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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Music theory

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Fingerstyle

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Songs and Repertoire

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Chord Progressions

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Scales and Modes

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Guitar for beginners

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Learner for guitar lessons

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Guitar for beginners

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Guitar for advanced

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Guitar for adults

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Guitar for kids

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Guitar for intermediate

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 about 21 hours 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

Mixolydian and Dorian Modes

Chord-Scale Compatibility and Application

Minor Key Chord Progressions and Leading Tones

Natural vs. Harmonic Minor Scales

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Student learned 8 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

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

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Student learned 8 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.

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

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Student learned 8 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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Student learned 15 days ago

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

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Student learned 29 days ago

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"

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Learning tools used in guitar classes

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Looping Pedals

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Guitar Tuner Apps

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PDF Sheet Music

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Backing Track Libraries

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Ear Training Software

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DAWs

Engaging guitar lessons

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Pets are welcomed

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Parent feedback

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Note taking

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Chat for quick help

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Mobile joining

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Guitar teachers on Wiingy are vetted for quality

Every tutor is interviewed and selected for subject expertise and teaching skill.