James Cortright
Piano 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 - 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
Pedaling Techniques
Finger Placement & Hand Position
Piano Technique
Music theory
Improvisation
Sight Reading
Ear training
Performance Skills
Piano concepts taught by James
The Student and Tutor continued their piano studies, focusing on a new Sonatina in F major. They practiced coordinating both hands, analyzed left-hand chords and right-hand melodies, and discussed effective practice strategies for difficult passages. The session also covered new phrases involving chromaticism, grace notes, and complex runs.
Chord Progressions and Inversions (Left Hand)
Right Hand Fingering Optimization
Practicing Hands Together: Bridging the Gap
Understanding Accidentals and Grace Notes
Analyzing Musical Phrases and Melodic Patterns
Navigating Complex Runs and Ledger Lines
The student practiced scales (C, G, A, B, and F) and arpeggios to improve technique and fingering accuracy. The session involved targeted practice on specific scales, focusing on challenging sections and fingering patterns. Homework includes continued practice of scales and arpeggios, especially the F and B scales, with focus on the fingering for each hand separately.
F Major Arpeggio Construction
Sharp and Flat Awareness in Keys
G Major Arpeggio and Interval Awareness
Groupings in the F Major Scale
B Major Scale with Five Sharps
F Scale Fingering Peculiarities
The Student and Tutor reviewed scales in A, B, and E flat, focusing on chord recognition and scale patterns. The Student began analyzing and practicing "River Flows in You," specifically working on the left-hand patterns. Homework includes practicing A flat and D flat scales and continuing to work on the first two lines of "River Flows in You."
Scale Practice: Balancing Success and Failure
Chord Progressions and Key Signatures
Analyzing Musical Patterns for Faster Learning
Left-Hand Patterns: Fifths and Octaves
Right-Hand Melody and Fingerings
Tied Notes and Rests
Circle of Fifths and Fourths Application
The Student and Tutor reviewed major and minor scales, including natural, harmonic, and melodic minors, and practiced arpeggios in D, A, E, and G. The Student worked on maintaining consistent tempo and identifying key signatures. The assigned task is to practice scales and arpeggios, paying close attention to rhythm and key signatures.
Scale Endings and Rhythmic Steadiness
Minor Scale Variations: Natural
Harmonic
and Melodic
Relative Minor and Major Keys
D Harmonic Minor's Unique Qualities
Arpeggio Construction
Compound Meter and Dotted Half Notes
The Student reviewed scales and arpeggios, with a focus on those beginning on black keys, and started learning a new piece in F major. The session included analyzing the piece's melody and chords, and the Student was advised to practice the piece measure by measure. The next session is scheduled for Tuesday to continue working on the piece.
Arpeggio Fingering on Black Keys (D flat Example)
Grace Notes: Timing and Execution
Effective Practice Strategies: One Measure at a Time
Identifying Intervals: Skips and Leaps
Recognizing Patterns
D Flat (C#) Major Scale Characteristics
F# Major Scale Similarities to B Major
B Major Scale Fingering & Key Signature
The session covered piano scales, chord theory, and an initial exploration of a new piece. The Student practiced scales in various keys, learned about triad chord construction and inversions, and began analyzing “River Flows in You”. Homework includes practicing scales, working on chord identification using flashcards, and continuing to learn "River Flows in You" hands separately.
Fingering Patterns in Scales
B Flat Scale Fingering
E Flat Scale Fingering
Chord Construction: Triads
Triads in a Major Scale
River Flows in You: Initial Analysis
Different types of piano lessons
Piano
Grand Piano
Digital Piano
Upright Piano
Jazz Piano
Classical Piano
Approach & tools used in piano classes
Ear Training Software
Piano Tuner Apps
Backing Track Libraries
PDF Sheet Music Libraries
DAWs
Metronome Apps
Types of learners for piano lessons
Piano for beginners
Piano for intermediate
Piano for advanced
Piano for kids
Piano for adults
Interactive piano lessons
Weekend lessons
Chat for quick help
Mobile joining
Note taking
Open Q&A
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Every tutor is interviewed and selected for subject expertise and teaching skill.
