James Gourlay

James Gourlay is one of the world’s most respected tuba soloists, conductors, and educators, with a distinguished international career spanning orchestral, brass band, solo, and academic settings. His extensive experience with both orchestral and British brass band traditions brings a unique perspective to instrument and mouthpiece design.

James has worked closely with CHI Brass on the development of mouthpieces for the British brass band tradition, contributing to the design of both the CHI Brass EEb Bass 1 and BBb Bass 1. CHI Brass is also currently working with James on the development of a new James Gourlay Signature Model for EEb tuba.

In addition James has the CHI Brass Floyd Cooley 1 for F tuba and the CHI Brass Jacobs 2 on CC tuba. His collaboration with CHI Brass combines decades of world-class performing, conducting, and teaching experience with the goal of creating mouthpieces that deliver the sound, response, and musical flexibility demanded by today’s tuba players.