With a deep passion for musical storytelling, James crafts his compositions in a way that enhances visual narratives, seamlessly blending orchestral and electronic elements to create emotionally rich and immersive scores. A graduate of Leeds Conservatoire with a 1st class degree in Film Music, James has developed a distinctive style that balances technical precision with expressive depth. Whether composing for library or film music, James brings a unique voice, capturing deep emotion and atmosphere with each note.
Music has been a part of James’ life since the age of five, when early piano and trumpet lessons set the foundation for a lifelong passion. Alongside this, James developed a fascination with the music of film and TV, such as Doctor Who and Pirates of the Caribbean, plus the intricate compositions of the Pokémon game series.
“When I started learning music as a child, I never fully understood the superpower that was being given to me. Unlike any language on Earth, music has the ability to communicate universally, without prejudice. Now that I am older, I can clearly see how learning this language has opened doors that would otherwise be closed, allowing me to ground myself, deepen my own emotional understanding, and have the knowledge that sometimes music can speak louder than words.”
Throughout school, James pursued music individually and in a group setting. James found joy in the back row of the orchestra, where musical expression felt freer and less pressured. This led to performances across England and Europe with both his local town band and the school concert band.
Despite these rich experiences as a performer, it was composition that truly fulfilled James’ creative drive. On his 16th birthday, a MacBook Pro and Logic Pro became the gateway to an obsession with writing music. Countless hours of self-teaching through YouTube tutorials led to an exciting full-circle moment where he composed part of the original score for a fan-made Pokémon game. The music, published on an old YouTube channel, gained a small but passionate following, with fans still checking up on the game's progress even after it ceased production. This journey ultimately led to formal studies at Leeds Conservatoire where James earned a 1st degree in Film Music.
As a professional composer, James has built a diverse portfolio, scoring numerous short films and producing library music across a wide range of genres. He continues to push creative boundaries, blending orchestral grandeur with modern electronic textures to produce music that enhances storytelling across multiple mediums. With musical placements on some of the UK’s biggest TV channels, James’ work has reached broad audiences, showcasing a talent for crafting evocative and adaptable compositions. His most recent film ‘Unwell Woman’ was screened at the Cambridge Film Festival in 2024, where it received great acclaim.
Recently, his focus has shifted more toward library music, both as a solo composer and as part of collaborative teams. Working alongside like-minded musicians has been instrumental in fostering creativity and inspiration, further pushing James into new territory and continuing his journey of musical discovery.
Looking ahead, James aims to reconnect with early experiences as a brass player, crafting new compositions that highlight the richness and versatility of the brass family.
JAMES TEARNE
COMPOSER
