About Me

James Hamilton

Hi, my name’s James and I’m a musician. I made this website to help my mum understand what I do for a living.

I write, record, play and teach music.

Sometimes for myself. Sometimes for other people.

I’m a massive nerd for anything in music tech/composition/trumpet playing, if you’d like to say hello, please get in touch via the contact form or social media channels linked below.

Bio

James Hamilton is a Belfast born musician based in Yorkshire. For over a decade he has worked as a professional composer, arranger, trumpet player and educator throughout the UK and beyond. After studying Jazz performance and an MA in composition, he began writing for his own award winning jazz orchestra and joined pioneering DIY indie band Hope and Social. He has since taught in schools and colleges and lead workshops for both professional and community choirs and ensembles around the UK. He is a regular collaborator with theatre company Imitating the Dog and design studio Invisible Flock. His work is multi-genre and includes commissions for Jazz orchestra, theatre shows, art installations, projection mapping, gaming/apps, community ensembles and song writing. He is the recipient of a Jazz Yorkshire Award for composition, a British Composers Award, the Sir John Dankworth award for composition and been nominated for an Eddie Harvey award and an Ivor Novello.

“A lovely album that captures mood and character terrifically, a really wonderful album.”

-BBC Radio 3, Performance on 3

“A young creative genius”

-BBC Radio Ulster, After Midnight

“…an energetic and talented leader, precisely the kind of qualities we need to be encouraging for a healthy future for live music!”

-Tim Garland

“an exciting new writing talent- intriguing grooves and gorgeous textures”

-John Warren