James Cortright

Experienced tutor helping for grade improvement

4.6(157)

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Profile photo of James, Music tutor at Wiingy
Profile photo of James, Music tutor at Wiingy
Profile photo of James, Music tutor at Wiingy
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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

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Jazz

Rock icon

Rock

Hip-Hop icon

Hip-Hop

Bluegrass icon

Bluegrass

Folk icon

Folk

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Film/Movie

Electronic icon

Electronic

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Podcast

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Learnings

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1-yr validity

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Learner types for music lessons

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Music for intermediate

Music for beginners icon

Music for beginners

Music for adults icon

Music for adults

Music for advanced icon

Music for advanced

Music for kids icon

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.

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Expert in developing musical techniques

Breaks down complex techniques for easy, effective learning.

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Trusted by 95% of parents

Parents observe tangible growth in their child’s musical talent.

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Interactive feedback for performance

Students receive real-time feedback to enhance their music practice.

Types of music lessons

Music Production

Music Production

Music Composition

Music Composition

Sight-Reading

Sight-Reading

Digital Audio Workstation

Digital Audio Workstation

Music Mixing

Music Mixing

Mashups

Mashups

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Music concepts taught by James

Student learned about 9 hours ago

The student and tutor reviewed fundamental guitar techniques, including strumming, chord formation, and finger placement. They practiced forming basic chords, discussed tuning methods using both ear and an app, and learned to read chord diagrams and tablature for playing melodies. The session concluded with an emphasis on consistent practice for improvement.

Chord Qualities: Major vs. Minor

Reading Guitar Tablature (Tabs)

Tuning and Intonation

Reading Chord Diagrams

Guitar Chord Basics

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Student learned 21 days ago

The Student and Tutor reviewed two piano pieces, "Joy to the World" and "Silent Night," focusing on hand positions, key signatures, and effective practice strategies for challenging sections. They then delved into fundamental music theory, covering how to read chord symbols, construct major, minor, and seventh chords, and understand the structure of major scales through whole and half steps. The Student plans to continue practicing and will schedule the next session as needed.

Building Major and Minor Triads

Understanding Whole and Half Steps in Scale Construction

Optimizing Chord Playing with Inversions & Voicing

Expanding to Seven Chords

Understanding Key Signatures and Accidentals

Developing Song Performance Skills

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Student learned 27 days ago

Student and Tutor focused on piano minor scales, practicing various keys from the circle of fifths and fourths, along with their associated chord progressions. They also delved into music theory, reviewing interval identification (perfect, major, minor, diminished, augmented) and the construction and inversions of triads and seven chords. The Student was encouraged to continue practicing scales and interval identification, with an offer of additional materials for independent study.

Interval Identification Review

Enharmonic Equivalents & Key Signature Logic

Seven Chords and Their Inversions

Triads and Inversions

Minor Scale Mastery & Navigation Challenges

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Student learned about 1 month ago

Student and Tutor reviewed minor chord theory and practiced minor scales up to C# minor, including an introduction to flat minor keys and the harmonic minor scale. They also explored music modes like Mixolydian and Dorian, and thoroughly reviewed intervals, triads, and various seventh chords. The Student was encouraged to continue practicing these concepts and transpose them into different keys for homework.

Natural vs. Harmonic Minor Scales

Mixolydian and Dorian Modes

Chord-Scale Compatibility and Application

Advanced Triads and Seventh Chords

Musical Cognition and Adaptability

Minor Key Chord Progressions and Leading Tones

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Student learned about 1 month ago

The Student and Tutor discussed piano playing techniques for a self-composed piece, focusing on right-hand finger placement and left-hand chord inversions to improve playability. They explored efficient music composition workflows using technology like looping and MIDI controllers, and the Student received advice on selecting a new keyboard. The Student also reported significant progress from a new daily practice routine, and the next session was scheduled for two weeks later.

Optimizing Hand Position and Finger Technique

Understanding Chord Inversions for Smoother Playing

Efficient Music Composition Workflow with Technology

Choosing the Right Keyboard for Home Practice & MIDI Input

Developing Consistent Practice Habits

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Student learned about 1 month ago

The Student and Tutor extensively reviewed various scales and modes, including minor scales, harmonic minor, Mixolydian, and Dorian modes, with practical keyboard exercises. They also delved into advanced music theory concepts such as intervals, triads, and seven chords, practicing their identification and construction in the key of C. For homework, the Student was advised to continue practicing the natural minor scales and to master the different C chords before transposing them.

Minor Scales and Arpeggio Mastery

Harmonic Minor Scale: Construction & Sound

Church Modes: Mixolydian & Dorian

Intervals: Building Blocks of Harmony

Triads: Fundamental Chord Qualities

Seventh Chords: Adding Harmonic Complexity

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Teaching tools used in music classes

Resonance App image

Resonance App

Backing Track Libraries image

Backing Track Libraries

Ear Training Software image

Ear Training Software

Breathing Support Apps image

Breathing Support Apps

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Metronome spps

Recording Apps image

Recording Apps

Vocal Warm-Up Apps image

Vocal Warm-Up Apps

Interactive music lessons

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Pets are welcomed

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Mobile joining

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Open Q&A

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Note taking

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Record lessons

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