I am a trumpet player and pianist who recently graduated from the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama, specialising in Jazz Performance. I perform both as a solo musician and in ensembles and am currently building a growing portfolio of original compositions and professional engagements. Career highlights include performing at the Royal Albert Hall as part of a quartet in November 2019, appearing as a trumpet player with a funk group in a Netflix production, and performing as a pianist at a café concert in Cardiff in September 2024. Alongside performing, composition has been a passion of mine for as long as I can remember, originally inspired by my love of film music. Since then, I have written music across a wide variety of genres and settings, including film scores, classical vocal works, jazz compositions, chamber music, orchestral arrangements, and pop songs. My compositional approach focuses on creating music that is both emotionally engaging and tailored to the needs of each project. Whether writing for a solo vocalist, a small ensemble, or a full orchestral palette, I enjoy crafting arrangements that enhance storytelling and connect with audiences. I am particularly drawn to expressive and cinematic writing, combining strong melodic ideas with rich harmony and thoughtful orchestration. I am proficient in MuseScore and Logic Pro X and regularly work with high-quality orchestral sample libraries, including Spitfire Audio Symphony Orchestra, to produce realistic mock-ups and professional-sounding demos. My experience as both a performer and composer gives me a practical understanding of instrumentation, balance, and the relationship between melody, accompaniment, and vocal writing, allowing me to create music that is both effective and enjoyable to perform.

James Garland

PRO

I am a trumpet player and pianist who recently graduated from the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama, specialising in Jazz Performance. I perform both as a solo musician and in ensembles and am currently building a growing portfolio of original compositions and professional engagements. Career highlights include performing at the Royal Albert Hall as part of a quartet in November 2019, appearing as a trumpet player with a funk group in a Netflix production, and performing as a pianist at a café concert in Cardiff in September 2024. Alongside performing, composition has been a passion of mine for as long as I can remember, originally inspired by my love of film music. Since then, I have written music across a wide variety of genres and settings, including film scores, classical vocal works, jazz compositions, chamber music, orchestral arrangements, and pop songs. My compositional approach focuses on creating music that is both emotionally engaging and tailored to the needs of each project. Whether writing for a solo vocalist, a small ensemble, or a full orchestral palette, I enjoy crafting arrangements that enhance storytelling and connect with audiences. I am particularly drawn to expressive and cinematic writing, combining strong melodic ideas with rich harmony and thoughtful orchestration. I am proficient in MuseScore and Logic Pro X and regularly work with high-quality orchestral sample libraries, including Spitfire Audio Symphony Orchestra, to produce realistic mock-ups and professional-sounding demos. My experience as both a performer and composer gives me a practical understanding of instrumentation, balance, and the relationship between melody, accompaniment, and vocal writing, allowing me to create music that is both effective and enjoyable to perform.

Available to hire

I am a trumpet player and pianist who recently graduated from the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama, specialising in Jazz Performance. I perform both as a solo musician and in ensembles and am currently building a growing portfolio of original compositions and professional engagements.

Career highlights include performing at the Royal Albert Hall as part of a quartet in November 2019, appearing as a trumpet player with a funk group in a Netflix production, and performing as a pianist at a café concert in Cardiff in September 2024.

Alongside performing, composition has been a passion of mine for as long as I can remember, originally inspired by my love of film music. Since then, I have written music across a wide variety of genres and settings, including film scores, classical vocal works, jazz compositions, chamber music, orchestral arrangements, and pop songs.

My compositional approach focuses on creating music that is both emotionally engaging and tailored to the needs of each project. Whether writing for a solo vocalist, a small ensemble, or a full orchestral palette, I enjoy crafting arrangements that enhance storytelling and connect with audiences. I am particularly drawn to expressive and cinematic writing, combining strong melodic ideas with rich harmony and thoughtful orchestration.

I am proficient in MuseScore and Logic Pro X and regularly work with high-quality orchestral sample libraries, including Spitfire Audio Symphony Orchestra, to produce realistic mock-ups and professional-sounding demos. My experience as both a performer and composer gives me a practical understanding of instrumentation, balance, and the relationship between melody, accompaniment, and vocal writing, allowing me to create music that is both effective and enjoyable to perform.

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Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

