James “Jim” Gamble

James (Jim) Gamble is primarily a piano instructor at MAI, although he also instructs organ, cello, and bass. As an MAI alum, has been teaching at the school for 12 years and is an experienced accompanist.

After beginning piano lessons at age 7 with his father, Jim transitioned through several teachers until beginning his studies at MAI at 10 years old. Homeschooling afforded him great practicing opportunities that his parents encouraged him to take advantage of. There, at MAI, he studied piano under Dr. O. Wayne Smith, and cello under Ho Anthony Ahn for 6 years. During this time, Jim won several local competitions and achieved 1+ ratings every year at MAI and in the community. At 16 years old, Jim became the first pianist to ever win the Young Artist Competition sponsored by the Independence Symphony (now known as Heritage Philharmonic) resulting in his first concerto performance with a full orchestra. He then studied with Iris Logeman on piano, competing nationally and preparing for college.

Jim attended the University of Missouri - Kansas City Conservatory of Music where he studied Piano under Robert Weirich, and John McIntyre. Other studies in college included organ with Dr. John Ditto, cello with Carter Enyeart, orchestral conducting, and music education.

Currently, Jim resides in Independence with his wife, Danielle and 2 children, Evie and Brian. Outside of MAI, he enjoys conducting and performing in chamber groups with his friends, spending time with his family, and his involvement in church. He is also a pilot who loves to fly often, and is pursuing numerous ratings and certificates in flight school.