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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 57 times
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
Music types
Vocals
Piano
Event type
Wedding reception
Wedding ceremony
Birthday party
Cocktail hour
Music genres
Pop / top 40
Rock / classic rock
Jazz / Blues
Covers
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
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Read reviews that mention:
Linda J.
Apr 1, 2026
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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
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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
Mike O.
May 18, 2021
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Hired on Thumbtack
James was awesome and patient as I am very green! I was able to hit a few good chord changes and am very excited to keep my song moving along! Thanks James!
Details: Services • Music composition only • Country • Ballad • My home, venue, etc.
Songwriting
Brenda M.
Jul 26, 2021
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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
Logan J.
Aug 24, 2023
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Hired on Thumbtack
As of writing this I am still pursuing lessons with Dr. James but he is an absolutely fantastic teacher and has helped me not only unlock my potential (that proceeds to get increased every week) but help me exceed it beyond areas I didn’t think I could achieve! As I was searching for teachers, I was skeptical about what I was going to be getting out of the lessons as I come from the hardcore and metal scene and obviously want to find my very own scream, growl and other harsh vocal styles. When I brought this to Dr. James he not only welcomed the idea immediately but showed excitement in pursuing the harsher vocal style. 100% recommend to those who want to learn how to clean sing, scream, or both as he is a safe and fun choice for both!
Details: 18 - 25 years old • No, the student cannot read music • No formal training; some self-taught experience • Rock • 45 minutes • At the pro’s location
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