A Yale-educated Doctor of Musical Arts and world-renowned concert pianist specializing in collaborative performance and elite vocal coaching.
James is a premier musical force in the Los Angeles area. He received his Doctor of Musical Arts Degree in Performance from Yale University in 2001, following his graduation from the University of Houston in 1994. Since 1996, James has been a dedicated educator, guiding students through styles including Jazz, R&B, Pop, Broadway, and Classical.
James currently serves on the staff at UCLA as a collaborative pianist and vocal coach for the music department. His prestige extends globally through summer faculty positions at the Music Academy of the West and his role as an opera coach for the Hawaii Performing Arts Festival. He is a frequent headliner at prominent SoCal venues and has directed numerous Broadway productions.
An internationally recognized award-winner, James has earned top prizes in the New York Concert Artists Guild International Competition and the National Chopin Competition. Named Top Instrumentalist in the World Championships for the Performing Arts, James offers students a rare combination of elite technical mastery and professional performance insight.
James provides a master-level learning environment from his professional studio in Los Angeles. He believes in the "collaborative" nature of music, helping students build the confidence and technique necessary to excel in any professional or recreational setting. James is available for high-definition online instruction and select in-home lessons throughout the greater Los Angeles area.
Every instructor at Melody Music Studios, including James, undergoes our strict vetting process: Background checks, expert interviews, and reference verification.