James Stephens started playing electric guitar (blues and rock) in Houston, Texas, at age 13, later earning a Bachelor of Arts in music performance from Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi under classical guitarist Philip Hii. He received the Ryan Greenberg scholarship while earning a Master of Music from the University of Missouri-Kansas City under Douglas Niedt. He took master classes with renowned artists, including the L.A. Guitar Quartet, William Kanengiser, and Jason Vieaux.
An experienced educator, Stephens has taught at San Jacinto College-Central, Baker University, Rockhurst University, MCC-Longview, and UMKC, and adjudicated the Mid-America Music Festival in 2004 and 2006. He has also performed regularly for the Kansas City Guitar Society and at various freelance venues. He resides in Overland Park, Kansas, with his family.