Justin James
Composer, Pianist and Teacher

Early Life & Musical Foundations

Born in Adelaide and raised in Perth, Justin grew up surrounded by music thanks to his mother, a concert pianist who toured regional Western Australia. He entered the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts at only fourteen—an unusually early start that set the tone for his lifelong connection to classical music.

 

Years later, he spent time in Los Angeles, expanding his creative practice through performance, composition, and studio work.

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Musician & Composer

Justin is a classical pianist, performer, contemporary songwriter, and composer working across a wide spectrum of genres. His musical interests sit at the intersection of tradition and innovation, shaped by both formal study and real-world experience.

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He has released three classical piano albums featuring works by Chopin, Brahms, Liszt, Debussy, Scriabin, and Rachmaninoff, and continues to record major repertoire, including the complete Rachmaninoff Sonatas and Concertos.

 

Justin is a full writer member of the Australian Performing Rights Association (APRA) and AMCOS.

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Influences & Mentorship

Justin lists mentors such as teacher Pauline Belviso (a student of Arturo Benedetti Michelangeli) and Richard Gill—two highly respected musical figures whose influence continues to shape his work.

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He has also worked extensively in radio and multimedia as a multi–ACRA award-winning presenter, audio producer/engineer, voice-over artist, and imaging producer.

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These experiences, combined with years performing jazz, contemporary piano, and collaborative projects, contribute to the development of his distinctive musical voice.

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Current Work

Currently, Justin focuses on composing, arranging, and producing original works for piano, various instruments, ensembles, and orchestra.

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His catalogue includes sets of theme-and-variations, preludes, nocturnes, études, chamber works, a piano concerto, and commissioned pieces for a range of performing artists.

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His arrangements draw from hundreds of years of musical culture, combining a strong musicological curiosity with a passion for jazz, pop, rock, world, and film music. The result is a musical style that aims to balance craft, creativity, and a sense of playfulness for the listener.

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Teaching & Mentoring

Justin is also an active musical educator. Through one-to-one mentoring, he helps musicians develop long-term, sustainable skills - embracing error, valuing patience, and learning in ways that support genuine musicianship rather than performance pressure.

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His teaching is grounded, thoughtful, and shaped by a deep commitment to music as a human art form, from practice to performance to composition.

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Work With Justin

If you are interested in lessons, composition studies, commissions, exam mentoring, or music production guidance, Justin welcomes enquiries and collaboration.

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Despite the use of the name Ordinary Human Musician, Justin has a deep interest in technological development and the evolving role of AI in creative life. His teaching acknowledges the growing presence of AI tools while encouraging thoughtful and balanced integration into musical practice.