Violinist Simon James to Join Faculty of San Francisco Conservatory of Music

The San Francisco Conservatory of Music (SFCM) today announces the appointment of violinist Simon James to its faculty. James, currently second assistant concertmaster of the Seattle Symphony, will lead a full studio at SFCM starting in Fall 2019.

"We are thrilled to welcome Simon James to our faculty," says SFCM President David H. Stull. "He is an artist of exceptional caliber and his work as a teacher is evidenced in the many outstanding young violinists emerging within the field today. He will be a superb advocate for his students and I very much look forward to having him as a colleague in the years ahead."

"San Francisco is one of the cultural capitals of the world," says Simon James. "It is fitting that the San Francisco Conservatory of Music enjoys a reputation as one of the world's great music schools. I am excited to join the amazing faculty and administration, and can't wait to begin work with the students."

A native of Australia, James is known around the world as one of the preeminent violin teachers of his generation. His students have gone on to receive top prizes in many national and international competitions, including the Gold Medal in the Yehudi Menuhin Competition.

In addition to his position in the Seattle Symphony (where he has acted as concertmaster and performed as soloist on occasion), James is also a member of the Australian World Orchestra and was recently guest concertmaster with the Western Australia Symphony Orchestra. He has led the Seattle Symphony in Seattle Opera productions of The Ring, Der Rosenkavalier, La bohème, and The Flying Dutchman, among others.

He has performed at many music festivals, including Grand Teton, Mostly Mozart, Tanglewood, Ravinia, Sunflower, St. Barts, Lake Tahoe, and Methow Valley. James' students have gained entrance to a number of prestigious music schools, including The Juilliard School, Curtis Institute, Colburn School, and New England Conservatory. He is a graduate of the Manhattan School of Music, where his teachers included Erick Friedman and Szymon Goldberg.