About
Cardiff Piano Academy was founded by James Saldivar BMus (hons) DipLCM MISM.
James studied classical piano performance with Irish concert pianist Mary Dullea at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, winning the prestigious Mary Rees Chopin Prize whilst still an undergraduate student there.
As a classical soloist, James has performed in The U. S. and more recently in Cologne, Germany as well as his native UK.
As a conductor, James has worked with many choral groups in the community, as well as in more of a music therapy context in hospitals, prisons and care homes.
As a vocalist and jazz pianist, James has performed as frontman for many function bands, duos and as soloist, performing jazz, pop, soul and rock hits for weddings and cruises. He has received vocal lessons from Jose James, jazz super star, and Tim Richards (Royal Academy of Music).
As a songwriter (neo soul), James performs his original songs with his band, SLDVR, made up of Alex Burch (drums), Kumar Chopra (guitar) and Clem Saynor (bass), all RWCMD jazz graduates.
With over fifteen years of teaching experience (and fully DBS checked), James is passionate about music education and aims to create an environment where music is fun, achievable and has clear steps of progression.
