James Loughnan
Resume
James Loughnan is a saxophonist and educator residing on the Central Coast of New South Wales. A graduate of Caringbah High School and the Sydney Conservatorium Music, he holds a Bachelor of Music, majoring in Jazz Performance, a Graduate Certificate in Education and Neuroscience, and is studying a Master of Teaching. His studies have also taken him to the School for Improvised Music (SIM) in New York City.
James has been teaching individuals and groups for over 20 years, both in Australia and the United Kingdom. He currently directs the NSW Public Schools Stage Band, is the jazz program director at Pennant Hills High School, and was Stage Band Director at the 2023 and 2024 NSW Schools Spectacular. He has held jazz ensemble director roles at Caringbah High School, Newington College, The Scots College, Sydney Girls High School and Kirrawee High School. James has adjudicated in the jazz ensemble section of the Australian School Band and Orchestra Festival (ASBOF) and at the Generations in Jazz Festival.
As a performer, James has lead and co-lead various groups including The Acronym Orchestra and Felucca, along with various performing, composing and arranging credits such as Aloe Blacc, Guy Sebastian, TLC, Cumbiamuffin, The Beautiful Girls, James Morrison, The Greasy Chicken Orchestra, Friendly Fires, Winston Surfshirt, The Dave Panichi Big Band and The Jazzgroove Mothership Orchestra, along with numerous sessions for television and film.