James Mahone

Piano & Woodwinds

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James Mahone

About James Mahone

James Mahone is an active performer and instructor. He began his musical journey almost 30 years ago in Monterey, California, soaking in the influence of its rich music scene. He went on to California State University Northridge to study classical and jazz saxophone under Bill Caulkins, and participated in the university’s award-winning wind ensembles and jazz big bands under Ladd Macintosh, Joel Leach and Gary Pratt.

Upon leaving CSUN, James became a fixture on the Los Angeles music scene and was a founding member of the acclaimed jazz quintet Black Note, which recorded albums for the Columbia and GRP/ Impulse record labels. As a member of the group, James spent several years performing up and down the West Coast, eventually moving on to national and international destinations. He was a featured artist in many major jazz festivals (Montreal, North Sea, Pori, Umbria, etc.) as an opening act for Wynton Marsalis and worked with many of today’s top- tier musicians.

James continued his musical studies in New York City at The New School For Social Research, studying saxophone and composition under Garry Dial, Billy Harper, Benny Powell and Charles Tolliver. During his time there, he began teaching saxophone, clarinet and flute students privately, and as a teacher at Sunny Music Studios in Queens, NY from 1998-2001.

Continuing his professional career in Tokyo, Japan allowed James more opportunities to hone his skills as a performer, recording artist and instructor. In addition to being a sought after musician throughout Japan, he took on more private students and worked as a saxophone instructor at St. Maur International School, interacting with young, aspiring musicians from all corners of the world.

“Teaching is learning. I don’t know of a better way of growing as a musician and a person than to share what I’ve lived and learned with others. Teaching is an occupation that I value very highly, and I look forward to helping the students of Reeder Music Academy develop a strong understanding and appreciation of music.” James Mahone​​​

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