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
Guitar for beginners
Chords and Rhythms
Strumming and Picking Techniques
Chord Progressions
Scales and Modes
Ear training
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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 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
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
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
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
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
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
Learning tools used in guitar classes
Looping Pedals
Chord Diagram Apps
Ear Training Software
Amp Simulators
Metronome Apps
DAWs
Engaging guitar lessons
Chat for quick help
Mobile joining
Open Q&A
Weekend lessons
Note taking

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