Jo James studied at Northumbria University on a Community Music degree course and then Durham University for a primary PGCE. She started working for Durham Music Service in 2002 as a woodwind teacher, later moving into curriculum support and special needs. Jo is now the SEND Lead for the Music service and is working together with all the Specialist schools to ensure high quality SEND music learning in all the  across County Durham and Darlington. She has been instrumental in developing the SEND strategy for the music service and is passionate about opening up musical opportunities for all children and young people.