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
Guitar Techniques
Music theory
Fingerstyle
Songs and Repertoire
Chord Progressions
Scales and Modes
Guitar for beginners
AI modules
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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 reviewed minor chord theory and practiced minor scales up to C# minor, including an introduction to flat minor keys and the harmonic minor scale. They also explored music modes like Mixolydian and Dorian, and thoroughly reviewed intervals, triads, and various seventh chords. The Student was encouraged to continue practicing these concepts and transpose them into different keys for homework.
Advanced Triads and Seventh Chords
Musical Cognition and Adaptability
Mixolydian and Dorian Modes
Chord-Scale Compatibility and Application
Minor Key Chord Progressions and Leading Tones
Natural vs. Harmonic Minor Scales
The Student and Tutor discussed piano playing techniques for a self-composed piece, focusing on right-hand finger placement and left-hand chord inversions to improve playability. They explored efficient music composition workflows using technology like looping and MIDI controllers, and the Student received advice on selecting a new keyboard. The Student also reported significant progress from a new daily practice routine, and the next session was scheduled for two weeks later.
Optimizing Hand Position and Finger Technique
Developing Consistent Practice Habits
Choosing the Right Keyboard for Home Practice & MIDI Input
Efficient Music Composition Workflow with Technology
Understanding Chord Inversions for Smoother Playing
The Student and Tutor extensively reviewed various scales and modes, including minor scales, harmonic minor, Mixolydian, and Dorian modes, with practical keyboard exercises. They also delved into advanced music theory concepts such as intervals, triads, and seven chords, practicing their identification and construction in the key of C. For homework, the Student was advised to continue practicing the natural minor scales and to master the different C chords before transposing them.
Minor Scales and Arpeggio Mastery
Harmonic Minor Scale: Construction & Sound
Church Modes: Mixolydian & Dorian
Intervals: Building Blocks of Harmony
Triads: Fundamental Chord Qualities
Seventh Chords: Adding Harmonic Complexity
The Student and Tutor connected for an introductory guitar lesson, during which they discussed the Student's goals in lead guitar, scales, and chord progressions. The session focused on theory and practice of various guitar scales, including minor and major pentatonic, and full major scales, along with an introduction to musical modes and their application. The Tutor offered to provide learning materials and discussed scheduling future lessons.
Minor Pentatonic Scale: Layout & Theory
Major Pentatonic Scale: Pattern & Derivation
Movable Major Scale Fretboard Patterns
Musical Modes vs. Fretboard Patterns
Major Scale Construction: The Whole-Half Step Rule
Relative Minor and Chord-Scale Matching Basics
Student and Tutor continued their study of piano, focusing on minor scales, arpeggios, and chord progressions, specifically practicing in A minor, E minor, and B minor. They discussed the theoretical function of the major five chord in minor keys and strategies for consistent practice. The Student was assigned to revisit previously learned pieces and incorporate site reading into their practice routine.
Integrating Arpeggios into Practice
Developing Music Reading Fluency (Sight-Reading)
Navigating Flat Minor Keys and Accidentals
The Major 5 Chord (Leading Tone) in Minor Keys
Effective and Consistent Practice Strategies
Aural Training and Error Detection
Minor Scales and Chord Progressions
The student and tutor reviewed the challenges of distinguishing between major and minor scales and discussed cognitive strategies for learning. They practiced minor scale chord progressions, emphasizing the correct construction of the dominant chord by raising the seventh scale degree, and then moved on to learning various types of seven chords (major seven, dominant seven, minor seven, half-diminished seven, and fully diminished seven) by relating them to the major scale and practicing in different keys. The tutor provided follow-up actions to practice these concepts in various keys.
Understanding Seven Chords
Minor Chord Progressions & The Raised 7th
Minor Scale Practice & Brain "Wiring"
Learning tools used in guitar classes
Looping Pedals
Guitar Tuner Apps
PDF Sheet Music
Backing Track Libraries
Ear Training Software
DAWs
Engaging guitar lessons
Pets are welcomed
Parent feedback
Note taking
Chat for quick help
Mobile joining

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