James Smelley is a bassoonist originally from Tuscaloosa, Alabama. He completed his Bachelor of Music in Bassoon Performance at the University of Alabama in 2022, studying under Dr. Jennifer Mann. During his time at Alabama, James was a prominent member of the University's top ensembles and often substituted with the Tuscaloosa Symphony Orchestra.
 
Most recently, James earned his Master of Music in Bassoon Performance from the Bienen School of Music at Northwestern University, where he studied under Professor David McGill. James has had the pleasure of performing in masterclasses for renowned bassoonists Miles Maner, Andrew Brady, and William Short.

James is currently in the Graduate Artist Certificate program at the University of North Texas, where he studies with Dr. Darrel Hale.