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
Finger Placement & Hand Position
Performance Skills
Ear training
Scales and Arpeggios
Piano Repertoire
Sight Reading
Chord Theory
Piano Technique
CoTutorAI 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 beginners
Piano for advanced
Piano for adults
Piano for intermediate
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
The student and tutor worked on developing a song, specifically focusing on chord progressions, musical notation, rhythmic phrasing, and tempo changes. The student demonstrated their work and received guidance on incorporating musical theory and techniques into their composition, with plans to continue refining the piece.
Tempo Markings and Musical Pace
Rhythmic Techniques: Syncopation and Dotted Rhythms
Musical Notation: Accidentals
Chord Progressions and Tension
Vocal Registers: Chest Voice vs. Head Voice
The student and tutor worked through piano scales and arpeggios in all 12 keys, practicing two-octave versions and exploring advanced techniques like contrary motion. They also focused on improving accuracy and musicality in Beethoven's 'Ode to Joy,' with the tutor providing detailed feedback on specific passages and fingerings. Follow-up will include minor scales and further practice on 'Ode to Joy'.
Circle of Fourths/Fifths Mastery
Advanced Scale and Arpeggio Techniques
Musical Interpretation and Nuance
The student and tutor worked on refining the musical composition of a song, focusing on key choices, lyrical alignment with notes and rhythms, and exploring different notational techniques. They planned to adjust key signatures and continue detailed notation in future sessions.
Musical Transposition and Key Relationships
Melody Development and Lyric Alignment
Musical Notation and Notation Software
Vocal Performance Styles and Stylistic Choices
The tutor and student worked on improving piano playing skills, with a particular focus on timing and rhythm exercises. They practiced scales, arpeggios, and specific chord progressions, using a metronome and discussing visual aids for rhythmic understanding. The student will continue practicing these exercises, with a focus on developing accurate timing and internalizing steady tempos.
Effective Practice Strategies
Scale and Chord Transposition
Rhythm and Timing Fundamentals
The student and tutor reviewed chord progressions, focusing on the 1645 pattern and its application in different keys. They also discussed techniques for playing bar chords and practiced identifying notes on the musical staff and their corresponding locations on the guitar, with a plan to explore classical fingerstyle guitar next.
Chord Quality: Major
Minor
and Diminished
Barre Chord Techniques & Workarounds
Chord Progressions & Roman Numerals
Music Notation & Guitar Fretboard Mapping
The tutor and student worked collaboratively to learn and use music notation software to compose a song. They focused on inputting notes, rhythms, and lyrics, as well as arranging multiple musical parts and voices. The next session will continue this work, with the tutor providing the student with the current score file.
Compositional Structure and Phrasing
Multi-Voice and Instrument Management
Music Notation Software Basics
Handling Octaves and Accidentals
Adding and Formatting Lyrics
Approach & tools used in piano classes
PDF Sheet Music Libraries
Piano Tuner Apps
Virtual Piano Apps
Looping Software
Ear Training Software
Backing Track Libraries
Interactive piano lessons
Record lessons
Mobile joining
Chat for quick help
Weekend lessons
Parent feedback
Piano teachers on Wiingy are vetted for quality
Every tutor is interviewed and selected for subject expertise and teaching skill.