Steven James (b. 2000) is a Baltimore-based composer and pianist originally from Portland, Oregon. Currently finishing a Master’s at the Peabody Institute, Steven’s energetic, character-driven works have been performed across North America, including the Oregon Bach Festival and UGA New Music Festival. An active curator for Cascadia Composers, he pivots between indigenous-inspired themes and dissonant chamber music, always aiming to "set the fantasy free." As a pianist, Steven champions both classical and contemporary repertoire. A dedicated educator, he works with BSO’s OrchKids and draws inspiration from nature, poetry, and homebrew D&D campaigns—hobbies that fuel his musical storytelling.