching theory and musicianship. In 2005, James moved back to his hometown of Nanaimo in western Canada. He has since become a contract player with the Vancouver Island Symphony and full time violin performance faculty at the Nanaimo Conservatory of Music. James was also hired by the Vancouver Island University to teach upper level computer music courses and fundamental musicianship courses. Additionally James teaches violin performance at VIU. In his spare time, James continues to compose music for independent film and video games. He is also continually working as an arranger and composer for local professional organizations. You can see a portfolio of James’ professional work at: www.jamesmarkmusic.com.