Creating positive change through music

James E. Smith is a composer from Syracuse, NY, writing for educational and community ensembles.James reimagines repertoire with a deep understanding of how musicians think, play, and connect with audiences. His works balance accessibility with artistry, making them both rewarding for performers and captivating for listeners.For James, his compositions are not for simply regurgitating what is on the page, but to build awareness of important themes and connect with others through the music making process. Many of James' compositions include special effects or directions for the performers, to give his works greater dimension and interest.James is passionate about the connections between neuroscience, psychology, and music. His educational music products often are based from the neuroscience and psychology behind learning music.

In tune with today's school ensembles

As a composer of concert band music, James has several self-published compositions. They are available through a variety of platforms, including through JW Pepper's MyScore program.JW Pepper selected "Aquatic Journey" as a Grade 1 band work featured in their November 2025 MyScore Spotlight, less than 6 months after the composition was added to their platform. Works such as "Incognito," a grade 1.5 band work, and "Path of Totality," a grade 2 band work, have been performed at various music performance assessments.James has published compositions with Carl Fischer. His most current published work, "Operation: Hive," is a fun and theatrical grade 1 band work based on the complexity of bee colonies.

Creating magical moments for small ensembles

James frequently composes and arranges music for small ensembles, including wind quintet and string quartet. His chamber works have been played by ensembles such as the Left Coast Wind Quintet, the Missouri Valley Chamber Orchestra, and the New York Philharmonic.James' catalog of arrangements include holiday medleys, video game music, jazz music, classical music, rock music, and more.

Increasing access to music

James has a BM in Music Education from Ithaca College, where he studied bassoon with Lee Goodhew-Romm. James also has a MM in Music Education from Kent State University.James has taught band and orchestra for several years in public schools in the Syracuse, NY area. He has played in a sizable number of ensembles and pit orchestras as a bassoonist over the years.James currently works as a board-certified music therapist and practices music therapy in an alternative education program. Through having received a Bachelor's Equivalency in Music Therapy, James continues his mission of working to provide children with greater access to music.

Accessibility

Invite Everyone Who Wants to Make Music

Provide Varying Levels Of Musical Challenge

Involve Individuals With Exceptionalities

Collaboration

Validate Each Person's Perspective

Shine Light Onto Important Issues

Prioritize Relationships Over Transactions

Dignity

Give Every Part Equal Time And Meaning

Treat All People With Respect and Kindness

Foster A Sense of Safety in Music Making

Expression

Utilize Expression as a Vehicle for Learning

Provide Opportunities To Create & Improvise

Emphasize Social & Emotional Learning

Self Published Band Works

Published By Carl Fischer Music

Notable Arrangements

Original Compositions