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
Music theory
Piano Repertoire
Chord Theory
Ear training
Improvisation
Piano Technique
Scales and Arpeggios
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 advanced
Piano for intermediate
Piano for adults
Piano for beginners
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

Piano concepts taught by James
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.
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
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
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
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
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
Approach & tools used in piano classes
Virtual Piano Apps
PDF Sheet Music Libraries
Chord & Scale Reference Apps
Metronome Apps
Ear Training Software
Backing Track Libraries
Interactive piano lessons
Pets are welcomed
Note taking
Weekend lessons
Parent feedback
Mobile joining

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