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
Chord Progressions
Fingerstyle
Songs and Repertoire
Chords and Rhythms
Scales and Modes
Guitar Techniques
Guitar for beginners
CoTutorAI modules
Summary
Podcast
Quiz
Learnings
Flashcard
Spotlight
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Learner for guitar lessons
Guitar for intermediate
Guitar for adults
Guitar for kids
Guitar for beginners
Guitar for advanced
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 and tutor worked on refining the musical composition of a song, focusing on key choices, lyrical alignment with notes and rhythms, and exploring different notational techniques. They planned to adjust key signatures and continue detailed notation in future sessions.
Musical Transposition and Key Relationships
Melody Development and Lyric Alignment
Musical Notation and Notation Software
Vocal Performance Styles and Stylistic Choices
The tutor and student worked on improving piano playing skills, with a particular focus on timing and rhythm exercises. They practiced scales, arpeggios, and specific chord progressions, using a metronome and discussing visual aids for rhythmic understanding. The student will continue practicing these exercises, with a focus on developing accurate timing and internalizing steady tempos.
Effective Practice Strategies
Scale and Chord Transposition
Rhythm and Timing Fundamentals
The student and tutor reviewed chord progressions, focusing on the 1645 pattern and its application in different keys. They also discussed techniques for playing bar chords and practiced identifying notes on the musical staff and their corresponding locations on the guitar, with a plan to explore classical fingerstyle guitar next.
Chord Progressions & Roman Numerals
Barre Chord Techniques & Workarounds
Music Notation & Guitar Fretboard Mapping
Chord Quality: Major
Minor
and Diminished
The tutor and student worked collaboratively to learn and use music notation software to compose a song. They focused on inputting notes, rhythms, and lyrics, as well as arranging multiple musical parts and voices. The next session will continue this work, with the tutor providing the student with the current score file.
Multi-Voice and Instrument Management
Compositional Structure and Phrasing
Adding and Formatting Lyrics
Music Notation Software Basics
Handling Octaves and Accidentals
The Student and Tutor focused on piano technique, reviewing chord transitions in "Tiny Dancer" and practicing scales and arpeggios, including specific patterns for black key keys like B flat and E flat. They also worked on rhythmic accuracy and timing in "Tiny Dancer" and "Simple Gifts," with the tutor providing guidance on listening to recordings and developing a steady beat.
Chord Symbol Interpretation and Application
Black Key Arpeggios: Fingerings and Shapes
Rhythmic Precision and Interpretation
Learning New Music: Process and Application
The Tutor and Student worked on piano technique, focusing on practicing scales in various keys (C, G, D major) and applying transposition concepts. They also practiced and analyzed challenging sections of "Ode to Joy" and "Simple Gifts," discussing strategies for efficient practice and error correction. The homework assigned was to continue practicing "Ode to Joy" and the scales in C and G major.
Conquering Hand Independence in Piano
The Art of Transposition: From C Major to G Major
Deconstructing Arpeggios: Fingerings and Stretches
The Practice Pyramid: Isolating and Integrating
Perishable Skills and Consistent Practice
Learning tools used in guitar classes
Amp Simulators
PDF Sheet Music
DAWs
Metronome Apps
Guitar Tuner Apps
Ear Training Software
Engaging guitar lessons
Mobile joining
Record lessons
Open Q&A
Parent feedback
Pets are welcomed
Guitar teachers on Wiingy are vetted for quality
Every tutor is interviewed and selected for subject expertise and teaching skill.