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

Strumming and Picking Techniques icon

Strumming and Picking Techniques

Fingerstyle icon

Fingerstyle

Scales and Modes icon

Scales and Modes

Ear training icon

Ear training

Chord Progressions icon

Chord Progressions

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Guitar for beginners

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Chords and Rhythms

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Learner for guitar lessons

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Guitar for advanced

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Guitar for intermediate

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Guitar for adults

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Guitar for beginners

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Guitar for kids

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 5 days ago

Student and Tutor worked on various piano scales, including single-octave scales with sharps and flats, two-octave scales, and two-octave arpeggios, discussing specific fingerings and underlying music theory. They also practiced three pieces: a Bach Minuet, 'The Wind in the Willows,' and a Beethoven Sonata, focusing on musicality, dynamics, and structural analysis. Follow-up includes continued practice of all discussed technical exercises and pieces, with the tutor providing a summary and new arpeggio fingering notes.

Navigating Complex Repertoire: Sectional Practice & Stylistic Nuances

Performance Polish: Musicality & Practice Strategies

Expanding Range: Two-Octave Scales & Arpeggios

Scales Mastery: Black Key Challenges & Fingering

Chord Progression Fundamentals: Roman Numerals & Scale Degrees

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Student learned 19 days ago

Student and Tutor practiced various piano scales, focusing on fingerings and black note keys. They reviewed music theory concepts including major and minor chords, chord identification, and inversions. The Student also practiced three repertoire pieces: the Bach Minuet, Wind in the Willows, and Moonlight Sonata, receiving guidance on performance consistency, musicality, and navigating specific technical and theoretical challenges. The Tutor advised on deliberate practice, mental preparation, and utilizing reference materials for continued improvement.

Developing Aural Recognition and Musical Phrasing

Optimizing Hand Positions and Fingering for Complex Passages

Achieving Performance Readiness: Mental & Physical Strategies

Triads and Inversions: Identification & Application

Comprehensive Piano Scales: Fingering & Practice Strategies

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Student learned 26 days ago

The Student and Tutor reviewed and practiced piano scales, arpeggios, and chord progressions from the Circle of Fifths (C-E major, B major) and introduced the Circle of Fourths (F major). They also worked on repertoire pieces including the Bach Minuet in G, "Wind in the Willows," and Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata, focusing on refining technique, musicality, and strategic practice methods. The Tutor discussed providing materials for two-octave scales and encouraged independent practice of identified challenging musical segments.

Mastering Major Scales: Circle of Fifths & Fourths

Chord Analysis & Inversions in Repertoire

Deconstructing Music into Voices

Efficient Repertoire Practice Strategies

Advanced Notation & Fingering Principles

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Student learned about 1 month ago

The Student and Tutor reviewed three piano pieces: Bach's Minuet in G, "Wind in the Willows," and Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata, discussing dynamics, stylistic interpretation, and effective practice strategies. They also practiced fundamental scale, arpeggio, and chord progression exercises in C major and G major, with the Tutor introducing the Circle of Fifths for transposition. The Student's homework is to practice the first five keys of the Circle of Fifths for the fundamental exercises.

Repertoire Management & Performance Confidence

Dynamics and Articulation Across Musical Eras

Effective Practice & Handling Mistakes

Chord Analysis for Memorization and Understanding

Fundamentals: Major Scales

Arpeggios

and Cadences

The Circle of Fifths and Fourths

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Student learned about 1 month ago

Student and Tutor had an introductory piano session where they discussed the Student's background, goals to strengthen music theory, and overall piano technique. They practiced major scales, arpeggios, and chords, delving into the theoretical construction of scales and chords, including inversions and a chord progression. The Tutor suggested practicing these fundamental exercises in all twelve keys as a future learning objective and offered to share materials.

Rebuilding Music Fundamentals

Major Scales: Construction & Fingering

Arpeggios & Basic Triads

Major and Minor Triads: Construction & Sound

Chord Inversions & Slash Notation

Cadences and Chord Progressions

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Student learned about 2 months ago

Student and Tutor engaged in a comprehensive piano lesson focusing on jazz improvisation and theory. They reviewed the student's performance of a Debussy piece, discussing musicality and rhythmic density. The session also covered essential jazz concepts such as scale-chord relationships, 2-5-1 voicings and licks, and the structure of jazz performances, with follow-up recommendations for ear training apps and learning songs by ear.

Solo Piano Arranging Techniques

Ear Training for Jazz Musicians

2-5-1 Chord Voicings & Licks

Jazz Scales & Their Characteristics

Flexible Chord Voicing for Smoothness

Jazz Solo Piano Musicality & Flow

Standard Jazz Form & Improvisation

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Learning tools used in guitar classes

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DAWs

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PDF Sheet Music

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Guitar Tuner Apps

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Amp Simulators

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Looping Pedals

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Metronome Apps

Engaging guitar lessons

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Weekend lessons

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Chat for quick help

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Pets are welcomed

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Parent feedback

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Mobile joining

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