About

James Griffith is a national-award winning young rising star of Canadian jazz. Winner of the 2024 International Saxophone Symposium Jazz Saxophone Competition, Griffith is a Toronto-based jazz saxophonist and composer who leads his own quintet. Writing and performing his original music, Griffith aims to push the envelope of contemporary jazz while being grounded within the swinging tradition of bebop and beyond.

Born in Lloydminster, Alberta, Griffith is the first Albertan to win the premier Yamaha "Music Makes Waves" award of the 2019 MusicFest Nationals Festival. As well as this, Griffith is grateful to have participated in nationally-acclaimed jazz and classical ensembles, such as the Shuffle Demons, Toronto Jazz Orchestra, ConnSelmer Centerstage Band, National Youth Band and more. He was also finalist for the 2025 Herbie Hancock Institute Masters Program, performing for Herbie Hancock, Walter Smith III, Ambrose Akinmusire and Herb Alpert. Additionally, Griffith has had the pleasure of working and performing with national and international jazz luminaries such as Larnell Lewis, George Coleman, Joe Farnsworth, Dayna Stephens, Terri Lyne Carrington, David Virelles, Dennis Mackrel, Lucas Pino, Rich Perry, Kirk MacDonald, Mike Murley, Kelly Jefferson, Alex Dean, Mike Downes, and more.

Griffith has toured extensively throughout Europe, performing in Italy, Spain, Norway and Switzerland at historic venues such as Jamboree, Storyville Jazz Club, Jazz Chaeli and more. He has also been fortunate to perform all across Canada at The Yardbird Suite, Koerner Hall, The Jazz Bistro, The Rex, The Canadian Opera Company, FirstOntario Performing Arts Center, SunFest, and more.

An avid bandleader and composer, Griffith stands on the front line of contemporary jazz music in Canada. Inspired by Gospel and Free-improvised music, Griffith blends these aesthetics together while continuing to maintain a deep respect for the tradition of swing within North America. This results in a brand new musical aesthetic that challenges the listener while maintaining familiarity and relatability.

Aside from his personal projects, Griffith is also a budding educator. He teaches masterclasses in saxophone, piano, woodwinds, jazz and classical pedagogy and more throughout Ontario and across Canada. He currently teaches at the Classical Music Conservatory in Toronto as well as privately through his own studio.

Lessons!

I now offer in-person/online lessons!

I have 10 years of experience teaching saxophone, flute, clarinet and piano, as well as general musical concepts to any instrumentalists/vocalists.

Students have been accepted into the prestigious Manhattan School of Music, NYU, New School of Arts, and University of Toronto Bachelor of Music programs.

I have been fortunate to have studied with a number of renowned jazz and classical educators and pedagogues, including Dick Oatts, Kirk MacDonald, Mike Downes, Kelly Jefferson, Nick Morgan and more. I also possess a Bachelor’s of Music Degree in Saxophone/Woodwind from the prestigious Humber College, and have my complete Grade 9 certifications in Piano (First Class Honours & Distinction), Harmony and History from the Royal Conservatory of Music.

Topics include but not limited to:

Learning Music/Repertoire, Saxophone/Piano/Clarinet/Flute Technique, Pop, Jazz and Classical Piano, Classical & Jazz Harmony & Theory, Improvisation, Ear Training, Transcription, Composing, Audition Prep & more!

Genres taught include: Jazz, Classical, Pop, RnB, Motown, Folk, Indie, Rock and more!

In person lessons are held at my studio in the Lansdowne/Bloor area of Toronto.

If you are interested, please contact me using the following methods!

Email: jamesmingriffith@gmail.com

Testimonials:

“James is a wonderful, passionate and engaging teacher! In our saxophone lessons together, I appreciate the focus he puts on my musical goals and interests, and how he is able to explain musical concepts and answer my questions in an easy to understand and captivating way.”

- Kent, current saxophone student

“James is a treat to have as our teacher! My kids jump for joy when he comes over to teach every week. He is fun and passionate teacher, and with him my daughters are always excited to make music.”

- Jane, mother of two current piano students

“James is a true professional, he is a terrific teacher of music in every aspect. I wanted to say what a great teacher and express how lucky I feel to have him as my music teacher”

- Andrew, current saxophone student