faculty portrait if available
James Boldin
Professor
School of Visual & Performing Arts
BIED 212
318-342-1591
ULM logo

James E Boldin, DMA
Professor, Music
Emy-Lou Biedenharn Endwd. Chair Music

Education

DMA

2007, Horn Performance
University of Wisconsin-Madison

MM

2004, Music Performance
University of Wisconsin-Madison

BM

2002, Music Performance
Appalachian State University

faculty feature photo

Biographical Sketch

James Boldin is a Professor of Music at the University of Louisiana Monroe, where he holds the Emy-Lou Biedenharn Endowed Chair in Music. Additionally, he has served as Interim Director (2022-2023) and Associate Director (2016-2022) of the ULM School of Visual and Performing Arts. He has performed and presented at the International Horn Symposium, the International Trombone Festival, the Midwest Clinic International Band and Orchestra Conference, the International Women’s Brass Conference, and numerous state and regional events. Boldin is proud to be a Yamaha Performing Artist, and performs on a variety of Yamaha horns, including the YHR 871 and YHR 671. He performs extensively with Black Bayou Brass and Trio Mélange, resident faculty ensembles at ULM, and has given recitals and master classes throughout the region and abroad. In 2018, Black Bayou Brass released Scenes from the Bayou(Mark Records),which features several World Premiere recordings for brass trio.

An active orchestral musician, Boldin holds positions with the Shreveport Symphony Orchestra, Rapides Symphony Orchestra, and Monroe Symphony Orchestra. He has also performed with the South Arkansas Symphony Orchestra, Louisiana Lyric Opera, Opera East Texas, and with numerous orchestras in the Midwest. As an advocate for new music, Boldin has commissioned and premiered numerous compositions for horn solo, brass trio, brass quintet, and other chamber ensembles.

His solo recording, Jan Koetsier: Music for Horn (MSR Classics), has been critically praised for “superb playing…on an extraordinarily high level of both technique and communicative abilities.” (Fanfare Magazine). He has authored three books – Solo Training for Horn, Solo Training Duets for Horns, and Excerpt Training Duets for Horns (Mountain Peak Music) – and has published dozens of articles, reviews, and musical arrangements. In 2012 and 2015, he was awarded Career Advancement Grants from the Louisiana Division of the Arts. Boldin earned the Doctor of Musical Arts and Master of Music degrees from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he studied with Douglas Hill, and a Bachelor of Music degree from Appalachian State University, where he studied with Karen Robertson. He is a member of The College Music Society, The National Association of College Wind and Percussion Instructors, and The International Horn Society, and has served as IHS area representative for the state of Louisiana. In 2020, he was appointed Publications Editor for the International Horn Society.

 

Research Interests

  • Horn Performance and Pedagogy
  • Music History
  • Music Technology

Creative Works

Music Performance - Symphony Orchestra Member, Other, Shreveport Ballet The Nutcracker, Shreveport, LA, USA. (December 8 2021).
Music Performance - Partial Chamber Recital, New Music on the Bayou Summer Festival, Monroe and Ruston, LA, USA. (June 7 2019).
Music Performance - Full Chamber Recital, New Music on the Bayou Summer Festival, Monroe, LA, USA. (May 31 2017).
Music Performance - Symphony Orchestra Member, Other, Shreveport Symphony Orchestra Concert (12-12-2015 and 12-13-2015), Shreveport, LA, USA. (December 12 2015).
Music Performance - Symphony Orchestra Member, Other, Shreveport Symphony Orchestra Concert (12-20 and 12-21-2014), Shreveport, LA, USA. (December 20 2014).
Music Performance - Symphony Orchestra Member, Other, Shreveport Symphony Orchestra Concert (12-6 and 12-7-2014), Shreveport, LA, USA. (December 6 2014).
Music Performance - Free-lance, ULM Musical 4-3-2014 through 4-6-2013, Monroe, LA, USA. (April 3 2014).

