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

Ear training icon

Ear training

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Music theory

Strumming and Picking Techniques icon

Strumming and Picking Techniques

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Guitar for beginners

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Chords and Rhythms

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Songs and Repertoire

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Fingerstyle

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Learner for guitar lessons

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Guitar for adults

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Guitar for beginners

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Guitar for advanced

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Guitar for intermediate

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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 7 days 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.

Jazz Scales & Their Characteristics

Ear Training for Jazz Musicians

2-5-1 Chord Voicings & Licks

Standard Jazz Form & Improvisation

Flexible Chord Voicing for Smoothness

Solo Piano Arranging Techniques

Jazz Solo Piano Musicality & Flow

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Student learned 18 days ago

Student and Tutor reviewed a new song composition, focusing on refining its rhythm, notation, and chord placement using music software. They corrected several rhythmic and lyrical misalignments, experimented with notation techniques like fermatas and triplets, and discussed best practices for musical phrasing. Educational follow-up included the Student continuing to compose new songs and exploring alternative digital music tools for their iPad.

Optimizing Music Workflow with Digital Notation Software

Introducing Triplets for Rhythmic Nuance

Expressive Timing with Time Signatures and Fermata

Song Structure and Varied Repetition

Rhythmic Precision and Chord-Melody Alignment

Streamlining Musical Notation for Readability

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Student learned 28 days ago

The student and tutor reviewed fundamental guitar techniques, including strumming, chord formation, and finger placement. They practiced forming basic chords, discussed tuning methods using both ear and an app, and learned to read chord diagrams and tablature for playing melodies. The session concluded with an emphasis on consistent practice for improvement.

Chord Qualities: Major vs. Minor

Reading Guitar Tablature (Tabs)

Tuning and Intonation

Reading Chord Diagrams

Guitar Chord Basics

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Student learned about 2 months 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.

Developing Song Performance Skills

Understanding Key Signatures and Accidentals

Building Major and Minor Triads

Expanding to Seven Chords

Optimizing Chord Playing with Inversions & Voicing

Understanding Whole and Half Steps in Scale Construction

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Student learned about 2 months 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 2 months 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.

Advanced Triads and Seventh Chords

Musical Cognition and Adaptability

Chord-Scale Compatibility and Application

Mixolydian and Dorian Modes

Minor Key Chord Progressions and Leading Tones

Natural vs. Harmonic Minor Scales

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Learning tools used in guitar classes

Chord Diagram Apps image

Chord Diagram Apps

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Backing Track Libraries

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PDF Sheet Music

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DAWs

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Looping Pedals

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Guitar Tuner Apps

Engaging guitar lessons

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Open Q&A

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Chat for quick help

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Mobile joining

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Record lessons

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Weekend lessons

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