James Yoshizawa

James Yoshizawa is a lifelong student of the percussive arts. He began his musical journey playing in his middle school orchestra and marching band and playing taiko drums in a Japanese folk music ensemble during the summer Obon festivals. He holds a degree in classical percussion, has studied percussion instruments from all over the world, and is an active professional drum set player and percussionist in Los Angeles, California. 

His foray into the bones began while in college after being introduced to them by his teacher at the time, percussionist Brad Dutz. He was instantly hooked and has since earned a reputation for utilizing the bones in a wide array of musical situations. His bones-playing can be found on many albums that range from more traditional Irish and folk music to progressive modern jazz and electronic music.

In 2016, he served as the bodhrán and bones soloist and percussionist for the Broadway musical, “Come From Away” during its run at Ford’s Theater in Washington, DC. In 2019, he competed in the All-Ireland Bones Competition in Abbeyfeale and was awarded 2nd place. He has also been a guttest artist at the annual Fairbanks Summer Arts Festival in Fairbanks, AK since 2013 where he performs and teaches classes in Irish percussion. 

Bones are an affordable & fun instrument to play! You can order a set HERE.