Initially taking up the double bass in 1999, James Menzies went on to further his studies on the instrument and acquired a Bachelor of Music Performance in 2010. Whilst studying, James gained extensive tutoring experience, including private teaching as well as holding regular tutorials for The Arts Unit and The Sydney Youth Orchestra Ensembles, which he still enjoys to this day. James also regularly performs on a casual basis with an array of professional organisations such as the Sydney Symphony, Australian Opera and Ballet, and Sydney Sinfonia Orchestras. Recently, James has been undertaking a contract with the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra. He has also been involved in masterclasses and academies with some of the worlds best players including Matthew Macdonald (Berlin Philharmonic) and Christoph Wimmer (Vienna Philharmonic).