If you hire this pro, you’re covered by a money-back guarantee. Learn more
If you hire this pro, you’re covered by a money-back guarantee. Learn more
About
I have extensive experience in many areas with a Doctor of Music Degree from Yale, and am on the faculty at AMDA and UCLA teaching many genres of music including pop, musical theater, and classical- piano and voice.
I love helping people of all levels discover their potential and watching their growth!
In vocal teaching- I have helped many singers expand their range, sing with less tension, feel more confident using a variety of techniques I have gathered from many professional singers, studied with the best teachers in Los Angeles and New York, and singers are often shocked how quickly they find more ease in their singing and greater confidence! I am effective at turning on the mix for both male and female voices, and helpful to singers at all stages of their development. I can also provide piano tracks for singers, and can transpose karaoke tracks upon request. I like to split our time between technical exercises and songs.
In piano teaching- I am happy to teach both classical and popular styles. For beginning and intermediate students I find the piano adventures series to be especially good for all ages, supplemented with pieces that the students are passionate about. In advanced players, I find that a combination of pieces I suggest and music that excites the student work well! I love preparing my students for the CM certificate of merit evaluations through MTAC, and other competitive events! I am also effective in getting intermediate players to read music faster and more effectively!
Overview
Hired 56 times
Serves North Hollywood, CA
Background checked
1 employee
24 years in business
Business hours
SunClosedMon9:00 am - 2:00 pm
Payment methods
This pro accepts payments via Apple Pay, Cash, PayPal, Venmo, and Zelle.
Top Pros are among the highest-rated, most popular professionals on Thumbtack.
2025
2024
2023
2022
2021
Services offered
Musical style
Classical
Pop
Work location
My customers travel to me
I travel to my customers
Projects and media
Projects and media
Reviews
Customers rated this pro highly for professionalism, work quality, and value.
Exceptional 5.0
38 reviews
5
100%
4
0%
3
0%
2
0%
1
0%
Your trust means everything to us. Learn about our review guidelines.
Read reviews that mention:
Linda J.
Apr 1, 2026
•
Hired on Thumbtack
James is extraordinary! His musical talent — piano and singing-is superb! James got everyone to sing and dance alongside his repertoire! I will be hiring James for all my celebrations!!
Details: Birthday party • 25 guests or fewer • 51 or older • Piano • Variety • Other • Other
Music Entertainment
Emily C.
Aug 7, 2020
•
Hired on Thumbtack
I’ve been taken lessons from James for almost 2 years. I first chose James not only because of his incredible education, DMA from Yale, multiple national competition winnings, and accomplished career, but most importantly he is versatile in all music genre, classical, jazz, pop, musical theater...etc.
James is fun and friendly. He is very good at pointing out problems, offering solutions to solve the problems and working with me patiently until I get it. He is also observant and sensitive to my personality and always handpicks music pieces that I really enjoy playing. Musically, he offers suggestions but at the same time allows me to develop my own style. He is an impressive pianist. I am always fascinated to hear him play especially when he is being creative and improvising! The lessons are always engaging and inspiring. An hour always goes by so fast when it’s fun.
Occasionally, I saw him teaching other students before starting my lesson and found him really flexible and adaptive to different students personalities and needs, a classic trait of an effective competent teacher. Thinking back to the first lesson I took with James, I realized how much I’ve learned and improved in the past 2 years. I am very happy to have found him to guide me on a hobby I am passionate about. I highly recommend him as a piano teacher for students of all levels, all ages and all genres.
Details: 26 - 44 years old • Yes, the student can read music • 4+ yrs of formal training • What the teacher recommends • Yes, the student has a piano • 45 minutes • I travel to the piano teacher • The piano teacher travels to me
Piano Lessons
Ray S.
May 20, 2020
•
Hired on Thumbtack
Dr Lent is very effective in his teaching techniques. Not only does he pay attention to all of my opportunities of improvement and help me improve. He also took the time to figure my learning style out to explain why certain exercises work. I'm a science loving guy and he made sure to explain the science behind the exercises. When I researched his claims they we're right on the money... Hooked me right in. Further more; my voice has improved so much along with my range.. I am so happy and would recommend Dr Lent to any of my dearest family and friends.
Details: 26 - 44 years old • No, the student cannot read music • 0 - 2 yrs of formal training • Pop • R&B • Musical theater • Country • Opera • Rock • What the teacher recommends • 60 minutes • At the pro’s location • My home, venue, etc.
Singing Lessons
Brenda M.
Jul 26, 2021
•
Hired on Thumbtack
Thank you, Dr. Lent for making our proposal unforgettable! As the regulations surrounding the pandemic kept changing, Dr. Lent was incredibly kind and professional. He made sure I felt supported at every step of the planning and ensured safety measures were followed.
His experience and talent was undeniably evident as he played all the pieces I selected for the proposal. It was wonderful to hear all the pieces come together in a single melody. You will be more than overjoyed to have Dr. Lent serénate you at any event!
Details: General event / party • 25 guests or fewer • 31 - 50 years old • Piano • Other • Jazz / Blues • Variety • Outdoors
Music Entertainment
Joshua S.
Oct 9, 2020
•
Hired on Thumbtack
I’ve seen Dr. James Lent twice now and both times I’ve gone he’s shown me tools that have already helped my singing tremendously. He’s very informative and knows how to explain the techniques in a way that will help you understand.
Details: 18 - 25 years old • Yes, the student can read music • No formal training; some self-taught experience • R&B • Rock • Rap • Musical theater • Jazz • Country • Classical • Gospel • What the teacher recommends • Opera • 45 minutes • My home, venue, etc. • At the pro’s location
Dr. James Lent's reply
Thank you Joshua! It’s a joy to work with someone who picks up so quickly on all I have to share and applies it all so quickly!!
Singing Lessons
Credentials
Background Check
James Lent
FAQs
What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
Summer is the least busy season
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
I like to understand their short and long term goals, and then lay out a plan to achieve them
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
Doctorate and Masters in Music, teaching experience at UCLA and AMDA, piano and voice