James Donaldson
Pontiac,MI
Summary
Dynamic music professional skilled in music arrangement, mentorship, and curriculum design. Proven ability to conduct engaging rehearsals and design impactful lesson plans.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
Music Director
Tatyana D'voce
Toronto Ontario, Canada
05.2024 - Current
- Programming/arranging a show for the artist.
- Assemble a band to the artists' desire.
- Set rehearsal dates to run through the shows.
Music Director
Najvoe
Toronto Ontario, Canada
07.2024 - Current
- Programming/arranging a show for the artist.
- Assemble a band to the artists' desire.
- Set rehearsal dates to run through the shows.
Music Director
MC Sulek
Toronto Ontario , Canada
07.2024 - Current
- Programming/arranging a show for the artist.
- Assemble a band to the artists' desire.
- Set rehearsal dates to run through the shows.
Music Director
SOLEDAD
Detroit, Michigan
06.2022 - 01.2024
- Collaborated with the artist to develop innovative musical arrangements.
- Programming/arranging a show for the artist.
- Assemble a band to the artists' desire.
- Set rehearsal dates to run through the shows.
Music Director
Rockim Williamson
Detroit, Michigan
07.2020 - 08.2023
- Programming/arranging a show for the artist.
- Assemble a band to the artists' desire.
- Set rehearsal dates to run through the shows.
Band Leader / Musician
Kensington Church
Lake Orion, Michigan
11.2021 - Current
- Mentored emerging musicians to enhance their skills and confidence.
- Auditioned new musicians when necessary to fill vacancies within the group.
- Lead the band through rehearsals.
- Collaborate with Worship Leader on direction and flow of service
Drumline
Detroit Lions
Detroit, Michigan
06.2025 - 01.2026
- Performed live during Detroit Lions' home games and events.
Drumline
Detroit Pistons
Detroit, Michigan
08.2017 - 10.2023
- Performed live at Detroit Pistons' home games and events.
Percussion Instructor
Thurston High School
Redford, Michigan
11.2025 - Current
- Coordinated practice schedules to enhance student participation and progress.
- Organized workshops to introduce advanced drumming techniques and styles.
- Prepare students for the competition season.
Assistant Band Director
West Bloomfield High School
West Bloomfield, Michigan
08.2025 - Current
- Assisted in designing and implementing band curriculum and performance schedules.
- Collaborated with the Band Director to plan marching band performances and events.
- Conducted rehearsals, ensuring student engagement and musical skill development.
- Mentored student musicians in individual practice techniques and ensemble playing.
Marching Band Percussion Instructor
Lake Orion High School
Lake Orion, Michigan
09.2024 - 03.2025
- Instructed percussion students in technique and performance skills.
- Organized rehearsals and coordinated schedules for ensemble practice sessions.
- Write battery percussion music for the on-field show
Marching Band Percussion Instructor
Ypsilanti Community High School
Ypsilanti, Michigan
08.2024 - 09.2025
- Instructed percussion students in technique and performance skills.
- Mentored students to enhance teamwork and communication within the ensemble.
- Facilitated workshops to improve percussion techniques and ensemble performance.
- Write battery percussion music for the on-field show.
- Write cadences for the parades
Drum Instructor
Berkley Music Academy
Berkley, Michigan
06.2025 - 01.2026
- Designed engaging drum lesson plans for diverse student skill levels.
- Instructed students on drumming techniques and music theory concepts.
- Collaborated with parents to discuss student development and lesson goals.
- Answered questions from parents about the progress of their children's studies.
Audio Engineer Intern
Oakland University
Rochester, Michigan
06.2022 - 06.2024
- Assisted in setting up sound systems for live events and performances.
- Maintained audio equipment by performing routine checks and repairs.
- Supported recording sessions by managing microphone placement and levels
- Recorded and edited audio from a variety of sources, such as microphones, instruments, and direct inputs.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - World Percussion
Oakland University
Rochester, Michigan, MI04-2024
Bachelor of Arts - Music Performance
Detroit Institute of Music Education
Detroit, MI04-2024
Skills
- Sight reading
- Time management
- Music arrangement
- Audio mixing
- Mentorship
- Multitasking
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Percussion Instructor
Thurston High School
11.2025 - Current
Assistant Band Director
West Bloomfield High School
08.2025 - Current
Drumline
Detroit Lions
06.2025 - 01.2026
Drum Instructor
Berkley Music Academy
06.2025 - 01.2026
Marching Band Percussion Instructor
Lake Orion High School
09.2024 - 03.2025
Marching Band Percussion Instructor
Ypsilanti Community High School
08.2024 - 09.2025
Music Director
Najvoe
07.2024 - Current
Music Director
MC Sulek
07.2024 - Current
Music Director
Tatyana D'voce
05.2024 - Current
Music Director
SOLEDAD
06.2022 - 01.2024
Audio Engineer Intern
Oakland University
06.2022 - 06.2024
Band Leader / Musician
Kensington Church
11.2021 - Current
Music Director
Rockim Williamson
07.2020 - 08.2023
Drumline
Detroit Pistons
08.2017 - 10.2023
Bachelor of Arts - World Percussion
Oakland University
Bachelor of Arts - Music Performance
Detroit Institute of Music Education