About Johnston Music Studio

James Michael Johnston 

is a pianist, composer and music teacher with over 30 years experience. 

He studied the piano under the guidance of internationally acclaimed and 

Grammy nominees, Renee & Mona Golabek of Beverly Hills. 

He earned his Bachelor of Arts in Music at Cal State University, 

Long Beach. While at CSULB, he had the privilege of studying choral music with Professor Frank Pooler, known for writing the Christmas classic, “Merry Christmas, Darling” for Karen & Richard Carpenter. 

Mr. Pooler included several of James’ choral pieces in the

University Choir concert series.

James's original songs have been featured in programs for events, such as The Children of Willesden Lane "City-Wide Reads" at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion in Los Angeles for 10,000 students, as well as in 

New York, London and many other cities across the globe.

James was specially selected to perform at the grand openings of Southern California’s premier resorts, hotels and golf clubs, 

including Four Seasons Resort Aviara, 

Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego, Hilton La Jolla Torrey Pines 

and The Bridges at Rancho Santa Fe Golf Club. 

He has been engaged to perform for corporate and private events in 

San Diego, Los Angeles, Nashville and Chicago; 

and for many celebrities including Jane Seymour,

Richard Chamberlain, Heather Thomas, Bill Gates, Dustin Hoffman, The

Carpenters, Olivia Newton-John, Burt Bacharach and Dionne Warwick.

James lives in North County San Diego near San Elijo Hills and La Costa 

 with his wife, BarDee. 

They have three beautiful children and one grandchild.