We’re looking forward to introducing you to James Craft. Check out our conversation below.
Hi James, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: What is a normal day like for you right now?
A normal day is start-up and music-education driven right now.
I scan overnight updates from our dev team on the online learning platform we’re building for Craft Music, then I clear parent and school messages. Quick stretch, get my daughter to school, and I’m into work.
I’m working plenty with product and people: a stand-up with the engineers (matching, scheduling, payments, secure video, progress notes), then teacher onboarding and student matches. Late morning I’m on calls with districts and educational partners to shape online pathways and coordinate our on-campus and online programs.
Afternoons are focus blocks – trying to analyze requirements, delete unnecessaries, optimize, speed things up, and hopefully automate; to tighten copy, refine curriculum, or ship small features that reduce friction for families and teachers. Late day is community work: confirming recital details, supporting instructors, dousing the inevitable small fires.
Evenings are family, then a short sweep of metrics and tomorrow’s priorities. I try to guard at least one creative hour—composing or producing—so I stay connected to the art we’re teaching. In short: build the access platform, support great teachers, and keep the learning human.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m James Craft, founder of Craft Music.
We merge the warmth of in-home lessons with the reach of live online learning, and we’re building Craft Music Online—an access-first platform that makes great teachers findable, bookable, and effective for every learner.
My background is as a composer and educator, and my focus now is designing a simple, hybrid system for families and schools: curated teachers, smart matching, clear goals, progress notes, and real performances (recitals, salons, ensemble projects). We also run in-person after-school programs on campus.
What sets us apart is the blend of human connection and thoughtful tooling: quality standards for teachers, friction-free scheduling and payments, and data that supports growth without killing the joy. I’m currently expanding school partnerships and shipping features that reduce parent/admin overhead while keeping the learning experience personal and musical.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
I am a composer first and someone who likes to solve problems, take risks, and try for new things. Long before titles or roles, I was a dreamer and an explorer, the kid staring up at night skies, imagining the hush of space and the courage of astronauts.
That curiosity and wonder never left.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
There was a stretch when I almost walked away from music. I looked at other professions—stable paths, clear ladders—and told myself I could be practical. On the surface I tried to lead my life away from music, to steer into something safer. But every time I pushed music out, it pushed back in
I didn’t choose music so much as stop resisting it.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. How do you differentiate between fads and real foundational shifts?
Fads spike on novelty; foundational shifts persist because they solve durable problems, reshape behavior, and improve both outcomes and economics. Our online/hybrid platform passes that test by building the rails—onboarding, scheduling, payments, progress tracking, and collaboration—that schools, families, and teachers keep pulling for.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope people say I kept wonder alive—that I loved my family fiercely, made honest music, and built spaces where others could find their voice. I tried to widen access to great teaching, online and in person, and I met people with kindness and courage. If you knew me, you felt seen and invited to create.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.craft-music.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/craftmusicmakers/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesscraft/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/craftmusicmakers
Image Credits
photos by: Mauricio Lopez @mauriciolopezch
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
