James Blackford is a Besson Sponsored Artist and one of Australia’s most eminent and versatile euphonium players. He has recently returned to Melbourne after completing a Master of Music at the Royal Northern College of Music, where he studied under David Thornton and Steven Mead. James’ studies at the RNCM 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 awards from either foundation.

James’ list of performance accolades and experiences include appearances in the Royal Albert Hall, solo recitals in the High Commission of Australia, London, and as a soloist with several of Australia’s premier wind bands. He holds the position of solo euphonium with the Royal Australian Air Force Band, has performed with the Queensland Symphony Orchestra, as well as many leading Australian, English and Norwegian brass bands.