James Cortright

Piano lessons for all, with a focus on accessibility and fun, but also excellence through music

4.6(157)

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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 icon

Scales and Arpeggios

Music theory icon

Music theory

Finger Placement & Hand Position icon

Finger Placement & Hand Position

Piano Repertoire icon

Piano Repertoire

Piano Technique icon

Piano Technique

Pedaling Techniques icon

Pedaling Techniques

Improvisation icon

Improvisation

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Ear training

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AI modules

Summary

Podcast

Quiz

Learnings

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Spotlight

Zero Risk Guaranteed

15-days refund

Free tutor swap

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1-yr validity

24/7 support

Types of learners for piano lessons

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Piano for kids

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Piano for adults

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Piano for advanced

Piano for beginners icon

Piano for beginners

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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.

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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 6 days ago

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

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Student learned 16 days ago

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

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Student learned about 1 month ago

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

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Student learned about 1 month 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 about 2 months 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.

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

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Student learned about 2 months 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

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

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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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Looping Software

Piano Tuner Apps image

Piano Tuner Apps

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DAWs

Interactive piano lessons

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Chat for quick help

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Pets are welcomed

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Open Q&A

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Parent feedback

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Record lessons

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