James Waterman

James Waterman is a Los Angeles-based percussionist, composer, and teaching artist whose work spans a wide array of global traditions and contemporary forms. His studies encompass Western classical percussion, jazz vibraphone, Arabic drumming, Indian tabla, Brazilian rhythms, and Ghanaian music, including training with master gyil player Bernard Woma. Waterman has performed with ensembles such as four larks, Bridge to Everywhere, and the SK Kakraba Band, appearing at venues like SFJAZZ, REDCAT, and The Getty Villa.

His compositions include the score for Sharine Atif’s award-winning film Jebel Banat and the electro-acoustic piece “Lift to Return,” premiered by the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra. As an educator, he serves as Program Manager for CalArts’ Community Arts Partnership and has taught at institutions including UCLA and CalArts. Waterman holds an MFA in World Percussion from CalArts and a Bachelor of Music from The Hartt School.