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
Scales and Modes
Songs and Repertoire
Music theory
Chords and Rhythms
Fingerstyle
Strumming and Picking Techniques
Guitar Techniques
Learner for guitar lessons
Guitar for advanced
Guitar for beginners
Guitar for adults
Guitar for intermediate
Guitar for kids
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 class reviewed and practiced major scales, focusing on fingering techniques for keys with sharps and flats, progressing through the circle of fourths. The student then applied scale concepts and rhythmic accuracy to the piece "Country Roads," working on specific measures and hand coordination. Further practice was recommended for both scales and the musical piece.
Understanding Musical Structure: Scales
Chords
and Intervals
Precision in Flat Keys: Navigating Black Note Transitions
Mastering Major Scales: Circle of Fifths and Fourths
Developing Musical Independence: Left vs. Right Hand Coordination
The student and tutor worked on piano technique, practicing specific musical pieces and refining hand coordination. They explored various scales and chord progressions, focusing on understanding musical theory and developing practical skills for playing songs. The next lesson is scheduled for February 17th.
Intervals
Diads
and Chords
Hand Coordination and Finger Independence
Transposing and Scale Quality
Chord Progressions: The 1-4-5 Pattern
Note Reading and Fingerings
The tutor and student worked on piano technique, including practicing scales in various keys and mastering two-octave scale execution. They also began learning a pop song using lead sheets, focusing on chord construction, voice leading, and understanding dominant seventh chords. The session concluded with a review of the student's progress on a specific piece, "River Flows in You," and strategies for improving rhythm and timing.
Two-Octave Scales
Chord Voicings and Lead Sheets
Overtone Series and Chord Construction
The Student practiced major scales in the circle of fifths and circle of fourths, focusing on fingering and rhythm. They worked on E major, F major, and B flat major scales, breaking down the fingerings and practicing hands separately. The Student was assigned to continue practicing all 12 major scales, focusing on the flat keys, and to keep working on the "Country Roads" song.
Circle of Fifths Scales: Fingering and Sharps
Circle of Fourths Scales: Introducing Flats
B♭ Major Scale: Starting on a Black Note
E♭ Major Scale: Building on Previous Scales
Effective Practice Techniques for Scales
Musicality: Balancing Rhythm and Sound Quality
The Student practiced various piano scales, including C, G, D, A, E, B, F#, B flat, E flat, A flat and D flat, with a focus on fingering and note groupings. The Tutor provided guidance on tackling challenging scales like B flat and strategies for improving coordination between hands. The Student was encouraged to continue practicing scales and arpeggios, with the option to reach out with questions before the next scheduled lesson.
Circle of Fifths and Fourths
B Flat Scale Fingering
E Flat Scale Fingering
D Flat Scale and Black Key Fingering
Arpeggios for Finger Dexterity
Grouping Notes for Scale Fingering
The Tutor and Student reviewed progress on a piano piece, then began learning "Amazing Grace." They focused on reading music, hand positioning, fingerings, and introduced major and minor scales as practice for dexterity and understanding musical theory. The student will continue practicing the new piece and scales independently.
Reading Bass Clef Notes
Slurs and Ties in Music Notation
Octave Notation (8vb and 8va)
Scales: Major and Minor Keys
Learning tools used in guitar classes
Guitar Tuner Apps
Chord Diagram Apps
Metronome Apps
DAWs
Backing Track Libraries
Ear Training Software
Engaging guitar lessons
Record lessons
Chat for quick help
Weekend lessons
Pets are welcomed
Parent feedback
Guitar teachers on Wiingy are vetted for quality
Every tutor is interviewed and selected for subject expertise and teaching skill.
