James Couzens is a San Diego drummer, vocalist, music educator, and founder of The Rockademy in Solana Beach. He has been performing since the 1990s and built The Rockademy around a practical path for young musicians: learn an instrument, play with others, and grow through performance.
Music and performance
James’s playing career began in Tucson, where he performed with Propaganda Child, Funky Bonz, The Simplistics, and The Mocking Birds. His later projects include R’Aqua Net, The Cured, Metal Snake, Metro, Pop Rx, and Wag Halen, along with fill-in performances with The 80s All Stars, Beta Max, and The Diamonds. Over the years, he has also opened for Weezer, Jimmy Eat World, Dee Dee Ramone, The Fixx, Sass Jordan, Gene Loves Jezebel, Dramarama, Staind, Thin Lizzy, and Missing Persons.
In 1998, Tucson Weekly’s Tucson Area Music Awards named James Best Drummer. He graduated from the University of Arizona in 2001 with a degree in Media Arts and a minor in Arts Management/Marketing.
Teaching at The Rockademy
James founded The Rockademy after seeing how much his drum students gained by playing in bands. Today, he teaches drums and vocals and coaches student bands. Students build their skills through individual instruction and, when they are ready, can take the next step into a band, songwriting, recording, and live performance.
His teaching approach puts musicianship, collaboration, and stage experience together. Preparing for a performance gives students a reason to practice and a chance to share what they have learned with family and friends.
Selected press and features
- Tucson Weekly: 1998 TAMMIES winners — James was named Best Drummer.
- Arizona Daily Wildcat: “Mocking Birds do sing at O’Malley’s” — James’s work with The Mocking Birds and his University of Arizona Media Arts degree.
- Times of San Diego: “Summer Band Camps Begin for Aspiring Rock Stars” — James on helping students prepare for live performances.
- The Rockademy: school history and teaching approach.