Simon James

Violinist Simon James joined the San Francisco Conservatory of Music (SFCM) as a faculty member in Fall 2019, leading a violin studio. Hailed as a preeminent pedagogue, he has trained students who have won top prizes in competitions such as the Yehudi Menuhin Competition and Stradivarius International Competition. His academic role focuses on violin instruction and performer development.

James holds a background as a professional orchestral musician, serving as second assistant concertmaster of the Seattle Symphony and guest concertmaster of the Western Australia Symphony Orchestra. He has also performed with the Australian World Orchestra and participated in renowned music festivals like Tanglewood and Ravinia.

• Education: Manhattan School of Music graduate under Erick Friedman and Szymon Goldberg

His teaching legacy is marked by shaping internationally recognized violinists. While no personal awards are explicitly listed, his students' achievements reflect his pedagogical impact.

James expressed enthusiasm for SFCM's reputation as a world-class institution, stating, 'I am excited to join the amazing faculty and administration and can't wait to begin work with the students.'