James Cortright

Guitar lessons for all, with a focus on accessibility and fun, but also excellence through music

4.6(157)

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Profile photo of James, Guitar tutor at Wiingy
Profile photo of James, Guitar tutor at Wiingy
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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 icon

Guitar Techniques

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Guitar for beginners

Chords and Rhythms icon

Chords and Rhythms

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Strumming and Picking Techniques

Chord Progressions icon

Chord Progressions

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Scales and Modes

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Ear training

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Learner for guitar lessons

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Guitar for adults

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Guitar for intermediate

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Guitar for kids

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Guitar for beginners

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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.

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Strumming made easy in class

89% students say rhythm and timing improved quickly

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Guitar lessons that keep kids motivated

No reminders needed, students are eager to attend

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Step-by-step guitar classes tracking

86% students see clear milestones across levels

Types of guitar lessons

Guitar

Guitar

Acoustic Guitar

Acoustic Guitar

Electric Guitar

Electric Guitar

Classical Guitar

Classical Guitar

Bass Guitar

Bass Guitar

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Guitar concepts taught by James

Student learned 8 days ago

The Student and Tutor reviewed two piano pieces, "Joy to the World" and "Silent Night," focusing on hand positions, key signatures, and effective practice strategies for challenging sections. They then delved into fundamental music theory, covering how to read chord symbols, construct major, minor, and seventh chords, and understand the structure of major scales through whole and half steps. The Student plans to continue practicing and will schedule the next session as needed.

Understanding Key Signatures and Accidentals

Understanding Whole and Half Steps in Scale Construction

Optimizing Chord Playing with Inversions & Voicing

Building Major and Minor Triads

Expanding to Seven Chords

Developing Song Performance Skills

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Student learned 14 days ago

Student and Tutor focused on piano minor scales, practicing various keys from the circle of fifths and fourths, along with their associated chord progressions. They also delved into music theory, reviewing interval identification (perfect, major, minor, diminished, augmented) and the construction and inversions of triads and seven chords. The Student was encouraged to continue practicing scales and interval identification, with an offer of additional materials for independent study.

Interval Identification Review

Enharmonic Equivalents & Key Signature Logic

Seven Chords and Their Inversions

Triads and Inversions

Minor Scale Mastery & Navigation Challenges

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Student learned 21 days ago

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.

Minor Key Chord Progressions and Leading Tones

Natural vs. Harmonic Minor Scales

Mixolydian and Dorian Modes

Chord-Scale Compatibility and Application

Advanced Triads and Seventh Chords

Musical Cognition and Adaptability

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Student learned 28 days ago

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

Understanding Chord Inversions for Smoother Playing

Efficient Music Composition Workflow with Technology

Choosing the Right Keyboard for Home Practice & MIDI Input

Developing Consistent Practice Habits

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Student learned 28 days ago

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.

Intervals: Building Blocks of Harmony

Triads: Fundamental Chord Qualities

Seventh Chords: Adding Harmonic Complexity

Harmonic Minor Scale: Construction & Sound

Church Modes: Mixolydian & Dorian

Minor Scales and Arpeggio Mastery

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Student learned 28 days ago

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

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Learning tools used in guitar classes

Looping Pedals image

Looping Pedals

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Chord Diagram Apps

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Ear Training Software

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Amp Simulators

Metronome Apps image

Metronome Apps

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DAWs

Engaging guitar lessons

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Chat for quick help

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Mobile joining

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Open Q&A

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Weekend lessons

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Note taking

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