Recent Publications

Boldin, J. E., Pérez, M. (2024). Celebrating 35 Years of Spanish Brass: An Interview with Manolo Pérez (pp. 3). Hanover, PA: The Horn Call: Journal of the International Horn Society.
Boldin, J. E., Svenson, E. (2024). Symposium Report: IHS 56: Horns on the Horizon (pp. 6). Hanover, PA: The Horn Call: Journal of the International Horn Society.
Boldin, J. E., Scully, B. D., Hill, D. D. (2024). Recording the Music of Douglas Hill An Interview with Bernhard Scully and Douglas Hill (pp. 4). Dallas, TX: The Horn Call: Journal of the International Horn Society.
Boldin, J. E. (2023). IHS 55 Report: A Year of Memories in One Week (pp. 5). Dallas, TX: The Horn Call: Journal of the International Horn Society.
Boldin, J. (2020). The Horn Call Podcast.
Siereveld, E., Hedwig, D., Boldin, J. (2022). Vibrant Colors: Brass Music of Douglas Hedwig. Newtown, CT: MSR Classics.
Siereveld, E., Boldin, J. (2022). Vignettes: Music for Trumpet and Brass. Albany, NY: Albany Records.
Boldin, J. (2022). Symposium Report: IHS 54 “Untamed Horn” (pp. 3). Denton, TX: International Horn Society.
Boldin, J. (2021). Excerpt Training Duets for Horns. Flagstaff, AZ: Mountain Peak Music.
Boldin, J. (2019). Review of Sonata for Horn and Piano, by Gina Gillie, in The Horn Call: Journal of the International Horn Society (pp. 1). The Horn Call: Journal of the International Horn Society.
Boldin, J. E. (2019). Review of Slablóblian Folk Suite, by David Martynuik, in The Horn Call: Journal of the International Horn Society (pp. 1). Denton, TX: The Horn Call: Journal of the International Horn Society.
Boldin, J. E. (2019). Review of Concerto for Horn (Trumpet) and Strings in Eb major, by Johann Baptist Georg Neruda (pp. 1). Denton, TX: The Horn Call: Journal of the International Horn Society.
Boldin, J. E. (2019). Review of Keys to Transposition: A Method for the Teaching & Learning of Transposition on the Horn by Pete Nowlen with Brian O’Donnell and Heidi Oros (pp. 1). Denton, TX: The Horn Call: Journal of the International Horn Society.
Boldin, J. (2019). Review of Song for Emma by Ricardo Matosinhos (pp. 1). Dallas, TX: The Horn Call: Journal of the International Horn Society.
Boldin, J. (2019). Review of Horn Technique: A New Approach to an Old Instrument, by Jeffrey Agrell (pp. 1). Dallas, TX: The Horn Call: Journal of the International Horn Society.
Boldin, J. E. (2018). Scenes from the Bayou: Black Bayou Brass. Clarence, NY: Mark Recordings.
Boldin, J. (2018). Review of Dialogues for 2 Horns, Op. 96 by C.D. Wiggins (pp. 2). Denton, TX: The Horn Call: Journal of the International Horn Society.
Boldin, J. E. (2018). Review of Solitudes for Solo Horn, Op. 113a by C.D. Wiggins (pp. 2). Denton, TX: The Horn Call: Journal of the International Horn Society.
Boldin, J. E. (2017). Review: Review, May You Walk in Beauty for 10 Horns by Evan G. Chancellor (pp. 2). Denton, TX: The Horn Call: Journal of the International Horn Society.
Boldin, J. E. (2018). Review, Waltz Twist for Horn and Piano by Jukka Harju (pp. 1). Denton, TX: The Horn Call: Journal of the International Horn Society.
Boldin, J. E. (2018). Review, Spectral Fanfare by Roger Zare (pp. 1). Denton, TX: The Horn Call: Journal of the International Horn Society.
Boldin, J. (2018). Review, Sonata for Horn in F and Piano by Gregory Sullivan Isaacs (pp. 2). Denton, TX: The Horn Call: Journal of the International Horn Society.
Boldin, J. (2018). Review, 40 Progressive Melodic Studies for Brass by Corrado Saglietti (pp. 1). Denton, TX: The Horn Call: Journal of the International Horn Society.
Boldin, J. (2018). Review, Brass Instruments: Purchasing, Maintenance, Trouble-Shooting, and More by David Fedderly and Sally Wagner (pp. 1). Denton, TX: The Horn Call: Journal of the International Horn Society.
Boldin, J. (2017). Review, Metamorphoses for Horn and Piano by Daniel Kessner (pp. 1). Denton: The Horn Call: Journal of the International Horn Society.
