James R. Iafrati is of Italian heritage. He has lived in Paris, France, Verona, and Rome, Italy. This early influence of art, music and culture developed his passion, and love of the arts. His parents provided music lessons and constantly exposed him to art in Florence and Venice Italy. His musical and artistic ability was evident at Saint Martins High School, where he studied Music and the Art of Calligraphy.

He received a music scholarship to Pacific Lutheran University and finished degrees in instrumental and vocal music.

He received his Masters Degree in Arts and studied at the Eastman School in Rochester, New York. His composition teacher was, Rayburn Wright who was with NBC for over 25 years. His music began to be influenced by Miles Davis, Eric Satie, J.S. Bach, Bill Evans, Claude Debussy, and Coltrane. His Art influence was moving towards Picasso, Kandinsky, and Pollack.

He has been an Music Educator at the secondary level of education. Recently he has dedicated himself to his Art Career, Music Workshops, and development of his 16-piece professional Big Band, the "James Robert Big Band".

James is a voting member of the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (The Grammys) and the Latin Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (Latin Grammys). He is a founding member and served as first president and governor of the Northwest Chapter of NARAS. He is also a member of MENC and IAJE.

He is recognized as one of the most talented and gifted Arts Educators in the United States. His students have received National and International acclaim and awards. He is an Artist, composer, arranger, trumpet player, pianist, and vocalist. He was chosen by Disney to be a musical consultant for the movie "Mr. Holland's Opus", featuring Richard Dreyfuss. His music students were used in the motion picture. He has recorded over ten CD's and featured his group "Absolute Jazz" at Carnegie Hall. He is regarded as one of the top Music Educators in the United States and is in demand as a clinician, and adjudicator. He is also the author of a book entitled "Music Fundraising in the 21st Century".

His Art background is just as extensive from Originals & Prints to CD covers and Posters. When James first studied Art he chose watercolor as his first medium. He quickly moved to mixed medium and began original abstracts with the creative use of texture and color. His use of original musical compositions interplayed with abstract art is considered totally original and unique. As many critics have commented it is "truly MusicArt." His Art has been accepted worldwide and some of his latest paintings include speakers mounted in the back featuring a new technology which provides incredible sound to his original musical compositions. His private client list is quite extensive, and includes many notable musicians, entertainers, and politicians as collectors.

He has toured Nationally and Internationally with his Music & Art. His fascination with texture and color are evident in his works. A total "Arts Integration" is part of his goal, juxtaposing music manuscript in relation to space, sound and light. James is an inspiration to musicians and artists. His style and approach to art is genuine, improvisational, and expressive. He is currently President of the James Music Corporation, and a professional artist. James plays exclusively Kanstul® Flugelhorn and Monette® Mouthpiece's.

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