Jim Self

Background

James Self was born in 1943 in Franklin, Pennsylvania. Self grew up in neighboring Oil City, Pennsylvania.

Education

After graduating from Oil City High School he attended Indiana State College (now known as Indiana University of Pennsylvania) from 1961-1965. At Indiana State College Self studied with William Becker, earning a music education degree. During his time with the United States Army Band Self earned a Master"s Degree in Tuba Performance from Catholic University and studied with Harvey Phillips.

Career

Self has performed extensively in and internationally as a soloist, chamber musician, orchestral tubist, and, most notably, as a studio musician in the movie studios having appeared on over 1500 soundtracks. Self joined the United States Army Band in 1965. The concert band tuba section included Leo Hurst, Bob Pallansch, Dan Perantoni, Chester Schmitz, and Paul Scott.

Self left the Army Band in 1967.

He was offered the position of Assistant Professor of Tuba and the University of Tennessee in 1969. In 1971, while still working at the University of Tennessee, Self began working on a Doctor of Musical Arts degree at the University of Southern California.

At University of Southern California he studied under Tommy Johnson. Studio career Self has performed on the studios since 1974.

In this time he has recorded over 1500 soundtracks for motion pictures and television

One of Self"s most notable soundtrack credits is his performance on Close Encounters of the Third Kind. His performance was featured as the "voice of the mothership." Self can be heard as a soloist in such films as Jurassic Park, Home Alone I&II, Casper, Batteries Not Included, Sleepless in Seattle, and Dennis the Menace. Jim Self has been the first call tubist for such notable film composers as John Williams, James Newton Howard, John Debney and James Horner.

Orchestral performances Jim Self holds principal tuba positions with the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra (1991–present), Pasadena Symphony (1975-present), Pacific Symphony (1986–present), Opera (1986–present), and Opera Pacific (1987-2008).

Self is a frequent substitute tubist with the Philharmonic. Teaching Jim Self has taught at the University of Southern California since 1976.

At University of Southern California Self teaches tuba and coaches brass chamber music Self taught at the University of Tennessee from 1969-1975.

He has also taught at such festivals as Music Academy of the West and the Henry Mancini Institute.

Compositions.

Achievements

• Harvey Phillips Award (ITEA), 2010 Roger Bobo Award for Excellence in Recording (ITEA), 2008 - InnerPlay Lifetime Achievement Award (ITEA), 2008 Distinguished Alumni Award, Indiana University of Pennsylvania, 2003 Most Valuable Player Award (Tuba), National Association of Recording Arts and Sciences, 1983, 1985, 1986, 1987 President, International Tuba Euphonium Association, 1979-1981.