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!
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.
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.
Your music teacher expertise
Folk
Jazz
Metal
Electronic
Hip-Hop
Classical
Pop
Music concepts taught by James
The Student and Tutor continued their piano studies, focusing on a new Sonatina in F major. They practiced coordinating both hands, analyzed left-hand chords and right-hand melodies, and discussed effective practice strategies for difficult passages. The session also covered new phrases involving chromaticism, grace notes, and complex runs.
Navigating Complex Runs and Ledger Lines
Analyzing Musical Phrases and Melodic Patterns
Practicing Hands Together: Bridging the Gap
Right Hand Fingering Optimization
Chord Progressions and Inversions (Left Hand)
Understanding Accidentals and Grace Notes
The student practiced scales (C, G, A, B, and F) and arpeggios to improve technique and fingering accuracy. The session involved targeted practice on specific scales, focusing on challenging sections and fingering patterns. Homework includes continued practice of scales and arpeggios, especially the F and B scales, with focus on the fingering for each hand separately.
F Scale Fingering Peculiarities
B Major Scale with Five Sharps
Groupings in the F Major Scale
F Major Arpeggio Construction
G Major Arpeggio and Interval Awareness
Sharp and Flat Awareness in Keys
The Student and Tutor reviewed scales in A, B, and E flat, focusing on chord recognition and scale patterns. The Student began analyzing and practicing "River Flows in You," specifically working on the left-hand patterns. Homework includes practicing A flat and D flat scales and continuing to work on the first two lines of "River Flows in You."
Scale Practice: Balancing Success and Failure
Circle of Fifths and Fourths Application
Tied Notes and Rests
Right-Hand Melody and Fingerings
Analyzing Musical Patterns for Faster Learning
Left-Hand Patterns: Fifths and Octaves
Chord Progressions and Key Signatures
The Student and Tutor reviewed major and minor scales, including natural, harmonic, and melodic minors, and practiced arpeggios in D, A, E, and G. The Student worked on maintaining consistent tempo and identifying key signatures. The assigned task is to practice scales and arpeggios, paying close attention to rhythm and key signatures.
Compound Meter and Dotted Half Notes
Arpeggio Construction
Relative Minor and Major Keys
Minor Scale Variations: Natural
Harmonic
and Melodic
Scale Endings and Rhythmic Steadiness
D Harmonic Minor's Unique Qualities
The Student reviewed scales and arpeggios, with a focus on those beginning on black keys, and started learning a new piece in F major. The session included analyzing the piece's melody and chords, and the Student was advised to practice the piece measure by measure. The next session is scheduled for Tuesday to continue working on the piece.
B Major Scale Fingering & Key Signature
F# Major Scale Similarities to B Major
D Flat (C#) Major Scale Characteristics
Arpeggio Fingering on Black Keys (D flat Example)
Identifying Intervals: Skips and Leaps
Recognizing Patterns
Effective Practice Strategies: One Measure at a Time
Grace Notes: Timing and Execution
The session covered piano scales, chord theory, and an initial exploration of a new piece. The Student practiced scales in various keys, learned about triad chord construction and inversions, and began analyzing “River Flows in You”. Homework includes practicing scales, working on chord identification using flashcards, and continuing to learn "River Flows in You" hands separately.
E Flat Scale Fingering
River Flows in You: Initial Analysis
Triads in a Major Scale
Chord Construction: Triads
B Flat Scale Fingering
Fingering Patterns in Scales
Types of music lessons
Music Production
Music Composition
Sight-Reading
Digital Audio Workstation
Music Mixing
Mashups
Teaching tools used in music classes
Vocal Warm-Up Apps
Metronome spps
Vocal Range App
Ear Training Software
Pitch and Tuning Apps
Recording Apps
Looping Software
Learner types for music lessons
Music for beginners
Music for intermediate
Music for kids
Music for adults
Music for advanced
Interactive music lessons
Chat for quick help
Open Q&A
Parent feedback
Record lessons
Weekend lessons
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