James Spencer

Education

Master of Music (Piano Performance and Keyboard Collaborative Arts)
California State University, Fullerton (June 1995)

Bachelor of Music (Piano Performance and Keyboard Collaborative Arts)
California State University, Fullerton (June 1992)

Associate of Arts (Music: keyboard and vocal performance)
Orange Coast College, Costa Mesa, California (December 1988)

Universal Life Church Ministerial Accreditation
Universal Life Church, Modesto, California (October 2002)

Honorary Doctorate of Divinity
Universal Life Church, Modesto, California (October 2002)

CLAD Single Subject Credential (High school Vocal/Choral Music)
National University, Irvine California (June 1996)

Summer Chamber Music Program
Victoria Conservatory of Music, Victoria, British Columbia (1986-1987)

Private Piano Instruction: Dr. Robert Watson (1990-1995), Dr. Lucinda Carver (1990-1993), Dr. Rita Fuszek (1990-1991), Joanna Hodges (1987-1988), Adrienne Iagjian (1980-1986), Dolores Spencer (1975-1980)

Private Voice Instruction: Suzanne Harmon (1990-1995), Dr. Dennis Parnell (1990-1991), Michael Kurkjian (1989-1991), Dolores Spencer (1980-1990)

Private Harpsichord Instruction: Dr. Robert Watson (1991-1995), Dr. Burton Karson (1991)

Private Violin Instruction: Peter Marsh (1993), Meredith Ashby (1980-1984), Vera Maureas (1976-1980)

Private Organ Instruction: Esther Jones (1992), James Taulbee (1987-1989)

Professional Experience

   Spencer Music Studios

• Orange County and Long Beach (1984-present)
• Beginning-Advanced Instruction: Piano, Voice, Violin, Harpsichord
• Instruction: Music Theory and Composition, Music History, Ear Training and Solfege
• Intermediate-Advanced Coaching:
     Classical piano repertoire, jazz/pop styling and improvisation
     Classical vocal repertoire, jazz/pop and Broadway Theatre styling
     Bluegrass/Country and Irish fiddle stylings

   Professor of Music

• Coastline Community College (2000-present)
  Instructor: Senior Citizen Music History and Theory, Applied Piano and Voice, Music Theory

   Vocal Coach and Staff Accompanist

• Opera Pacific (1995-1997), Long Beach Civic Light Opera (1991-1994), California State University Fullerton (1992-1995), Golden West College (1990-1992), Orange Coast College (1986-1988), Edison High School (1984-1986)

   Music Minister and Director

• First United Methodist Church of Costa Mesa (1995-1997), Blessed Sacrament Catholic of Westminster (1992-1994),Grace Lutheran Church of Huntington Beach (1985-1992)

Awards and Honors

Piano Masterclasses: Andrej Dutkiewitcz, Vladimir Ashkenazy, Earl Wild, Martha Argerich (1990-1995)

California State University Fullerton Keyboard Area's Highest Honoros (1994)

Chapman University Piano Concerto Competition (intermediate division, First Place) (1985)

California State Bach Festival Solo Artist (1986-1988)

Joanna Hodges' International Piano Competition and Conference (concerto, Schubert, masterclass, Krenek and accompanist for junior division) (1984-1986)

MTAC's Musical Encounters Solo and Collaborative Artist (1980-1985)

Young Artist Series Solo Artist (1980-1985)

Professional Performance Engagements (Pop/Jazz Piano)

Disneyland, Ritz-Carlton (Laguna Niguel, CA), The Waterfront Hilton (Huntington Beach, CA), Dana Point Yacht Club (Dana Point, CA), Balboa Bay Club (Newport Beach, CA), The French 75 (Laguna Beach, CA), Maxwell's By the Sea (Huntington Beach, CA), Aladdin Resort and Casino (Las Vegas, NV), The Paris Resort and Casino (Las Vegas, NV), Orange County Performing Arts Center, (Costa Mesa, CA), Electra Cruises (Newport Beach, CA), Pier House Resort and Spa (Key West, FL), Long Beach Yacht Club (Long Beach, CA), The Queen Mary (Long Beach, CA), Beverly Hills Hotel (Beverly Hills, CA), The Westin Bonaventure (Los Angeles, CA), The Roxy (Hollywood, CA), The Cinegrill (Hollywood, CA), Oysters (Corona del Mar, CA), 555's (Long Beach, CA), The Ritz (Newport Beach, CA), The Carpenter Performing Arts Center (Long Beach, CA)

Publications

The Wizard's Way: A Journey to Higher States of Creative Consciousness
   Religious Science Press, 2003
The Ten Spiritual Laws of Creativity
   Religious Science Press, 2003
An Historical Study of Kurt Weill's Der Silbersee
   CSUF Publication, 1995

Professional Recordings

Studio work: In Common Hours, Get-Go, Lili Lewis, Vita Armata, James Spencer, James Spencer Trio, Lea Davis
Classical Recordings: The Complete Chamber Works of Francis Poulenc, (Touterelle, 1995) The Piano in Hollywood (Capitol, 01)

James is a nationally acclaimed pianist, accompanist, vocalist, composer-arranger, author, music minister and creative and intuitive arts motivational speaker. James is currently accepting beginning-advanced students in piano, voice and violin. Coaching is available in jazz/pop piano, or Broadway/pop/jazz voice by audition (space is limited). All ages, nationalities, and musical backgrounds welcomed.

Mr. Spencer is also available as pianist for special events.