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
Jazz
Rock
Hip-Hop
Bluegrass
Folk
Film/Movie
Electronic
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 intermediate
Music for beginners
Music for adults
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Teaching tools used in music classes
Resonance App
Backing Track Libraries
Ear Training Software
Breathing Support Apps
Metronome spps
Recording Apps
Vocal Warm-Up Apps
Interactive music lessons
Pets are welcomed
Mobile joining
Open Q&A
Note taking
Record lessons

Music teachers on Wiingy are vetted for quality
Every tutor is interviewed and selected for subject expertise and teaching skill.
