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 Humber X Ensemble, ConnSelmer Centerstage Band, National Youth Band and more. Additionally, Griffith has had the pleasure of working and performing with national and international jazz luminaries such as Dayna Stephens, Dick Oatts, Terri Lyne Carrington, David Virelles, Dennis Mackrel, Lucas Pino, Rich Perry, Kirk MacDonald, Kelly Jefferson, Alex Dean, Mike Downes, Neil Swainson, Lorne Lofsky and more.

Griffith is excited to release his debut album comprised of his original music in the spring of 2024. Heavily inspired by the gospel-imbued contemporary jazz born out of present-day New York along with the swinging American and Canadian musical traditions, Griffith is privileged to have collaborated with an all-star cast of Canada's brightest young stars in jazz to play his music on the album. This includes Juno-nominated and nationally acclaimed artists such as pianist Ewen Farncombe, guitarist Andrew Marzotto, tenor saxophonist David Hodgson, trumpeter Christian Antonacci, bassist Jack Johnston and drummer Mateo Mancuso.

Aside from his personal projects, Griffith is also a highly in-demand side-person and can be found regularly performing at historic Toronto venues such as The Jazz Bistro, The Rex, The Pilot, The Emmet Ray and more. Griffith is also a budding educator, who has taught masterclasses in saxophone, piano, woodwinds, 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 7+ years of experience teaching saxophone, flute, clarinet and piano, as well as general musical concepts to any instrumentalists/vocalists.

I have been fortunate to have studied with a number of renowned jazz and classical educators and pedagogues, including Kirk MacDonald, Mike Downes, Mark Promane, 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!

If you would prefer lessons in your own home, I am willing to travel around the Toronto area to teach!

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

Phone/Text: (780) 247-1398

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