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
Scales and Arpeggios
Music theory
Finger Placement & Hand Position
Piano Repertoire
Piano Technique
Pedaling Techniques
Improvisation
Ear training
AI modules
Summary
Podcast
Quiz
Learnings
Flashcard
Spotlight
Zero Risk Guaranteed
15-days refund
Free tutor swap
No cancel fee
1-yr validity
24/7 support
Types of learners for piano lessons
Piano for kids
Piano for adults
Piano for advanced
Piano for beginners
Piano for intermediate
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
Student and Tutor reviewed a new song composition, focusing on refining its rhythm, notation, and chord placement using music software. They corrected several rhythmic and lyrical misalignments, experimented with notation techniques like fermatas and triplets, and discussed best practices for musical phrasing. Educational follow-up included the Student continuing to compose new songs and exploring alternative digital music tools for their iPad.
Optimizing Music Workflow with Digital Notation Software
Introducing Triplets for Rhythmic Nuance
Streamlining Musical Notation for Readability
Song Structure and Varied Repetition
Rhythmic Precision and Chord-Melody Alignment
Expressive Timing with Time Signatures and Fermata
The student and tutor reviewed fundamental guitar techniques, including strumming, chord formation, and finger placement. They practiced forming basic chords, discussed tuning methods using both ear and an app, and learned to read chord diagrams and tablature for playing melodies. The session concluded with an emphasis on consistent practice for improvement.
Chord Qualities: Major vs. Minor
Reading Guitar Tablature (Tabs)
Tuning and Intonation
Reading Chord Diagrams
Guitar Chord Basics
The Student and Tutor reviewed two piano pieces, "Joy to the World" and "Silent Night," focusing on hand positions, key signatures, and effective practice strategies for challenging sections. They then delved into fundamental music theory, covering how to read chord symbols, construct major, minor, and seventh chords, and understand the structure of major scales through whole and half steps. The Student plans to continue practicing and will schedule the next session as needed.
Understanding Whole and Half Steps in Scale Construction
Understanding Key Signatures and Accidentals
Optimizing Chord Playing with Inversions & Voicing
Building Major and Minor Triads
Expanding to Seven Chords
Developing Song Performance Skills
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
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.
Minor Key Chord Progressions and Leading Tones
Natural vs. Harmonic Minor Scales
Mixolydian and Dorian Modes
Chord-Scale Compatibility and Application
Advanced Triads and Seventh Chords
Musical Cognition and Adaptability
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
Approach & tools used in piano classes
Virtual Piano Apps
PDF Sheet Music Libraries
Chord & Scale Reference Apps
Looping Software
Piano Tuner Apps
DAWs
Interactive piano lessons
Chat for quick help
Pets are welcomed
Open Q&A
Parent feedback
Record lessons

Piano teachers on Wiingy are vetted for quality
Every tutor is interviewed and selected for subject expertise and teaching skill.
