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
Sight Reading
Performance Skills
Ear training
Music theory
Piano Technique
Improvisation
Scales and Arpeggios
Pedaling Techniques
Types of learners for piano lessons
Piano for intermediate
Piano for advanced
Piano for beginners
Piano for adults
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.
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
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15 days Refund
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Free Tutor Swap
Piano concepts taught by James
The student and tutor reviewed piano technique, focusing on rhythm, hand positioning, and scale/arpeggio practice. They also explored chord construction and theory within the key of C major, including the significance of 1-4-5 progressions. The tutor plans to send additional resources for "Ode to Joy" and chord theory.
Rhythm and Timing in Music
Piano Technique Fundamentals
Chord Construction and Function
Music Theory: Scales and Arpeggios
The Tutor and Student reviewed fundamental guitar techniques, including tuning, chord recognition, and basic strumming patterns. They practiced common chord progressions in different keys and were introduced to reading guitar tablature, with homework involving practice on chord progressions and tab reading exercises.
Consonance and Dissonance in Chords
Chord Finger Placement and Technique
Understanding Seventh Chords (G7)
Chord Progressions and Musical Journey
Reading Guitar Tablature (Tabs)
The student and tutor worked on piano skills, focusing on scales and arpeggios in various keys, and then applied these concepts to playing chords in 'Tiny Dancer.' They discussed strategies for chord inversions, voice leading, and practicing with recordings, with plans to reinforce these techniques in future sessions.
Understanding Chord Shapes and Root Position
Rhythmic Accuracy and Chord Timing
Chord Inversions and Voice Leading
Mastering Scales and Arpeggios
The student and tutor worked on various guitar techniques including fretboard navigation, hand positioning, and understanding note names on the fretboard. They practiced forming common chords and reading guitar tablature, with a focus on developing finger dexterity and musical comprehension. The student's guitar string is being fixed, with plans for tuning and further practice on newly introduced concepts.
Reading Guitar Tabs
Guitar Chord Shapes and Technique
Fretboard Navigation and Hand Positions
Guitar Tuning and Troubleshooting
Understanding Guitar Fretboard Notes
The Student and Tutor worked on piano pieces "Simple Gifts" and "River Flows in You," focusing on tempo, rhythm, and hand coordination. They also practiced various scales and explored chord voicings and voice leading for "Tiny Dancer," with plans to continue refining these skills and potentially introduce new repertoire.
Building Fluency and Musicality
The Importance of Practice and Repetition
Chord Voicings and Voice Leading
Rhythm and Timing Accuracy
The student and tutor reviewed advanced guitar techniques, including bar chord shapes and their theoretical underpinnings. They also began exploring music notation by relating notes on the staff to their positions on the guitar fretboard, with plans to continue practicing these skills.
Bar Chords: E Shape and A Minor Shape
Music Theory Fundamentals for Guitar
Reading Guitar Music: Notation vs. Tabs
Chord Progressions and Roman Numeral Analysis
Approach & tools used in piano classes
DAWs
Piano Tuner Apps
Ear Training Software
Virtual Piano Apps
Metronome Apps
Looping Software
Interactive piano lessons
Chat for quick help
Weekend lessons
Pets are welcomed
Record lessons
Open Q&A
Piano teachers on Wiingy are vetted for quality
Every tutor is interviewed and selected for subject expertise and teaching skill.