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
Songs and Repertoire
Ear training
Chord Progressions
Scales and Modes
Music theory
Chords and Rhythms
Guitar Techniques
CoTutorAI modules
Summary
Podcast
Quiz
Learnings
Flashcard
Spotlight
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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
The student and tutor reviewed piano technique, focusing on rhythm, hand positioning, and scale/arpeggio practice. They also explored chord construction and theory within the key of C major, including the significance of 1-4-5 progressions. The tutor plans to send additional resources for "Ode to Joy" and chord theory.
Rhythm and Timing in Music
Piano Technique Fundamentals
Chord Construction and Function
Music Theory: Scales and Arpeggios
The Tutor and Student reviewed fundamental guitar techniques, including tuning, chord recognition, and basic strumming patterns. They practiced common chord progressions in different keys and were introduced to reading guitar tablature, with homework involving practice on chord progressions and tab reading exercises.
Consonance and Dissonance in Chords
Chord Finger Placement and Technique
Understanding Seventh Chords (G7)
Chord Progressions and Musical Journey
Reading Guitar Tablature (Tabs)
The student and tutor worked on piano skills, focusing on scales and arpeggios in various keys, and then applied these concepts to playing chords in 'Tiny Dancer.' They discussed strategies for chord inversions, voice leading, and practicing with recordings, with plans to reinforce these techniques in future sessions.
Understanding Chord Shapes and Root Position
Rhythmic Accuracy and Chord Timing
Chord Inversions and Voice Leading
Mastering Scales and Arpeggios
The student and tutor worked on various guitar techniques including fretboard navigation, hand positioning, and understanding note names on the fretboard. They practiced forming common chords and reading guitar tablature, with a focus on developing finger dexterity and musical comprehension. The student's guitar string is being fixed, with plans for tuning and further practice on newly introduced concepts.
Reading Guitar Tabs
Guitar Chord Shapes and Technique
Fretboard Navigation and Hand Positions
Guitar Tuning and Troubleshooting
Understanding Guitar Fretboard Notes
The Student and Tutor worked on piano pieces "Simple Gifts" and "River Flows in You," focusing on tempo, rhythm, and hand coordination. They also practiced various scales and explored chord voicings and voice leading for "Tiny Dancer," with plans to continue refining these skills and potentially introduce new repertoire.
Building Fluency and Musicality
The Importance of Practice and Repetition
Chord Voicings and Voice Leading
Rhythm and Timing Accuracy
The student and tutor reviewed advanced guitar techniques, including bar chord shapes and their theoretical underpinnings. They also began exploring music notation by relating notes on the staff to their positions on the guitar fretboard, with plans to continue practicing these skills.
Bar Chords: E Shape and A Minor Shape
Music Theory Fundamentals for Guitar
Reading Guitar Music: Notation vs. Tabs
Chord Progressions and Roman Numeral Analysis
Learning tools used in guitar classes
DAWs
PDF Sheet Music
Amp Simulators
Ear Training Software
Chord Diagram Apps
Backing Track Libraries
Engaging guitar lessons
Record lessons
Note taking
Parent feedback
Mobile joining
Pets are welcomed
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Every tutor is interviewed and selected for subject expertise and teaching skill.