Byron James Music

Byron James Atterton began his musical journey with piano lessons at the age of five. Having also taken up the cello in middle school, he ultimately chose to focus on piano performance and composition. 

Byron's interest in composition first emerged in middle school when his original composition was selected for performance by the National PTA's Reflections program run by Poway High School. He continued to compose throughout high school, balancing creative exploration with rigorous piano studies in the studio of Dr. Mitzi Kolar, Professor of Music Emerita at San Diego State University. Under her direction, he completed the entire sequence of the Music Teachers’ Association of California (MTAC) Certificate of Merit, receiving both Branch and State Honors for each level. 

Currently, Byron is a student at the University of California, Irvine (UCI), where he studies piano performance with Professor Nina Scolnik. He is currently pursuing a double major in Music and Political Science, keeping the doors open to both musical and legal careers.

It was upon entering university that Byron discovered in earnest his passion for composition, leading him to consider it as a potential future career path. During his time at UCI, he has dedicated himself to refining his compositional and pianistic skills. He continues to work with various composers, in particular Professor Eric Lindsay, who is helping him develop a collective musical voice and to share his works with a wider audience.