James Cortright
Experienced tutor helping for grade improvement




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James Cortright
Bachelors degree
/ 55 min
About your music teacher
I've dedicated my life to teaching music, while constantly improving my abilities as a teacher and musician. For over 15 years of work experience I've taught lessons and ensembles, learned from some of the best teachers, and remained a life-long student of music pedagogy. My education includes a 4 year Bachelor's degree in music, and a 2 year certificate in audio technology. I've won first place as a performing member and a teacher with ensembles in world class international competitions, and received perfect scores in competitions as a soloist. Through all of this, I've learned that each student is a unique and special musical mind that requires adaptability from a teacher who has mastered their craft, but still has the ability to make the material understandable to a complete beginner. Thank you for reading this and considering taking lessons with me!
Your music teacher expertise
Electronic
Film/Movie
Jazz
Metal
Pop
Bluegrass
Rock
AI modules
Summary
Podcast
Quiz
Learnings
Flashcard
Spotlight
Zero Risk Guaranteed
15-days refund
Free tutor swap
No cancel fee
1-yr validity
24/7 support
Learner types for music lessons
Music for adults
Music for beginners
Music for intermediate
Music for advanced
Music for kids
Music lessons at a glance
My teaching methodology is based on a combination of studying a variety of music education techniques such as Orff, Kodaly, and Suzuki, while also learning from first hand experience teaching thousands of students. I believe that there is no one right way to teach music, but instead it is best to have a large tool kit and extensive background of knowledge to draw from based on the needs of any individual student. From beginners to advanced, from elementary age to adults, there will always be some creativity and flexibility involved in how I go about conveying the information that will help a student learn about music and improve their abilities on their instrument. I incorporate lessons from all areas of the subject of music including music theory, history, and ear training, while drawing from a variety of styles including classical, jazz, and folk.
Expert in developing musical techniques
Breaks down complex techniques for easy, effective learning.
Trusted by 95% of parents
Parents observe tangible growth in their child’s musical talent.
Interactive feedback for performance
Students receive real-time feedback to enhance their music practice.
Types of music lessons
Music Production
Music Composition
Sight-Reading
Digital Audio Workstation
Music Mixing
Mashups

Music concepts taught by James
Student and Tutor worked on an original song composition, focusing on refining its structure, adjusting rhythmic notation, and exploring various harmony techniques like adding notes below the melody and selecting appropriate chords based on music theory. They discussed concepts such as relative major/minor keys, harmonic rhythm, and text painting. The Student plans to prepare another song for the next session.
Text Painting & Musical Narrative
Music Notation Software Workflow
Song Arrangement & Audience
Chord Building & Diatonic Harmony
Relative Major & Minor Keys
Harmonizing Melodies with Intervals
Student and Tutor reviewed piano arpeggios, working on two-octave major arpeggios across various keys. They then delved into different minor scales, including natural and harmonic minors, before exploring jazz modes like Mixolydian and Dorian, discussing their structure and application over specific seventh chords for improvisation. The Tutor provided practice recommendations for incorporating these new scales into the Student's routine.
Chord-Scale Relationships & Improvisation
Jazz Modes: Dorian
Natural and Harmonic Minor Scales
Mastering Two-Octave Arpeggios
Jazz Modes: Mixolydian
Student and Tutor continued their guitar lesson, focusing on technique and pieces. They practiced Bach's Cello Suite No. 1 Prelude, addressing challenging finger transitions, and worked on the song "Guaranteed," reviewing complex chord shapes and fingerstyle patterns. The Tutor provided specific strategies for left-hand finger placement and right-hand plucking. They plan to continue working on these pieces next week.
Bach Cello Suite No. 1 Prelude - Navigating Challenging Measures
Sequential Finger Placement for Chord Transitions
Consistent Right Hand Finger Assignment (Fingerstyle)
Bar Chord Shapes and Derived Partial Voicings
Effective Practice: Balance & Musicality
The tutor and student worked on refining a musical composition by focusing on instrumental voicings, rhythmic notation, and chord progressions. They practiced making specific edits in music notation software to improve clarity and musical expression, with plans to continue this iterative process.
Score Formatting and Presentation
Chord Progression & Voicing
Musical Tension and Release
Rhythmic Notation & Clarity
Instrumental Arrangement & Labeling
The student and tutor reviewed fundamental rhythm concepts, including note values and subdivisions, and practiced playing rhythmic exercises with a metronome. They then began exploring natural minor scale fingerings, starting with A minor and E minor, and discussing how they relate to major scales and the importance of consistent hand positions. The student was encouraged to continue practicing both rhythm exercises and minor scales.
Minor Scale Fingerings and Theory
Metronome Practice and Timing
Counting Rhythms with Syllables
Rhythm Durations and Beat Division
The student and tutor focused on advancing jazz piano techniques, including ear training, chord voicings, comping rhythms, and constructing walking bass lines. They practiced improvising over chord changes using various scales and explored strategies for developing coherent melodic solos, with a plan to continue these practices.
Comping Rhythms and Chord Voicings
Walking Basslines in Jazz
Improvising Over Chord Changes (Soloing)
Ear Training and Transcription
Teaching tools used in music classes
Recording Apps
Ear Training Software
Looping Software
Breathing Support Apps
Metronome spps
Resonance App
Backing Track Libraries
Interactive music lessons
Mobile joining
Chat for quick help
Pets are welcomed
Weekend lessons
Note taking

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Every tutor is interviewed and selected for subject expertise and teaching skill.
