James Wood was born in 1953 in Barton, England. Studied composition with Nadia Boulanger in Paris, as well as percussion and conducting at the Royal Academy of Music in London. Instructor at the Darmstädter Ferienkurse (1982–94). Founder and director of the New London Chamber Choir and Critical Band. Collaborations with the BBC Symphony Orchestra, London Sinfonietta and Ensemble Intercontemporain, among others. Numerous compositions commissioned by renowned ensembles.