Virtuoso trumpeter and arranger, James Ackley, is a native of Cincinnati, Ohio and an internationally acclaimed trumpet solo artist with numerous appearances that have included orchestras, wind ensembles and chamber groups in the U.S., Mexico, Colombia, Venezuela, Argentina, Uruguay, Ecuador, Costa Rica, Germany, Italy, and France. Ackley has also frequently performed as a recitalist throughout South America, North America and Europe. On a recent tour through Venezuela, critics described James as "one of the best trumpet players in the world.” The Hartford Courante wrote, "a true artist." He is currently under Andes International Management. 

Ackley received his B.M. from Baldwin-Wallace College Conservatory of Music and his M.M. from the elite Cleveland Institute of Music, both in the area of performance. Former teachers include Michael Sachs, James Darling, Mary Squire and Eugene Blee. Currently, Ackley is Assistant Professor of Music & Trumpet Performance Studies at the University of Connecticut. Formerly principal trumpet and soloist of the Bogotá Philharmonic, Ackley has previously held positions as principal trumpet with other orchestras throughout Mexico, the United States and South America. Presently, he holds the position of principal trumpet with the New Britain Symphony Orchestra. 

Ackley has performed with musicians such as Francisco Rettig, Enrique de Patron, Placido Domingo, Fito Paez, Eddie Martinez, James Levine, Zubin Mehta, Leonard Bernstein, Christoph Eschenbach, and JahJa Ling, among others. He has collaborated with notable modern composers such as Karim Al-Zand (Concertino for Trumpet and Orchestra), Robert J. Bradshaw (Sonata for Trumpet) and Cherilee Wadsworth-Walker (Suite for Unaccompanied Trumpet); performing Bradshaw's Sonata at the 2004 International Trumpet Guild Conference and Al-Zand's Concertino at Carnegie Hall. Ackley has appeared as a guest artist on the "Music for Everyone" program of the Bogotá Philharmonic and on several national television programs of Paraguay, Venezuela, Ecuador and Mexico. He has recorded with several orchestras, most notably the Bogotá Philharmonic, as well as numerous television, radio and movie scores. His recording of
Recital Music for Trumpet with pianist Elena Kassmann has received critical acclaim from his peers and non-musicians alike. Current plans include a recording of Latin American music for trumpet and piano with collaborative artist, Rebecca Wilt. 

Ackley maintains an active performance schedule, performing solo recitals and concerts throughout the U.S. and abroad. He is a founding member of the Avant Brass Quintet and continues his Latin musical interests with The Latin Heartbeat Orchestra and the Orquesta Calidad salsa ensembles. His musical arrangements are exclusively published under the editorial visage of Cimarron Music Press.