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
/ 55 min
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
Music theory
Chord Progressions
Fingerstyle
Chords and Rhythms
Songs and Repertoire
Guitar for beginners
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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
Student and Tutor continued their guitar lesson, focusing on technique and pieces. They practiced Bach's Cello Suite No. 1 Prelude, addressing challenging finger transitions, and worked on the song "Guaranteed," reviewing complex chord shapes and fingerstyle patterns. The Tutor provided specific strategies for left-hand finger placement and right-hand plucking. They plan to continue working on these pieces next week.
Bach Cello Suite No. 1 Prelude - Navigating Challenging Measures
Sequential Finger Placement for Chord Transitions
Consistent Right Hand Finger Assignment (Fingerstyle)
Bar Chord Shapes and Derived Partial Voicings
Effective Practice: Balance & Musicality
The tutor and student worked on refining a musical composition by focusing on instrumental voicings, rhythmic notation, and chord progressions. They practiced making specific edits in music notation software to improve clarity and musical expression, with plans to continue this iterative process.
Score Formatting and Presentation
Chord Progression & Voicing
Musical Tension and Release
Rhythmic Notation & Clarity
Instrumental Arrangement & Labeling
The student and tutor reviewed fundamental rhythm concepts, including note values and subdivisions, and practiced playing rhythmic exercises with a metronome. They then began exploring natural minor scale fingerings, starting with A minor and E minor, and discussing how they relate to major scales and the importance of consistent hand positions. The student was encouraged to continue practicing both rhythm exercises and minor scales.
Rhythm Durations and Beat Division
Counting Rhythms with Syllables
Metronome Practice and Timing
Minor Scale Fingerings and Theory
The student and tutor focused on advancing jazz piano techniques, including ear training, chord voicings, comping rhythms, and constructing walking bass lines. They practiced improvising over chord changes using various scales and explored strategies for developing coherent melodic solos, with a plan to continue these practices.
Comping Rhythms and Chord Voicings
Walking Basslines in Jazz
Improvising Over Chord Changes (Soloing)
Ear Training and Transcription
The tutor and student worked on analyzing and practicing the fingerstyle guitar piece "Guaranteed." They covered chord voicings, music theory, fingerpicking techniques, and rhythmic accuracy. The student was assigned practice on the song and a Bach piece, with plans to review their progress in the next session.
Strumming Patterns and Rhythmic Variation
Bach's Prelude from Cello Suite No. 1 Adaptation for Guitar
Music Theory Application: Chord Analysis and Inversions
Fingerstyle Guitar Techniques in "Guaranteed"
The student and tutor worked on developing a song, specifically focusing on chord progressions, musical notation, rhythmic phrasing, and tempo changes. The student demonstrated their work and received guidance on incorporating musical theory and techniques into their composition, with plans to continue refining the piece.
Rhythmic Techniques: Syncopation and Dotted Rhythms
Tempo Markings and Musical Pace
Vocal Registers: Chest Voice vs. Head Voice
Chord Progressions and Tension
Musical Notation: Accidentals
Learning tools used in guitar classes
Backing Track Libraries
PDF Sheet Music
Metronome Apps
Amp Simulators
Looping Pedals
Chord Diagram Apps
Engaging guitar lessons
Parent feedback
Note taking
Chat for quick help
Open Q&A
Weekend lessons
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