James Domine, at an early age he displayed a precocious interest in music, playing violin in the school orchestras and taking piano lessons. He began formal study of composition and theory at age 16. 

Domine made his first serious compositional efforts in the form of three suites for solo guitar in E minor, D major and A minor. 

These suites were subsequently arranged as concerti for guitar and chamber orchestra, and form the point of departure for his repertoire both as performer and composer.