Boldin, J. (2017). Review, Carol of the Bells for Horn in F Trio, by Leontovich/Wilhousky, arranged by Larry Clark (pp. 1). Denton, TX: The Horn Call: Journal of the International Horn Society.
Boldin, J. (2017). Review, Suite for Four Horns by Liz Sharma (pp. 1). Denton, TX: The Horn Call: Journal of the International Horn Society.
Boldin, J. (2017). Review, Concertino in C for 2 Chalumeau, 2 Horns, and Bassoon by Johann Melchior Molter (pp. 1). Denton, TX: The Horn Call: Journal of the International Horn Society.
Boldin, J. E. (2015). Brass Trio Repertoire: Beyond Poulenc (pp. 57-64). Dallas, TX: The Horn Call: Journal of the International Horn Society.
Boldin, J. E. (2015). National Association of College Wind and Percussion Instructors Journal (pp. 1). Brookings, South Dakota: National Association of College Wind and Percussion Instructors.
Boldin, J. E. (2016). Solo Training for Horn (pp. 75). Flagstaff, AZ: Mountain Peak Music.
Boldin, J. E. Solo Duet Training for Horns (pp. 88). Flagstaff, AZ: Mountain Peak Music.
Boldin, J. Wandl' ich in dem Wald des Abends, by Fanny Mendelssohn Hensel (arrangement for brass trio). Denton, TX: International Horn Society Online Music Press.
Boldin, J. (2014). Six Studies in English Folk-Song, by Ralph Vaughn Williams (arrangement for horn and piano). London: Stainer and Bell.
Boldin, J. (2014). Romance, by C.M. von Weber (arrangement for horn and piano). Salem, CT: Cimarron Music Press.
Boldin, J. (2013). Rondo from Concerto for Horn, K. 495, arranged for brass trio. International Horn Society Online Music Press.
Boldin, J. (2013). Jan Koetsier: Music for Horn. MSR Classics.
Boldin, J. (2013). An Interview with Daren Robbins (pp. 3). Denton, TX: The Horn Call: Journal of the International Horn Society.
Boldin, J. (2012). “Meditation” from Thaïs, by Jules Massenet, arranged for horn and piano. International Horn Society Online Music Press.
Boldin, J. (2011). A Guide to Daily Routines (pp. 47-52). Dallas, TX: The Horn Call: Journal of the International Horn Society.
Boldin, J. (2011). Teacher Talk: An Interview with Douglas Hill (pp. 8). Dallas, TX: The Horn Call: Journal of the International Horn Society.
Boldin, J. (2011). Allegro from Divertimento for Violin, Viola and Cello, K. 563 by W.A. Mozart. Salem, CT: Cimarron Music Press.
Boldin, J. (2011). Divertimento I from Five Divertimenti for Three Bassett Horns, K. 439b by W.A. Mozart. Salem, CT: Cimarron Music Press.
Boldin, J. (2011). Divertimento III from Five Divertimenti for Three Bassett Horns, K. 439b by W.A. Mozart. Salem, CT: Cimarron Music Press.
Boldin, J. (2011). Trio Sonata Op. 2, No. 1 by Arcangelo Corelli. Salem, CT: Cimarron Music Press.
Boldin, J. (2011). Trio Sonata Op. 3, No. 2 by Arcangelo Corelli. Salem, CT: Cimarron Music Press.
Boldin, J. (2010). Teaching Young Hornists (pp. 40-42). Northfield, Illinois: The Instrumentalist Publications.
Boldin, J., Everett, M., Gibson, M. M., Rinehart, J. (2010). Metamorphosen: Music for Brass Trio. West Monroe, LA: Air Recording.
Boldin, J. (2009). Guide to Horn Maintenance (pp. 32-38). Northfield, IL: The Instrumentalist Magazine.
Boldin, J., Demain, J. (2009). Madison Symphony Orchestra: Overtures from Overture Hall. Madison, WI: ION Records, Wisconsin Public Radio.
Boldin, J. (2009). Why the Brass Quintet? (pp. 69-73). Denton, TX: The Horn Call: Journal of the International Horn Society.
Boldin, J. (2008). Horn: Stopped and Muted (pp. 48-51). Northfield, IL: The Instrumentalist.
Boldin, J. (2008). "Introduction to Non-Western Music," in You and Music: A Guide to Listening, 7th ed." (pp. 10 pages). Monroe, LA 71203: Ecoutez Press, Ltd..
Boldin, J. (2008). Guide to the Brass Quintet www.ulm.edu/~boldin/brassquintet.html.
Forbes, M., Boldin, J., Morey, M., Robinson, L., Sedgwick, R. (2006). Forbes Plays Koetsier: Complete Works for Solo Tuba. Tempe, AZ: Summit Education, A Division of Summit Records, Inc..
Thurman, D., Bristol, D., Becker, D., Boldin, J. (2005). Demondrae Thurman: Soliloquies. Tempe, AZ: Summit Records.
Dick, J., Falletta, J., Boldin, J. (2004). James Dick Plays Edvard Grieg.

