James Cruttenden was born in Hastings, East Sussex in 1967 and began playing the double bass at the age of 13, having already learnt the violin. He studied double bass at Birmingham School of Music with Tony Morgan and currently works as an instrumental teacher for East Sussex Music Service and also at Vinehall Preparatory School and Eastbourne College. James began composing for his own double bass students, and for groups of young bassists who attend the regular ESMS (East Sussex Music Service) Summer School. He also composes ensemble music for various instrumental combinations, but of course always featuring the double bass, and performs locally as a double bassist in his native East Sussex.