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
Enroll after the free trial
Each lesson is 55 min
50 lessons
20% off
/ lesson
30 lessons
15% off
/ lesson
20 lessons
10% off
/ lesson
10 lessons
5% off
/ lesson
5 lessons
-
/ lesson
1 lessons
-
/ lesson
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!
Your piano teacher skills
Ear training
Performance Skills
Piano Repertoire
Scales and Arpeggios
Improvisation
Sight Reading
Pedaling Techniques
Music theory
Types of learners for piano lessons
Piano for intermediate
Piano for kids
Piano for beginners
Piano for adults
Piano for advanced
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.
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
Different types of piano lessons
Piano
Grand Piano
Digital Piano
Upright Piano
Jazz Piano
Classical Piano
Piano concepts taught by James
The student and tutor discussed chord simplification, inversions, and rhythm patterns in guitar. The student worked on applying these concepts to two specific songs, "Took a Walk" and a rendition of "Stand by Me." The session concluded with rhythm exercises and chord substitution strategies.
Basic Rhythm and Strumming
Reading Chord Diagrams: X vs. O
Chord Inversions (G/B)
F Chord Variations
D7 vs. D Major
Chord Simplification
Capos and Key Transposition
The Student and Tutor reviewed major scales within the circle of fifths and fourths, focusing on fingering, sharps, and flats. The student practiced scales in C, G, D, A, E, B, F, B flat and E flat major. The tutor assigned practice on these scales, emphasizing slow, deliberate practice and mental visualization.
Alphabetical Note Progression in Scales
B Major Scale Unique Fingering
Sharps and Flats Order
Major Scale Fingerings
Circle of Fourths
Circle of Fifths
The session focused on practicing scales, arpeggios, and chord progressions in multiple keys within the circles of fifths and fourths. The Student worked on identifying and correcting errors in chord voicings and was introduced to contrary motion exercises and chord inversions. The Tutor assigned practice on the scales and chord progressions, with an emphasis on chord inversions.
Circle of Fifths and Fourths
Scale Degree Awareness
Fingerings for Scales with Five Black Notes
Contrary Motion Scales
Enharmonic Equivalents
Chord Inversions
Five Finger Patterns
Full Octave Scales
Chord Inversions
Reading Music: Steps
Skips
and Leaps
The Tutor and Student discussed guitar fingering techniques and scale patterns, focusing on the circle of fifths and fourths. The Student reviewed pieces and received fingering suggestions. The Tutor assigned theory review and practice with scales and songs for the next session in January.
Circle of Fifths and Fourths Fingerings
Hand Position and Efficiency
Fretboard Patterns and Finger Assignments
Enharmonic Equivalents and Key Signatures
Ear Training and Aural Skills
The Tutor guided the Student through piano fundamentals, including scales (five-finger patterns and full major scales), chords (major, minor, diminished, augmented triads), and inversions. The Student practiced fingering and crossovers for scales and chord construction. Assigned practice includes scales, chords, and sight-reading of simple melodies.
Five Finger Patterns (Major and Minor)
Full Octave Major Scales and Finger Crossovers
Major and Minor Triads
Chord Inversions
Diminished and Augmented Triads
Reading Music Notation
Approach & tools used in piano classes
Metronome Apps
Chord & Scale Reference Apps
PDF Sheet Music Libraries
Looping Software
Backing Track Libraries
DAWs
Interactive piano lessons
Pets are welcomed
Record lessons
Parent feedback
Open Q&A
Mobile joining
Piano teachers on Wiingy are vetted for quality
Every tutor is interviewed and selected for subject expertise and teaching skill.