Research Grants

Boldin, J. (Co-Principal), Mobley, M. (Co-Principal), Davies, K. (Co-Principal), "New Composition for Horn and Vibraphone" (Funded), Sponsored By International Horn Society, External to The University of Louisiana at Monroe, $1250.00. (February 21 2018 - Present).
Boldin, J. (Co-Principal), Gillie, G. (Co-Principal), Witek, A. (Supporting), Marks, J. (Supporting), "Brass Trio Commission" (Funded), Sponsored By International Horn Society, External to The University of Louisiana at Monroe, $750.00. (September 2016 - Present).
Boldin, J. E. (Co-Principal), Haefner, J. (Co-Principal), "Gary Schocker Commissioning Project" (Funded), Sponsored By The International Horn Society, External to The University of Louisiana at Monroe, $2200. (February 2014 - Present).
Boldin, J. E. (Principal), Havard, J. (Principal), "Horn and Piano Recital Tour" (Funded), Sponsored By University of Louisiana Monroe: College of Arts, Education, and Sciences Dean’s Faculty Support Fund, The University of Louisiana at Monroe, $912. (September 11 2019 - September 13 2019).

Awards & Honors

April 2021 Emy-Lou Biedenharn Endowed Chair in Music.

January 2018 Yamaha Performing Artist Roster.

August 2017 ULM Foundation Award for Excellence in Creative/Artistic Activity.

August 2016 L.M. McKneely Endowed Professorship in Humanities.

July 2011 Dr. William R. Hammond Endowed Professorship in Liberal Arts.

April 2011 Deans Choice Award.

October 2008 ULM Mortar Board Mentor.

May 2003 Craig Jacobson Memorial Scholarship.

Courses Taught

HUMN 1010Fine Arts Appreciation, 9 course(s)

HUMN 1011FINE ARTS APPRECIATION: LOCAL, 19 course(s)

MSED 4001Special Problems, 1 course(s)

MSED 4053SENIOR PROJECT/RECITAL, 3 course(s)

MSED 5095APPS OF MUSIC TECHNOLOGY, 3 course(s)

MUSC 1034FRENCH HORN, 32 course(s)

MUSC 1055FRENCH HORN, 26 course(s)

MUSC 1091ENJOYMENT OF MUSIC, 58 course(s)

MUSC 1093LITERATURE & APPRECIATION, 7 course(s)

MUSC 1095INTRO TO MUSIC TECHNOLOGY, 4 course(s)

MUSC 2012BRASS ENSEMBLE, 36 course(s)

MUSC 2034FRENCH HORN, 23 course(s)

MUSC 2055FRENCH HORN, 24 course(s)

MUSC 3055FRENCH HORN, 20 course(s)

MUSC 3090HALF RECITAL, 12 course(s)

MUSC 4003PERFORMANCE AND ENSEMBLE, 12 course(s)

MUSC 4004HISTORY AND LITERATURE, 14 course(s)

MUSC 4055FRENCH HORN, 23 course(s)

MUSC 4064THE BAROQUE ERA, 9 course(s)

MUSC 4090FULL RECITAL, 5 course(s)

MUSC 4091HISTORICAL SURVEY I, 18 course(s)

MUSC 4092HISTORICAL SURVEY II, 18 course(s)

MUSC 4093THE ROMANTIC ERA, 9 course(s)

MUSC 4094CONTEMPORARY, 7 course(s)

MUSC 4099THE CLASSIC ERA, 9 course(s)

MUSC 5055French Horn, 1 course(s)