James Rippingale studied Classical Guitar at Leeds College of Music. He has also received tuition from leading professional players including Paul Galbraith, David Leisner, Nicola Hall and Ben Verdery.

He currently studies musical interpretation with George Hadjinikos, Classical Guitar with Simon Dinnegan and Luigi Palumbo and performs regularly with the Mercia Guitar Quartet, Reflections and as a soloist. In his spare time James likes walks, reading, cats and tea.