James Birt has been playing keyboard since he was eight and started drum lessons at 11 years of age. He now has lessons at University College, Winchester. James passed his Grade 8, at age 14 and has been awarded a Hampshire Exceptional Ability Award.



James says: “Although I do have a visual impairment and am registered as blind, I do not let this hold me back.”



James has has played in public since 1998. Workshop teacher and percussionist Dan Farrant, said of James: “He’s the best drummer of his age I’ve ever heard…he has so much potential.”



James has played at the Royal Festival Hall as part of the Rhythm Sticks Festival, he has recorded an England World Cup Anthem, which will go to the F.A. James Birt has even performed with the great Gregg Bissonette at his Guildford Clinic.



James is also a member of the Hampshire Youth Jazz Orchestra (HYJO) and is now at college taking a BTEC National Diploma in Popular Music.



He is influenced by Roger Taylor, Gregg Bissonette, Steve White, Stuart Copeland, and Ian Paice to name a few.



In January 2006 James Birt was the winner of the 2006 UK National Young Drummer of the Year Competition.