James Cortright
Piano lessons for all, with a focus on accessibility and fun, but also excellence through music
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Piano lessons - James Cortright
Bachelors degree
James - Your piano 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!
Trusted piano teacher for real results
88% students feel more skilled, confident, and ready to perform
Piano lessons that truly engage students
Parents report their children look forward to every class
Step-by-step piano lessons structure
Lessons break down complex pieces into manageable parts
Piano lessons at a glance
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.
Your piano teacher skills
Sight Reading
Finger Placement & Hand Position
Improvisation
Piano Technique
Rhythm and Timing
Scales and Arpeggios
Pedaling Techniques
Ear training
Piano concept taught by James
The Tutor guided the student through scale and arpeggio exercises in various major and minor keys, focusing on proper technique, fingering, and transposition. The student worked on a piece called "Sparkling Splashes," addressing rhythmic accuracy, compound meter, and musical expression. The student was assigned to continue practicing scales, arpeggios, and the piece, paying attention to the counting and metronome to improve the rhythm.
Arpeggio Construction: Major and Minor
Circle of Fifths and Relative Minors
Chromatic Scale Fingerings
Compound Meter Counting
Musical Markings: *Con Pedal* and *Senza Pedal*
The Tutor guided the Student through scales, arpeggios, and chord progressions, emphasizing technique and key signatures. The Student began learning a new piece in F major, focusing on analyzing the chord progressions and rhythm. Homework includes practicing scales in different keys and working on the first line of the assigned piece, using hand-separate practice techniques.
Chord Progression Fingerings
Contrary Motion Scales
Circle of Fifths and Fourths
E Flat Major Scale Fingering
Analyzing Musical Phrases
Rhythmic Coordination
Arpeggio Practice Technique
The Student and Tutor reviewed chord inversions, seventh chords, and voice leading within chord progressions. They discussed transposing chord progressions to different keys and fingering techniques for scales and arpeggios. The student was given a Beethoven piece to practice focusing on arpeggios and chord recognition.
Chord Inversions
Seven Chords (Dominant 7th)
Cadences and Chord Progressions
Scale Degrees and Chord Construction
Circle of Fifths/Fourths
Voice Leading Principles
Leading Tone and Resolution
The session covered music theory concepts, including the circle of fifths and chord progressions, alongside practical piano exercises. The Student worked on scales, arpeggios, and pieces like "Ode to Joy" and "Minuette in G", focusing on technique, rhythm, and musicality. Homework includes practicing scales and chord progressions in the circle of fifths (C-E) and fourths (C-F), as well as refining rhythm and phrasing in the assigned pieces.
Detailed Practice Techniques
Musicality and Phrasing
Rhythmic Accuracy
Scale Fingerings
Circle of Fifths and Fourths
Chord Progressions and Numbering
The Student practiced piano scales, arpeggios, and chord progressions in C, G, D and F major. The Tutor introduced the circle of fifths and fourths and discussed accidentals. The Student was assigned to practice these exercises in different keys and explore two new pieces, "River Flows in You" and a simplified version of "Für Elise."
Scale
Arpeggio
and Chord Exercise in C Major
Chord Progressions (Cadences) in C Major
Circle of Fifths: G Major and D Major
Circle of Fourths: F Major
Applying Fundamentals to Piano Pieces
Importance of Writing in Music
The Student practiced piano scales, arpeggios, and chords in C major and G major, and was introduced to minor scales in A minor and D minor. The session covered the concepts of whole and half steps, intervals, and key signatures, and began learning to read music with a simplified version of 'Mary Had a Little Lamb'. The tutor will send practice materials, and the next session is scheduled.
Five-Finger Scales: C
G
A
and D
Basic Music Notation: Note Values and Staff
Whole Steps and Half Steps
Introduction to Sharps
Transposition to Different Keys
Different types of piano lessons
Piano
Grand Piano
Digital Piano
Upright Piano
Jazz Piano
Classical Piano
Approach & tools used in piano classes
Metronome Apps
Virtual Piano Apps
Ear Training Software
Looping Software
DAWs
Chord & Scale Reference Apps
Types of learners for piano lessons
Piano for advanced
Piano for intermediate
Piano for adults
Piano for kids
Piano for beginners
Interactive piano lessons
Chat for quick help
Note taking
Parent feedback
Weekend lessons
Record lessons
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Every tutor is interviewed and selected for subject expertise and teaching skill.
