Jim Self

James Martin Self (August 20, 1943 – November 2, 2025) was an American tubist and composer from Los Angeles. Self performed extensively in Los Angeles and internationally as a soloist, chamber musician, orchestral tubist, and most notably as a studio musician in movie studios in Los Angeles. He appeared on over 1500 soundtracks. He was also known for his association with the Pasadena Symphony, the Pacific Symphony, the Los Angeles Opera, and the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra.

James Martin Self was born in Franklin, Pennsylvania on August 20, 1943, the third youngest of four siblings born to Helen Louise (née Martin, 1907–1980)^[1] and James Warren "Pete" Self (1906–1959).^[2] He grew up in Oil City, Pennsylvania nearby to the east. His father, James, worked as an assistant production manager at the Worthington Corporation and played softball and baseball.^[2] His mother, Helen, was a member of the First Baptist Church there.^[1] His older brother, William, worked as an electrical engineer.^[3]

After graduating from Oil City High School in 1961, Jim Self went to Indiana State College (now known as Indiana University of Pennsylvania) in Indiana, Pennsylvania. He studied under trumpeter William Becker,^[4] whom he considered a "a father figure and a kind of soul mate".^[5] In 1965, he earned his bachelor's degree in music education.^[6] After graduation, Self joined the United States Army Band. The concert band tuba section included Leo Hurst, Bob Pallansch, Dan Perantoni, Chester Schmitz, and Paul Scott. During his time with the U.S. Army Band, Self earned a Master of Music in Tuba Performance degree from Catholic University of AmericaWashington, D.C. and studied with Harvey Phillips.

Self left the Army Band in 1967. He was offered the position of Assistant Professor of Tuba at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville in 1969. In 1971, while still working at the University of Tennessee, Self began working on a Doctor of Musical Arts degree at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles. At USC, he studied under Tommy Johnson.^[7]

Self murió en su casa de Los Ángeles el 2 de noviembre de 2025, a la edad de 82 años. ^{[ 20 ]}

Premio Harvey Phillips (ITEA), 2010.

Premio Roger Bobo a la Excelencia en Grabación (ITEA), 2008 – InnerPlay ^{[ 21 ]}

Premio a la trayectoria profesional (ITEA), 2008 ^{[ 22 ] [ 23 ]}

Premio a exalumnos distinguidos, Universidad de Indiana de Pensilvania, 2003 ^{[ 24 ]}

Premio al Jugador Más Valioso (Tuba), Asociación Nacional de Artes y Ciencias de la Grabación, 1983, 1985, 1986, 1987 ^{[ 25 ]}

Presidente de la Asociación Internacional de Tuba y Eufonio , 1979–1981 ^{[ 26 ]}

• www.bassethoundmusic.com
• Jim Self en IMDb
• Discografía de Jim Self en Discogs