Professor James Watson is one of Britain’s most versatile musicians, dividing his time between playing, teaching and conducting. James studied trumpet at the Royal Academy of Music where now holds the position of Artistic Director and Head of Brass.His orchestral work includes principal trumpet posts with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra from 1973 - 78, Orchestra of the Royal Opera House 1983 – 90 and London Sinfonietta and the Nash Ensemble 1974 – 82. James was lead trumpet of the Philip Jones Brass Ensemble from 1974 - 82.Film, television and pop session-work credits include the Star Wars Trilogy, Superman, A Bridge Too Far, Gladiator, and Harry Potter II to name but a few.

He has recorded with pop legends Elton John, Paul McCartney and Peter Gabriel.Conducting positions have included Artistic Director of the renowned Black Dyke Mills Band, whom he steered to new artistic heights between 1992 and 2000. James is particularly committed to working with young musicians and was Artistic Director of the National Youth Brass Band of Wales for six years and is Vice President of the National Youth Wind Orchestra of Great Britain.

The Royal Academy of Music honoured him with a fellowship in 1989 and he was awarded an honorary fellowship from the London College of Music in 1997. In 2006, James was appointed Professor of Music by the University of London in recognition of his outstanding contribution both to the Academy and to international musical life.