James Cortright
Guitar lessons for all, with a focus on accessibility and fun, but also excellence through music
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James Cortright
Bachelors degree
Enroll after the free trial
Each lesson is 55 min
50 lessons
20% off
/ lesson
30 lessons
15% off
/ lesson
20 lessons
10% off
/ lesson
10 lessons
5% off
/ lesson
5 lessons
-
/ lesson
1 lessons
-
/ lesson
James - Know your guitar 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 guitar teacher expertise
Chord Progressions
Fingerstyle
Guitar Techniques
Music theory
Guitar for beginners
Scales and Modes
Strumming and Picking Techniques
Learner for guitar lessons
Guitar for kids
Guitar for advanced
Guitar for beginners
Guitar for adults
Guitar for intermediate
Guitar lessons quick guide
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.
Strumming made easy in class
89% students say rhythm and timing improved quickly
Guitar lessons that keep kids motivated
No reminders needed, students are eager to attend
Step-by-step guitar classes tracking
86% students see clear milestones across levels
Types of guitar lessons
Guitar
Acoustic Guitar
Electric Guitar
Classical Guitar
Bass Guitar
Guitar concepts taught by James
The Student practiced scales and arpeggios in the flat keys of B flat, E flat, A flat, D flat and G flat, focusing on correct fingerings and transitions. The Tutor provided guidance on identifying note patterns, aiming for accurate playing, and adjusting hand positions. The next session is scheduled for Tuesday, to continue working on scales.
D♭ Major Scale and Arpeggio
G♭ Major Scale and Arpeggio
E♭ Major Scale and Arpeggio
A♭ Major Scale and Arpeggio
B♭ Major Scale and Arpeggio
The session covered piano scales, chord theory, and rhythm practice, with a focus on improving the student's scales and arpeggios through the circle of fifths and fourths, and introducing minor scales. The student worked on the rhythm in "River Flows in You," specifically measures 7 and 8, and received guidance on breaking down the coordination between the hands. The tutor assigned continued practice on these areas and provided resources for note reading in bass clef.
Circle of Fifths/Fourths Practice
Scale Fingerings and Sets of Notes
Minor Scales: Natural and Harmonic
Chord Types: Major
Minor
Diminished
Augmented
Coordination and Compound Counting
The session covered scale practice (circle of fifths, circle of fourths, chromatic, and pentatonic) and focused on improving fingering and transitions in "Blackbird" and Bach's Cello Suite Prelude. The Student received guidance on hand positions and efficient finger usage. The Tutor will send a video demonstration of a tricky section in "Blackbird" and an image with the fingering for a measure in the Bach piece, and will also send another piece for the student to work on.
Circle of Fifths and Fourths (First Position Focus)
Hand Position and Finger Assignment
Connecting Scale Degrees to Intervals
Chromatic Scale with Open Strings
Major and Minor Pentatonic Scales
Fingering Efficiency and Technique in 'Blackbird'
The student practiced scales and arpeggios, focusing on fingering and technique, and began working on a new piece, Allegro, with an emphasis on music theory analysis. The tutor recommended practicing scales and arpeggios in the order of the circle of fifths and fourths and to continue working on the Allegro piece, analyzing its harmonic structure.
Scale Fingerings: F and B Major
Circle of Fifths and Fourths: Scales
Two-Octave Arpeggios: Fingering
Musical Analysis: Melody and Harmony
Ledger Lines and Extended Ranges
The Student played a piece and received feedback on timing and rhythm, then reviewed major and minor chords and scales. The Tutor introduced a new song and discussed hand positions and fingerings. The Student will receive a version of the new song with fingerings written in to practice.
Timing and Rhythm in Music
Finger Placement and Hand Position
Major and Minor Scales and Chords
Reading Music and Accidental Markings
The student and tutor discussed chord simplification, inversions, and rhythm patterns in guitar. The student worked on applying these concepts to two specific songs, "Took a Walk" and a rendition of "Stand by Me." The session concluded with rhythm exercises and chord substitution strategies.
Chord Simplification
D7 vs. D Major
F Chord Variations
Capos and Key Transposition
Chord Inversions (G/B)
Reading Chord Diagrams: X vs. O
Basic Rhythm and Strumming
Learning tools used in guitar classes
Chord Diagram Apps
PDF Sheet Music
Backing Track Libraries
Amp Simulators
Looping Pedals
Ear Training Software
Engaging guitar lessons
Chat for quick help
Note taking
Record lessons
Open Q&A
Pets are welcomed
Guitar teachers on Wiingy are vetted for quality
Every tutor is interviewed and selected for subject expertise and teaching skill.