Composer at Opera Aria
November 1, 2022 - Present
Composed a song based on an Italian poem with a professional tenor.
Composer/Arranger at Theatre Production (Macbeth)
July 1, 2023 - Present
Composed and arranged music for Shakespeare's Macbeth for orchestra and solo voices, collaborating with peers to convey the story.
Composer at Truro College (Animation Project)
July 1, 2023 - Present
Composed a jazz score for an animation; later transformed into a big band arrangement; engaged via Fiverr.
Composer at Winnie the Pooh Advertising Campaign
July 1, 2023 - Present
Scored music for Winnie the Pooh and Eeyore to advertise knitting patterns online.
Composer at RWCMD Graduation Performance
March 1, 2024 - Present
Composed a complete set of originals for my end-of-year performance to conclude my graduation from RWCMD.
Arranger/Composer at RWCM D (Barbershop Quartet project)
November 1, 2022 - Present
Arranged 'What a Wonderful World' for a group of female singers at RWCM D
Composer at Opera aria
April 1, 2025 - Present
Composed a song based on an Italian poem with a professional tenor
Composer/Arranger for Theatre at Theatre production
July 1, 2023 - Present
Composed and arranged the Shakespearean play Macbeth for orchestra and solo voices
Composer at RWCM D
March 1, 2024 - Present
Jazz standards - composed a complete set of originals for end-of-year performance to graduate RWCM D
Composer for Animation at Fiverr
July 1, 2023 - Present
Composed a jazz score for an animation, later transformed into a big band arrangement
Composer at Winnie the Pooh & Eeyore Advertising
July 1, 2023 - Present
Scored music for Winnie the Pooh and Eeyore to advertise knitting patterns online
Arranger/Composer at RWCMD
November 1, 2022 - Present
Arranged 'What a Wonderful World' for a barbershop quartet of female singers at RWCMD.
Composer/Arranger at Truro College
July 1, 2023 - Present
Composed a jazz score for an animation; later transformed into a big band arrangement after being contacted via Fiverr.
Composer/Arranger at RWCMD
March 1, 2024 - Present
Composed a complete set of originals for Jazz Standards, an end-of-year performance to conclude graduation at RWCMD.
Composer/Arranger at Theatre Production
April 1, 2025 - Present
Composed and arranged Macbeth for orchestral and solo voices; collaboration with peers to portray different characters.
Composer / Arranger at RWCMD (Barbershop project)
November 1, 2022 - Present
Arranged 'What a Wonderful World' for a group of female singers; contributed orchestration and theme development for a barbershop ensemble.
Composer at Fiverr (commission)
July 1, 2023 - Present
Composed a jazz score for an animation after being contacted through Fiverr; collaborated with a client to deliver a tailored music piece.
Composer / Arranger at RWCMD
March 1, 2024 - Present
Composed a complete set of originals (Jazz Standards) for end-of-year performance and to celebrate graduation from RWCMD.
Music Composer / Theatre Arranger at Theatre Macbeth production
April 1, 2025 - Present
Composed and arranged the Shakespearean play Macbeth for orchestral and solo voices in collaboration with peers.
Trumpeter at Royal Albert Hall
November 1, 2019 - November 1, 2019
Performed as part of a quartet in a funk group on trumpet at the Royal Albert Hall.
Pianist at Henry's Cafe Bar, Cardiff
September 1, 2024 - September 1, 2024
Piano performance with partner; partner sang.
Live Performer at Nursing Homes (various)
July 1, 2023 - July 1, 2023
Performed a wide repertoire from classical to jazz to pop in several nursing homes.
Trumpet Player (Quartet) at Royal Albert Hall
November 1, 2019 - November 1, 2019
Performed as part of a trumpet quartet at the Royal Albert Hall; part of a funk group; notable experience performing live on trumpet.
Musician (Nursing Home Ensemble) at Nursing Homes (via Truro College)
July 1, 2023 - July 1, 2023
A-level music project performing at several nursing homes; repertoire included classical, jazz, and pop.
Freelance Musician at London (Self-Employed)
January 1, 2025 - January 1, 2025
Freelance trumpet player and composer performing across London venues; building original works and professional engagements.
Trumpeter (Quartet) / Performer
November 1, 2019 - November 23, 2025
Performed as part of a funk group in a quartet at the Royal Albert Hall.
Pianist at Henry's Cafe Bar
September 1, 2024 - November 23, 2025
Played piano in a duo with a singer; performed at a Cardiff cafe venue.
Musician at Nursing homes (Truro College project)
July 1, 2023 - November 23, 2025
Performed a wide repertoire from classical to jazz to pop for nursing homes.
Trumpeter at Freelance / Self-employed
November 1, 2019 - November 23, 2025
Experienced performer in solo and ensemble settings with a growing portfolio of original work and professional engagements. Notable early performance at the Royal Albert Hall as part of a quartet (November 2019).
Pianist at Henry's Café Bar
September 1, 2024 - November 23, 2025
Duo piano performances with a singer; repertoire spanning classical, jazz, and pop in Cardiff.
Musician (Nursing Home Gigs) at Nursing Homes (via Truro College program)
July 1, 2023 - November 23, 2025
Performed a wide repertoire in nursing home settings as part of a community outreach during the A-level music program.
Trumpeter at Royal Albert Hall (Quartet)
November 30, 2019 - November 30, 2019
Performed as part of a quartet at the Royal Albert Hall; experience with a funk-influenced trumpet style and live ensemble performance.
Pianist at Henry's Cafe Bar, Cardiff
September 30, 2024 - September 30, 2024
Cafe performance with partner; played piano while partner sang; September 2024.
Musician - Nursing Home Performances at Nursing Homes Circuit
July 1, 2023 - November 23, 2025
Performed for nursing home residents, presenting a wide repertoire from classical to jazz and pop.

Education

Bachelor of Music (Hons) at Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama
January 11, 2030 - October 15, 2025
Bachelor of Music (Hons) at Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama
January 11, 2030 - October 15, 2025
A-Level Music at Turro College
January 11, 2030 - October 15, 2025
Bachelor of Music (Honours) at Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama
January 11, 2030 - October 15, 2025
BA Music at Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama
January 11, 2030 - November 23, 2025
A-level Music at Truro College
January 11, 2030 - November 23, 2025
A-level Music at Truro College
January 11, 2030 - November 23, 2025
BA Music (Jazz Performance) at Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama
January 11, 2030 - November 23, 2025
BA in Music at Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama
January 1, 2019 - January 1, 2021
A-level Music at Truro College
January 11, 2030 - November 23, 2025
BA Music at Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama
January 11, 2030 - November 23, 2025
BA Music at Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama
January 11, 2030 - November 23, 2025

Qualifications

A-level Music
January 11, 2030 - November 23, 2025
BA Music (Jazz Performance)
January 11, 2030 - November 23, 2025
A-level Music
January 11, 2030 - November 23, 2025

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Education, Professional Services, Other, Travel & Hospitality