Year:
2015
Praised by Stephen Robinson for playing with "great expression and feeling", guitarist James Van Druten has delighted audiences with his mature and refined style of playing. James is currently completing a Master of Music Degree in guitar performance under Douglas James at Appalachian State University. In 2013, James graduated from Stetson University with a Bachelor of Music Degree. As a soloist, he has won numerous awards including Fourth Prize in Division I of the 2014 Appalachian State Guitar Festival and Second Prize in the 7th Annual Marilyn Newell Youth Music Festival. He was also a Semifinalist in the 2011 Rosario International Guitar Competition as well as the 2014 East Carolina Guitar Competition. James has performed in master classes given by some of the world's most distinguished guitarists including Manuel Barrueco, Denis Azabagic,Rafael Padron, and Stephen Aron. As a chamber musician, James has had the pleasure of being a member of Stetson University's Guitar Ensemble, the Appalachian State Guitar Orchestra and has collaborated extensively with soprano Elizabeth Galafa, performing works by Fredrico García Lorca and Manuel de Falla. Equally comfortable away from the concert stage, James has served as a teaching assistant to Dr. Stephen Robinson, learning valuable tools on how to approach teaching in a university setting. He has also recently been appointed adjunct professor of Guitar at Milligan College.