James Pospisil received his Bachelor of Music degree in performance at Wichita State University, with Nicholas Smith as horn professor, then finished his master's degree in horn performance at Indiana University, with Michael Hatfield as horn professor. At I.U., Mr. Pospisil also studied natural horn with Richard Seraphinoff. Jazz was also an integral part of his education, minoring in jazz studies at Indiana University under David Baker. He has attended many festivals including the Norfolk Chamber Music Festival and the Summit Brass Institute.
Along with teaching at UMD, Mr. Pospisil is Principal Horn of the Duluth-Superior Symphony Orchestra, and has appeared as soloist. A frequent recitalist, he can be heard several times a year in a solo capacity. Chamber music is also one of his favorite artistic endeavors, working with the top musicians in this area. In addition to horn playing and teaching various ages of students, Mr. Pospisil is a church organist and pianist at Peace United Church of Christ.
Outside of music, Mr. Pospisil enjoys cross country skiing and gardening, which in Duluth, the skiing is much more practical. He is married to Duluth-Superior Symphony Orchestra hornist Jill Pospisil, who is an active chamber musician and teacher. Jill also did graduate work at Indiana University, and is an alumnus of Wichita State. Jill also repairs band instrument when not teaching or performing.
At UMD, Mr. Pospisil teaches private horn lessons to each student, in addition to giving a weekly master class for his students. A brass techniques class is also part of his teaching duties, focusing on the various performance and pedagogical aspects of brass instruments.