Jim is the Associate Professor of Jazz and Instrumental Studies at the New World School of the Arts in Miami, Florida. As the director of NWSA High School Jazz Ensemble, he has led the group to numerous national successes including performing/competing at Jazz at Lincoln Center's Essentially Ellington competition twelve times. Many of his students have been awarded Downbeat Student Music Awards as well as honors such as selections to GRAMMY High School Jazz Ensemble, Jazz Band of America, Next Generation Jazz Orchestra, and other nationally renowned groups. NWSA's Jazz Ensemble and Combos have recorded eleven CDs under his direction. Jim has conducted clinics and master classes for high school students and band directors throughout the United States and has served as a faculty member for Jazz at Lincoln Center's Band Director Academy. As a pianist and keyboardist he has performed and/or recorded with international pop artists and groups – Ricky Martin, Kelly Clarkson, Alih Jey, Chayanne, Smokey Robinson, Jose Feliciano, Michael Bolton, as well as jazz artists - Benny Golson, Slide Hampton, Freddie Hubbard, Terell Stafford, Jason Marsalis, Jeremy Pelt, Robin Eubanks, Patti Austin, Jay Leonhart and many others. Jim performs regularly in South Florida with Wendy Pedersen, Ed Calle, The Fernando Ulibarri Quartet, and the Russ Spiegel Organ trio. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Studio Music and Jazz Performance and a Master’s degree in Jazz Pedagogy - both from University of Miami’s Frost School of Music, as well as a degree in Biblical and Theological Studies from Knox Theological Seminary.