James Schar studied piano at the Hochschule für Musik und Darstellende Kunst, Frankfurt. During his studies he began working as a ballet accompanist for Dr. Hochs Konservatorium, and upon finishing began accompanying for the ballet department of the Frankfurt Hochschule. James left to take a full-time position as ballet accompanist at the Hochschule für Musik, Heidelberg-Mannheim, but returned to Frankfurt in 1996 when he was offered a full-time position.