James Greeson is a Professor of Composition and Music Theory in the Department of Music at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville. He received his doctorate in composition from the University of Wisconsin and MM and BM from the University of Utah. His compositions have been published by Cor Publishing, Willis Music Co., the U. of Northern Colorado Jazz Press, and SeeSaw Publishers.

His Fantasy for Five Players, (1984) commissioned by the Da Capo Chamber Players, has been heard by that group in performances at Carnegie Hall, Symphony Space in New York City, and around the country. His Trees of Arkansas, (1987) for soprano and orchestra, has been performed in Arkansas, Kansas and Bolivia. Contra, a composition for solo doublebass has been recorded on Crystal Records by bassist Daniel Gwyn. He has also composed music in his home MIDI recording studio for four documentaries aired on Public Television. Also active as a jazz composer Dr. Greeson's music for jazz ensemble is published by University of Northern Colorado Music Press and has been performed at the Telluride Jazz Festival.

Dr. Greeson is also active as a guitarist in both the classical and jazz idioms. He has performed widely throughout the region as a soloist and part of a Novaria, a classical guitar and flute duo. Novaria's first compact disc recording was released in 1996 on the Nuance label. He is also the jazz guitar consultant for Kendor Music, Inc. in New York. At the University of Arkansas Dr. Greeson teaches music theory and composition, guitar, string bass, plays principal string bass in the North Arkansas Symphony and directs the UA jazz ensemble. Please go here for Music Theory course materials, a Basic Musicianship practice test, sound clips, and other information.