Based in Melbourne, James Blackford is a Besson and Denis Wick Sponsored euphonium performer and educator. He is the solo euphonium player with the Royal Australian Air Force Band, casual professor of euphonium at the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music, and has performed with the Melbourne, Queensland and Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra’s.
He holds a Master of Music from the Royal Northern College of Music, in Manchester, where he won the college’s concerto competition and received the highly commended award at their prestigious Gold Medal final. James’ studies were proudly supported by the Australian Music Foundation, through the AMF Overseas Study Award, and the Tait Memorial Trust, through the Tait White Loewenthal Award. He is the first euphonium player ever to receive an award from either foundation.
Currently principal euphonium of Darebin City Brass Preston Band, James has also played with many of the world’s leading brass bands, most notably The Cory Band at the 2023 European Championships, in Malmö, Sweden.