Music Faculty
James Ford, III
Professor of Trumpet and Jazz Studies James Ford joined the Department of Music faculty in 2003. He teaches studio trumpet and courses in jazz studies. He is the current director of the CSULA Jazz Orchestra. James Ford, III is a native of Georgia. Since moving to Los Angeles in 2003, he has established an impressive reputation as an accomplished all-around trumpet player. Dr. Ford’s dexterity and warm sound has allowed him to cross many musical boundaries. He performs in diverse musical settings including big band, small groups, orchestral, chamber, pop, and early music ensembles. Ford continues to experiment and broaden his musical palette. He is a member of the Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra and the Benjamin Wright Orchestra. Ford has played in venues in Europe, Asia, South America, South Africa, Canada, and throughout the U.S. A few of the artists he has performed and/or recorded with include The Los Angeles Opera, Justin Timberlake, Aretha Franklin, Gladys Knight, Joss Stone, Michael Buble, Celine Dion, Queen Latifah, Paul Anka, Leon Russell, Renee Olstead, Eric Benet, The Temptations, Earth, Wind & Fire, Englebert Humperdink, John Pizzarelli, among many others. Dr. Ford holds the Doctor of Musical Arts from the University of North Texas. He also holds the Master of Music and Master of Music Education from University of North Texas and the Bachelor of Music from Valdosta State University.
