James Marchese

James began playing the clarinet at the age of 9 at his school in a group lesson.  Two years later he won a Junior Exhibition to attend the Royal College of Music (RCM) Junior Department, where he studied clarinet with Angela Fussell for 7 years.

James simultaneously followed degree courses in Physics at Imperial College London, and Music at the Royal College of Music, studying clarinet with Colin Bradbury (BBC Symphony Orchestra), and E-flat clarinet with Richard West (Academy of St. Martin in the Fields).  During his studies, James was Highly Commended in the RCM Concerto Competition, performing the Mozart Clarinet Concerto.  James has since performed the Weber, Mozart and Finzi clarinet concertos with orchestras in London and across the UK.

After graduating,  James completed a PhD in Physics at St. Catherine's College, Oxford University.

James has performed as an orchestral and chamber musician in many of the country’s leading concert halls including the Barbican, Festival Hall and the Purcell Room, as well as giving solo performances at the Royal Festival Hall and the Royal Albert Hall, and performances for BBC Radio 3 and Radio 4.

James has participated in masterclasses with many leading clarinettists including Jack Brymer, Gervase de Peyer and Andrew Marriner.  

James is based in the New Forest in Hampshire, where he freelances with orchestras and chamber ensembles across the UK.  He also teaches privately in Hampshire and Dorset, and teaches clarinet and saxophone at schools in Hampshire and London. 

James has been teaching for over 30 years and enjoys working with students of all ages and at all stages of development.  He holds an LRSM Performance Diploma and a DipABRSM Teaching Diploma.  His students vary from beginners all the way to ABRSM Diploma level and above.  James teaches privately, and he holds clarinet and saxophone teaching positions in schools in Hampshire and London.

Lessons are tailored to the aims of each person, whether that be preparing for an exam, an audition, a specific performance, practicing orchestral repertoire, or just simply having fun progressing playing the clarinet or saxophone.

James has an Enhanced DBS check and has completed the Child Protection in Education (Music) Certificate offered by the Musicians Union.  He also has public liability insurance.