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!

Your piano teacher skills

Rhythm and Timing icon

Rhythm and Timing

Music theory icon

Music theory

Piano Repertoire icon

Piano Repertoire

Chord Theory icon

Chord Theory

Ear training icon

Ear training

Improvisation icon

Improvisation

Piano Technique icon

Piano Technique

Scales and Arpeggios icon

Scales and Arpeggios

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Types of learners for piano lessons

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Piano for advanced

Piano for intermediate icon

Piano for intermediate

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Piano for adults

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Piano for beginners

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Piano for kids

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.

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Trusted piano teacher for real results

88% students feel more skilled, confident, and ready to perform

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Piano lessons that truly engage students

Parents report their children look forward to every class

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Step-by-step piano lessons structure

Lessons break down complex pieces into manageable parts

Different types of piano lessons

Piano

Piano

Grand Piano

Grand Piano

Digital Piano

Digital Piano

Upright Piano

Upright Piano

Jazz Piano

Jazz Piano

Classical Piano

Classical Piano

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Piano concepts taught by James

Student learned 1 day ago

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

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Student learned 8 days 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.

Musical Cognition and Adaptability

Advanced Triads and Seventh Chords

Chord-Scale Compatibility and Application

Natural vs. Harmonic Minor Scales

Mixolydian and Dorian Modes

Minor Key Chord Progressions and Leading Tones

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Student learned 15 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

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

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Student learned 15 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 16 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 22 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.

Developing Music Reading Fluency (Sight-Reading)

Navigating Flat Minor Keys and Accidentals

The Major 5 Chord (Leading Tone) in Minor Keys

Aural Training and Error Detection

Integrating Arpeggios into Practice

Minor Scales and Chord Progressions

Effective and Consistent Practice Strategies

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Approach & tools used in piano classes

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Virtual Piano Apps

PDF Sheet Music Libraries image

PDF Sheet Music Libraries

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Chord & Scale Reference Apps

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Metronome Apps

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Ear Training Software

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Backing Track Libraries

Interactive piano lessons

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Pets are welcomed

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Note taking

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Weekend lessons

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Parent feedback

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Mobile joining

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