He includes the W. in his name because there is already a British film composer named James Parker. Objectively, James 'W.' Parker's music is much more interesting. James' music has been lauded as "challenging" and "stark (in a good way.)" by his mother and former music teacher, respectively. James is currently a Master's student The University of Texas where he studies with Russell Pinkston. He did his B.M. at Ithaca College and studied with Dana Wilson. He's won a handful of awards, grants, scholarships, and commissions, but nothing to write home about. James likes to cook, garden, and read books about cooking and gardening.