Jim

James Spencer is a nationally acclaimed pianist. A prodigy from the age of six, Mr. Spencer was born into a family known for their musical excellence. His mother was a soubrette coloratura soprano with NYC opera and his father was a performer with the Grand Ole Opry. The oldest of six siblings, James' chilhood consisted of piano, harpsichord, violin, mandolin, banjo, dance, musical composition and vocal study. Childhood achievements included: soloist with The Young Artist's Serie's Musical Encounters, 1st place winner of Chapman University's Piano Concerto Competition and performer, accompanist, and guest artist for The Joanna Hodges' International Piano Competition.
While attending high school in Huntington Beach, California, James continued to concertize but also began to study jazz with emphasis on ragtime, stride, 1930s-50s ballad and Brazillian styles. As an entertainer at Disneyland, The Four Seasons in Newport Beach, and The Ritz-Carlton in Laguna Niguel, James perfected his craft which now consists of a repertoire of approximately 4000 songs.
Mr. Spencer continued his musical studies receiving both a Bachelor and Master degree in music from California State University, Fullerton graduating with the school's highest honors. He then went on to receive a doctoral performance honorary diploma as a repertoire specialist and musicologist in Les Six with emphasis on the music of Francis Poulenc, music of the Weimar Republic with emphasis on Kurt Weill, and French Baroque harpsichord repertoire. Mr. Spencer has performed and recorded the complete piano and wind chamber works, and keyboard concerti of Poulenc, the complete four hand works of George Gershwin, and one piano-four hand works of Debussy, Ravel, Faure and Bizet.
Mr. Spencer has also had extensive background as both a baritone soloist/actor, accompanist/vocal coach, and director/conductor for Musical Theatre shows. Roles include: Bobby in Company, Billy Flynn in Chicago, Claude in Hair, Chip in On the Town, Tony in West Side Story, Chuck in Promises, Promises and on stage pianist for performances of Porgy and Bess and Ain't Misbehavin'. Mr. Spencer has written one musical, She's So Very... and is working on a second entitled Verboten.
Mr. Spencer is has performed as soloist, and in jazz ensembles around the world for cruise lines, resorts and five star restaurants. As a composer his musical influences include: Les Baxter, Martin Denny, Burt Bacharach, Henry Mancini, Tom Jobim, Sergio Mendes, Swing Out Sister, Gershwin, Porter, Weill, Debussy, Poulenc and Ravel.
Currently residing in Belmont Shores, California, Mr. Spencer coaches a select group of intermediate-advanced piano, vocal, violin and musical composition students. His students are affiliated and featured performers in local companies that include: Opera Pacific, Musical Theatre West, South Coast Repertory, Long Beach Civic Light Opera, MTAC's Musical Encounters, Laguna Playhouse and the Orange County Performing Arts Center.
In addition to music, James is a licensed clinical hypnotherapist, nlp, sound and reiki practitioner, and a psychic and astrologer. Psychic from childhood, Mr. Spencer has used his gift to aid others in finding their soul purpose, and connecting with their angels. A Religious Scientist and member of noted New Thought groups including: The Crimson Circle and The Temple of Self Ascension, James believes that we are in myst of a major transition in human consciousness. He believes and teaches The Secret.
James is an agent and coaches his private students in the art of artist developement, collaborating with local recording studios, and agents throughout the US.
An avid collector of rare Exotica jazz from the 1950s-present, Mr Spencer plans to pursue a Fellowship (PH.D.) from The University of Texas at Austin. He is currently researching the Exotica Jazz Movement with emphasis on Les Baxter, Martin Denny, Yma Sumac, Robert Drasnin, and Arthur Lyman.
Mr. Spencer is currently looking to network with other performers, artists and energy workers, around the world and specifically in Texas and Hawai'i.
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