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
Improvisation
Scales and Arpeggios
Piano Repertoire
Rhythm and Timing
Music theory
Performance Skills
Chord Theory
Sight Reading
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 beginners
Piano for kids
Piano for adults
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
The Student and Tutor worked on piano technique, reviewing one-octave scales (F, B-flat, E-flat major) and two-octave scales, arpeggios, and chord progressions (C, G, D major). They extensively refined the piece "Wind in the Willows," focusing on musicality, rhythm, and dynamics. Homework includes practicing black-key scales and two-octave scales up to E major, concentrating on the identified B section of "Wind in the Willows," and continuing work on "Moonlight Sonata" and "Bach Minuet." The Student will provide photos of the "Wind in the Willows" sheet music for the Tutor.
Effective Piano Practice Strategies
The Performance-Ready Mindset
Expressive Musicality: Rubato & Dynamics
Understanding & Transposing Chord Progressions
Two-Octave Scales & Arpeggios Techniques
Student and Tutor worked on various piano scales, including single-octave scales with sharps and flats, two-octave scales, and two-octave arpeggios, discussing specific fingerings and underlying music theory. They also practiced three pieces: a Bach Minuet, 'The Wind in the Willows,' and a Beethoven Sonata, focusing on musicality, dynamics, and structural analysis. Follow-up includes continued practice of all discussed technical exercises and pieces, with the tutor providing a summary and new arpeggio fingering notes.
Scales Mastery: Black Key Challenges & Fingering
Chord Progression Fundamentals: Roman Numerals & Scale Degrees
Expanding Range: Two-Octave Scales & Arpeggios
Performance Polish: Musicality & Practice Strategies
Navigating Complex Repertoire: Sectional Practice & Stylistic Nuances
Student and Tutor practiced various piano scales, focusing on fingerings and black note keys. They reviewed music theory concepts including major and minor chords, chord identification, and inversions. The Student also practiced three repertoire pieces: the Bach Minuet, Wind in the Willows, and Moonlight Sonata, receiving guidance on performance consistency, musicality, and navigating specific technical and theoretical challenges. The Tutor advised on deliberate practice, mental preparation, and utilizing reference materials for continued improvement.
Developing Aural Recognition and Musical Phrasing
Optimizing Hand Positions and Fingering for Complex Passages
Achieving Performance Readiness: Mental & Physical Strategies
Triads and Inversions: Identification & Application
Comprehensive Piano Scales: Fingering & Practice Strategies
The Student and Tutor reviewed and practiced piano scales, arpeggios, and chord progressions from the Circle of Fifths (C-E major, B major) and introduced the Circle of Fourths (F major). They also worked on repertoire pieces including the Bach Minuet in G, "Wind in the Willows," and Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata, focusing on refining technique, musicality, and strategic practice methods. The Tutor discussed providing materials for two-octave scales and encouraged independent practice of identified challenging musical segments.
Mastering Major Scales: Circle of Fifths & Fourths
Chord Analysis & Inversions in Repertoire
Deconstructing Music into Voices
Efficient Repertoire Practice Strategies
Advanced Notation & Fingering Principles
The Student and Tutor reviewed three piano pieces: Bach's Minuet in G, "Wind in the Willows," and Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata, discussing dynamics, stylistic interpretation, and effective practice strategies. They also practiced fundamental scale, arpeggio, and chord progression exercises in C major and G major, with the Tutor introducing the Circle of Fifths for transposition. The Student's homework is to practice the first five keys of the Circle of Fifths for the fundamental exercises.
Fundamentals: Major Scales
Arpeggios
and Cadences
The Circle of Fifths and Fourths
Chord Analysis for Memorization and Understanding
Effective Practice & Handling Mistakes
Repertoire Management & Performance Confidence
Dynamics and Articulation Across Musical Eras
Student and Tutor had an introductory piano session where they discussed the Student's background, goals to strengthen music theory, and overall piano technique. They practiced major scales, arpeggios, and chords, delving into the theoretical construction of scales and chords, including inversions and a chord progression. The Tutor suggested practicing these fundamental exercises in all twelve keys as a future learning objective and offered to share materials.
Rebuilding Music Fundamentals
Major Scales: Construction & Fingering
Arpeggios & Basic Triads
Major and Minor Triads: Construction & Sound
Chord Inversions & Slash Notation
Cadences and Chord Progressions
Approach & tools used in piano classes
Metronome Apps
Virtual Piano Apps
Ear Training Software
Piano Tuner Apps
Chord & Scale Reference Apps
Looping Software
Interactive piano lessons
Mobile joining
Note taking
Parent feedback
Pets are welcomed
Open Q&A

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